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FeedMedeski Martin and Wood return
Tomorrow night, most serious Buffalo musicians and those “in the know” will likely be making the short trek to Babeville to see Medeski Martin and Wood play a very intimate show. This trio, made up of John Medeski (keys), Billy Martin (percussion), and Chris Wood (bass), is known for its ability to improvise and blend musical genres.
I recently chatted with bassist Chris Wood about the tour, and he explained that it will be different from past band outings. “On previous tours there was quite a bit of improvisation that would sometimes lead to the development of a new song,” he said over the phone, “but considering we put out three albums in a very short period of time, we know there are tons of songs people have yet to hear live. This tour, our focus will be the new songs, plus some older ones, but who knows where it will lead once the song begins.”
Next year brings the twenty-year anniversary of Medeski Martin and Wood, and Chris explained how we are seeing a much more mature band than that of the early 90’s. “Over the years you learn to play with a lot less ego. You realize that it isn’t about how much solo time you have, or how someone isn’t backing you up. You learn to be a better team player. Yes, John and Billy are excellent soloists, but we are all equally good at backing each other up musically and taking the song to the next level as a unit.”
The show is 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16—yup, tomorrow night—at Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue.
Photo from mmw.net.
