concert review Medeski, Martin, Scofield & Wood @ First Avenue 12-14-14

What can be said about Medeski, Scofield, Martin, & Wood?  This jazz fusion/jam band super group, which is set to retire, after a 20 year career, went out with a bang Sunday night at First Avenue in Minneapolis.  They are one of those rare bands, that can break new ground musically, with every project they do.  All instrumental jams here, ladies and gentlemen.  Do we need a set list?  No way, man!  Let's just jam!  The band played several tunes, including some fantastic and inspiring covers off their latest album, "Juice", which features the trio of Medeski, Martin, & Wood, sans John Scofield.

But, when Scofield does sit in with the other blokes... sparks fly!  Amazingly, this is only the fourth record that MMW have done.  So much of what they do is based on live shows.  Unlike the trio setting, where Medeski has a monstrous arsenal of cool keyboards to jam on, with Scofield on guitar, Medeski relied heavily, only a Hammond B3 and a grand piano.  He would switch between the two, even during one tune.  There were so many jams, it's impossible to name all of them, even if they were familiar to the legions of fans who eagerly watched the show.  I mean, some of us, were standing outside First Ave. as the band was making their entrance.  That is how much of a following this band has among their fans.  We couldn't wait to get in to see the gig!

The band covered a few familiar classic songs by other artists, pulling off "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream, and encoring with Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A Changin' ".  The jams are so intricate, you really have to hear for yourself what they are all about.  Sadly, this is the band's last tour, in all likelihood.  But, there are albums and videos out there.  So, check them out.  The energy of the audience, comes from the music with a band like this, especially since there are no vocals anywhere.  It's all instrumental improvisation, 100% of the time.

Chris Wood and Billy Martin hold down the rhythm section.  Martin has a swing clave rhythm perfected to a T.  Chris Wood is an incredible bassist on both electric and upright.  John Scofield, he made use of lots of wah pedal, and soaring solos, last night.  The energy level the band brings to their shows is instantly felt by the audience, and they absolutely love it.  It is hard to find a band that exudes so much energy, coming from the music itself.  MSMW is one of the few bands that can really jam instrumentally and captivate an audience for a whole two set show.

The interplay between Medeski's B3 and Scofield's guitar, was a true display of musical communication, and conversation.  The two would swap lines back and forth, while Wood and Martin held down the rhythmic fort, and that was thrilling to behold.  Sometimes, it seems that only two guitar players in a band, could communicate in that way.  But, that's the benefit of having a quartet.  If you have one keys player and one guitar player, they can play off of each other, brilliantly.  It is a real treat for the ears to hear a band like Medeski, Scofield, Martin, & Wood.  They may not have produced too many albums, either with Scofield, or, as a trio.

But, I would definitely recommend giving them a listen.  It is a shame that the band won't be touring together much longer.  But, that's music.  People have other projects and other desires that they want to fulfill.  So, I wish the players good luck in their future musical endeavors.  Who knows... in years to come, we may see a reunion of the trio, with Mr. Scofield, and hear more awesome jams.  Nothing lasts forever.  But, there may come a time for a reunion at some point.