Mmw

Medeski, Martin and Wood.

Heard of these a while ago (someone on here or GH?), and just noticed their name scribbled on a scrap of paper when trying to tidy up.

There's quite a lot of audio on their site http://www.mmw.net

But there's also 13 albums listed!!! Quite a lot for a band I've rarely heard mentioned!

I like what I've heard. A sort of funky jazzy experimental sound which I'm sure would divide many forum members opinions.

I've not bought any new music for a while, but the bug seems to have bitten again

So any thoughts on where best to start? The funkier the better

I've not heard all the audio on the site yet, but the stuff from Friday Afteroon in the Universe seems pretty good.

C'MOn Ian, I'm expecting you to answer this one....

 

Bizarrely enough, I don't have any of their records, although I've heard them quite a bit and seen them live at least once. Variable, but very good when they're on form.

They did an album with Marshall Allen (alto player with Sun Ra who f*cking rocks) and Marc Ribot (killer guitarist) that I keep meaning to buy but never get round to. Can't remember what it's called.

I know the most recent album got good reviews but I don't think I've heard any of it.

If you buy any of their records and like them, check out Ellery Eskelin, with Jim Black and Zeena Parkins. In a similar vein, quite funky with patches of chaos.

-- Ian

 

Excellent band, did used to have a live recording of theirs, but can't find it now. They're pro-audience taping so a search on various Bit Torrent sites may produce something for you to check out. Live is where most of these bands are at their best and I suspect MMW are no different.

http://bt.etree.org/index.php?filter=nophgd There's a Bit Torrent on the go at the moment for an MMW show if anyone's interested.