Undone mp3 Medeski, Martin, and Wood Radiolarians III

You know I’ve been listening to MMW for only about a year now, and from the moment they hit my ears, I’ve been craving the opportunity to hear all this jazz-rock wildness live. In most things, this tart gets her way. And Saturday night, as the crowd roared (absolutely roared!) their welcome, Medeski, Martin and Wood took the stage. It was all madness from there on out. I could give you my usual metaphors and flowery language, and frankly music like this deserves that, but the lasting impression of this show was just one of breathlessness. Even when they toned it all down and play slowly, giving drummer Billy Martin a moment to wipe the sweat from his face, I found myself all tensed up and excited still. The opening number must have lasted fifteen minutes, building and crashing and warming up the crowd. Did I already mention they were absolutely roaring? The House of Blues knows a thing or two about selling the bar. And the atmosphere was very party-hearty.

I climbed up to the upper balcony to catch a good stage view. It’s not easy being a shorty in a crowd like that, and luckily this venue is made for people like me. Peering down at the trio, I could trace how John Medeski (often labeled an octopus for his skill at handling so many keyboards in an elaborate setup) not only hit the keys but also the melodica, to my delight! You KNOW it’s gettin good when the melodica comes out. No, I cannot tell you the titles of anything they played, well…. I did hear quite a bit from the Radiolarian series, and therefore I know I heard some “Riffin Ed” and some “Flat Tires” as well as “Chantes Des Femmes” and so much more…

You must go over here and read Radio Free Chicago’s interview with Chris Wood, his bass playing was/is truly a masterpiece. When he switched to upright bass the audience went a little crazy, and I watched him carefully go from plucking to bowing to thumping and knocking and just abusing the hell outta that instrument in such a lovely manner. I have to admit, that was a highlight of the show for me.

Well, that and one other bit that perhaps only I appreciate because I’m just one of those quirky little people. The transitions between songs, the moments when the band has to accommodate someone changing out instruments, or taking a moment to catch a drink, or simply to just change up the pace, those transitions are flawless. After nearly 20 years playing together, MMW have perfected the art of easing from one song to the next and they do so in some unique little ways. At times Billy will reach over for a rattle or shaker or both. Or turn all the way round and tackle his metal disks with a small mallet. There were so many noise-makers on his table of goodies,  and he used them all in various ways along with John and Chris to set the tone for the next piece. It was simply fascinating each time it happened and I found myself paying as much or more attention to this between-song or slow moment as I did to the fast, jazz flurry of truly inspired music that dominated the evening. And of course, there were the drum solos. I need to see them again, I’ll tell you more when I can stop shaking my head in amazement and disbelief and breathe more deeply. It was gorgeous, m’dears,  xoxo

Their three record set is repackaged for holiday release with some real nice goodies, including live tracks that I’ve heard and that are truly beautifully, improvisational. Go directly to the band or to Amazon to check out Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set for that music lover you’re buying for this season.

many thanks to Sneak Attack Media