Medeski Martin & Wood: reviews, works, and guide

Medeski Martin and Wood

Musical Group

Forfans of jazz-funk, acid jazz, jam-band improv, and blue note-era explorers.
5 Reviews 0 Definitions 3 Charts

The Profile

Medeski Martin & Wood are an American jazz-funk trio formed in New York City in 1991 by John Medeski (keyboards), Billy Martin (drums, percussion), and Chris Wood (bass). Known for groove-heavy improvisation that blends jazz, funk, hip‑hop textures, and avant‑garde excursions, they released key albums on Blue Note from 1998 to 2005 and later the Radiolarians series.

American trio formed in 1991 in NYC; members: John Medeski, Billy Martin, Chris Wood. Signed to Blue Note in 1998. Collaborated with John Scofield as Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood on A Go Go (1998) and Out Louder (2006).

Five DeBaser reviews spotlight Medeski Martin & Wood’s groove-first improvisation, from Blue Note-era experiments to hallucinatory funk. Highlights include Combustication, Shack-Man, Uninvisible, and a fiery live Stone set. Expect Hammond swirls, vintage bass grit, hip-hop scrapes, and fearless detours. Jazz purists and adventurous ears both get fed.

Notable Quotes

❝ The trio's skill lies precisely in proposing very different musical situations, as if they wanted to "play" with the listener's heart, fully succeeding in their endeavor.

❝ In my humble opinion, I have no fear in recommending the purchase of this little gem, especially if you are fond of the sound of bands like the Mahavishnu Orchestra but at the same time do not want to give up the new solutions of modern instrumentation.