Search - Medeski Martin & Wood :: Radiolarians II

Radiolarians II
Medeski Martin & Wood
Radiolarians II
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Pop, R&B, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

A year ago, Medeski Martin & Wood set off on the innovative experiment known as The Radiolarians Series. The Radiolarians Series was designed to subvert the age-old music industry cycle of write>record>tour. The ...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Medeski Martin & Wood
Title: Radiolarians II
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Indirecto Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2009
Re-Release Date: 4/14/2009
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Pop, R&B, Rock
Styles: Avant Garde & Free Jazz, Modern Postbebop, Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo, Bebop, Funk, Jam Bands, Rock Jam Bands
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 891817007029

Synopsis

Product Description
A year ago, Medeski Martin & Wood set off on the innovative experiment known as The Radiolarians Series. The Radiolarians Series was designed to subvert the age-old music industry cycle of write>record>tour. The trio, consisting of keyboardist John Medeski, drummer Billy Martin, and bassist Chris Wood, convened for brief writing retreats, performed only that new material on tour, and then recorded the music immediately after getting off the road.

Indirecto Records is now releasing this material as a trio of records entitled Radiolarians I, II, and III.
To date, the band has completed 3 tours with dates stretching across the United States, South America, and Japan. The influences of these locations have found their way into MMW's writing and are being expressed through the music found on the Radiolarians Series. In September, Indirecto released Radiolarians I. This April 2009, Indirecto will release the second installment of the series, Radiolarians II.
The Radiolarians Series, designed to challenge the traditional format of touring after a record¹s release, has found Medeski Martin & Wood thriving and making some of their most creative and innovative music in years.

Similar CDs


Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

Inventive jam-filled landscapes; hold the jelly
A. Ostrow | Boston, MA | 04/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"MMW simply don't seem able to produce a lackluster studio (or live) album - not that they ever should or would if they could. "Radiolarians II" doesn't necessarily build on "Radiolarians I," but like each successive effort from these guys, unquestionably three of the best musicians on the planet, it complements "I" and the rest of their ever-growing library of albums and sounds. Those looking for signature MMW all-out jams will make do with "Riffin' Ed" and "Amish Pintxos," both of which induce a fair bit of head-banging (I just can't dance). "Baby Let Me Follow You Down," which closes out the set (and which is the only non-original song here), is classic MMW blues, with the first M expertly riffing over W part-walking, part whole-note holding and the second M carressing the drums with his smooth brushes. I didn't want it ever to end, but after a too-short 6 minutes, it did; in fact, after a second and third listen, I wanted to give this album more than a measly 5 stars. MMW never really show off, especially in the studio. One often gets the feeling that they're holding back, building the anticipation so that when they do let loose (especially live) it's really something special. Only these three guys can create so much out of so little, and do it with such a down-to-earth attitude. "Radiolarians II" is a pleasure to listen to, and I feel that the meaner/rawer tracks that don't automatically make me want to move will only grow on me with (not too much) time. MMW have created a gem of musical landscapes that are a blast to wander in and out of, and for good measure (becuase how could they not?), have thrown in a bit of the funk, jam (not jelly) and laid-back panache only a band as cohesive as they are can create."