John Medeski, Billy Martin and Chris Wood emerged from New York City in the mid 1990's, initially making a presence in the jazz scene and then receiving attention among jam-band-goers after playing with Phish. Though primarily an avant-garde jazz col...more John Medeski, Billy Martin and Chris Wood emerged from New York City in the mid 1990's, initially making a presence in the jazz scene and then receiving attention among jam-band-goers after playing with Phish. Though primarily an avant-garde jazz collaboration with a groove-based vibe, MMW has welded and blended and borrowed from artists ranging from Thelonious Monk to Bob Marley. A long-standing relationship with DJ Logic furthered their crossover appeal, offering an accessible, danceable quality to their music. A string of albums have been released over the past decade and a half, from 1992's self-released "Notes From the Underground" to their arguable breakthrough record "Friday Afternoon in the Universe" to 2000's "The Dropper," each different, be it a liking towards funk or a bit of soul. Based in NYC, MMW continues to influence musicians in their wake and have opened many an ear to the diverse capabilities of modern improvisational jazz....less |
