When the album Notes From The Underground by the trio Medeski, Martin & Wood was released in 1992, there was great consternation. Was this jazz, soul or pop? The good news is that the New Yorkers have never answered this question. The innovative playing of Hammond organist John Medeski, the loose grooves drummed by Billy Martin and the surprising bass playing of Chris Wood isn't easily captured in one sentence. In the Netherlands, Medeski, Martin & Wood broke through with the surprising album Shack-Man in 1996. It was the beginning of a long series of highlights like Combustication (1998) and The Dropper (2000). In the US the group has even grown into a collective that also performs on the pop scene. Just the three of them, or joined by kindred spirits like guitarist John Scofield and saxophonist John Zorn; their quest is never-ending. During live concerts their unpredictability is certainly great and the musicians show all their improvisational skills.
