Medeski, Martin & Wood Stretch Out with Radiolarians II

Medeski Martin & Wood Radiolarians II (Indirecto)

Though they've always been prone to the 'avante-groove' label, Medeski, Martin and Wood have a deceptively earnest and traditional approach to jazz. Indulgent dissonance, legendary (entirely improvisational) live performances, and a devotion to atonal and arrhythmic music. These things are, and have always been, at the heart of their sound, though (in true jazz fashion) are most evident live. Perhaps that's why the band has enjoyed a fair amount of mainstream success: work with John Scofield and shows with Phish go a long way in that department if you're in a jazz trio with a penchant for hip hop.

The oddities don't end there. For their Radiolarians series, of which this album is part two, the plan was simple: "Write > Tour > Record > Repeat." Rather than work up some tunes, lay them down, then tour in support of the resulting record, they composed, worked out the songs on tour, then came home and made them permanent. This process is evident on Radiolarians II, particularly as themes evolve, slip away, and reappear throughout. More noticeable is the brisk aggression with which the songs are delivered - it's clear that the group is confident, ornery and feeling angsty. Throughout, Billy Martin's drumming remains as dizzying and satisfying as ever, leading the way through a jazz / fusion album that absolutely assaults with its brash bullishness.

Follow the jump to watch the video for "Amber Gris."

Medeski Martin & Wood [MySpace] [Official] "Amber Gris"