Combustication / Medeski, Martin & Wood (2lp)

Medeski Martin & Wood

LP Edition
The new release "Combustication" by New York jazz trio Medeski, Martin, and Wood is a delicious treat. The album shows off the musical tastes each member has been dabbling with since their 1996 release, "Shack Man." From funk grooves, to ethereal trance, to spaced-out jam music, MMW is again experimenting, and if anything; they prove that jazz can be creative as well as popular. One of the best aspects of "Combustication" is the addition of DJ Logic on some of the 12 tracks. Logic fills the tiny space left in the songs with wierd scratches, and those neat video game sounds. MMW purists will dig "Sugarcraft" and "Start-Stop," while those interested in the group's newer sound will love "Church of Logic," and "Hypnotized." "Whatever happened to Gus" has an avante-garde feel, with spoken word by NY artist Steve Cannon. MMW is a contemporary group that is always experimenting, and always improvising. If you see them play live, you'll understand. "Combustication" deserves five stars.

Price: $25.98