Late last year, Medeski Martin & Wood were set to celebrate their 25th anniversary with three shows at intimate NYC venue (le) poisson rouge. Those shows were rescheduled due to health issues with bassist Chris Wood, ultimately being pushed back until after the New Year. Though the 25th anniversary shows are now being held during the band’s 26th year together, the feeling was much the same, as the three renowned musicians took the stage with determination for the first of three nights yesterday.
LPR is a venue that holds 700 people – certainly an underplay for a band as well respected as MMW. The sold out crowd was particularly enthusiastic, packing the intimate room but never stepping on each other’s toes in the process. As Medeski Martin & Wood emerged in the burgeoning NYC jam scene of the 1990’s, the intimate performance must have felt like a family reunion of sorts, rekindling the old flames with some great music, setting, and crowd.
The trio opened the show with three members of the Ho-Chunk Native American tribe, who chanted and played percussion while simultaneously decked in Green Bay Packers jerseys. You can see them in the following photo.
After the emotional opening performance, it was time for the musical odyssey that is John Medeski, Billy Martin and Chris Wood. The trio locked in immediately, as if no time had passed since their last performance months ago. Their music is a seamless blend that explores the realms of jazz, funk, ambient, avant garde and downright psychedelic sonic exploration. At times groovy and at other times cosmic, this was MMW at their finest. After 25(+1) years, they’re more than a band, but a instinctual musical unit that ebbs and flows to perfection.
Songs played throughout the night include opening number “Think” and set one closing tune, “I Wanna Ride You.” The show also included performances of “Night Marchers,” “Shack Man,” “Buster,” “Jelly Belly,” “Chubb Sub” and an encore of “Just Like I Pictured It.” Below, check out a pair of videos captured from the event.
Check out a full gallery from the show below as well, courtesy of Chad Anderson Photography.
