Friday, 19 Sep 2008
Medeski Martin & Wood have made a name for themselves by incorporating improvisation into their recorded work and live shows. I’ve seen them more times than I could ever keep track of, though their show at the Barrymore in 2002 holds particular weight as the best show I’ve seen them do.
Few bands can cross genres as well as MMW can. On September 30th the band will release Radiolarians I, the first in the trilogy of The Radiolarian Series. The three records will follow a unique formula in which MMW “will convene for brief writing retreats, perform only that new material on tour, record the material immediately after getting off the road, and release it as an album.”
Below is your first listen to Radiolarians I in the form of a free and legal download of the album’s first single “Free Go Lily.”
Discuss: Any MMW fans out there? Favorite album? See them live?
Myspace: Medeski Martin & Wood
MP3: Medeski Martin & Wood - “Free Go Lily”
Find more MP3’s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic
September 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I love MMW, especially live. The first time I saw them was in ‘95 at a small club in Cincy called Ripley’s. Just off the dancefloor to the side of the stage was an elevated little room where the pinball machine was. I stood at the edge of it, about 5 ft from John Medeski and watched him bounce from one keyboard to another and mouth all of the sounds he was making. I was blown away. I have seen them several times since in some amazing venues (Filmore, Ryman, the Longhouse at Evergreen State College, Orange Peel). I love the way they ease from ass shaking soul bop to free jazz and back. They tend to go out there far enough each show to lose most everyone in attendance, but I’ve found that if you can follow them out and back, the payoff is huge when they bring it back to the groove.
Favorite album - Tonic
I just gave a listen to the new song. If it is indicative of the sound of this Radiolarian, I can’t wait to hear more.
September 21st, 2008 at 2:10 am
You guys are hippies.