Medeski, Martin & Wood

Fantastic show with the usual stellar musicianship. No frills awesomeness! Medeski's organ stopped working early in the second set, so he had to play the rest of the show on piano only. Before they went into "Light My Fire", Martin wished him "good luck!" with that one. Not an issue. Scofield continues to be one of the most innovative guitarists anywhere, but was right at home with the boys. When can we see them again???

absolutley astonishig show . a lot of new ideas and sounds .

At 44 years old I have seen an uncountable amount of concerts. This show was on my top 10 of all time. The first set with Anti Balas was amazing. The second set with MMW was as excellent as any MMW show always is. The third set with both bands made me feel like the concert hall was going to turn into a space ship and take us on a funky journey to a place where there is no war and we remember that we all love and need each other. Then I realized that if more people made music like MMW and Anti Balas then that place would be here on earth.

This show was absolutely amazing. MMW is the best band ever.

Although the show started late (30 mins) the band was electric from the opening drum solo to the last note of the encore. I had not seen the band since 2007 and was a little unfamiliar with some of their newer tracks, but that doesn't matter live because every song was a jam packed with high energy and outstanding individual efforts coming together to create the classic MMW vibe. The crowd was definitely in the know when it came to the band and proved to be a positive counter for the energy coming off stage, the band and audience feed off each other for the full 21/2 hours. At times the crowd seemed to be on strings and the band was in complete control. The second set was truly a sonic assault on the brain as John tweeked the Hammond and evoked sounds not of this earth. Of course he was complimented by Chris who changed basses and sounds quickly and always seemed to know when to kick it into the next gear. And of course Billy brought it all together through his tribal, impassioned drumming. The only drawback to this show was the venue whch had OVERLY AGGRESSIVE SECURITY WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND 4th AMENDMENT RIGHTS!

The first set had a guest sit in on percussion. I've always wondered how people sit in with them with any effectiveness (with one or two exceptions), and I think it stifled their first set. Their second set unleashed an absolutely amazing performance. You could tell Billy and Chris were feeling it too.

Saw MMW yesterday in NYC. What a band! The groove, the tightness, the ideas are just mind-blowing. Everyone of them is brilliant on his instrument, Medeski works the keys like a genius, Martin is able to groove and show is excellent technique and the Wood is the steady bass-player who provides the carpet. He and Martin are so tight that it is hard to not move despite the border-crossing innovative sound they achieve.

Another amazing performance by a band that is at the top of their game. The Radiolarians project they've been engaged in over the last year has borne all kinds of fruit, and we're seeing musicians completely engaged with new material, while still giving glimpses of familiarity from the old days. MMW have been moving the furniture in for the first part of their career, and now they're moving it all around and seeing what fits best where.

Amazing performance... The third time I've seen them and definitely the best. I can hardly wait till their next gig...

I've seen these guys a bunch, but they took it to a whole new level last night at the Nokia at Times Square. Right from the get-go they came out and dominated, playing the most intense, interesting, free-flowing improvisations while displaying phenomenal artistry and facility. To say these guys have good chops is an understatement. It's as if they have the entire knowledge of the Matrix at their fingertips and use it all. Completely blown away. Medeski is a freaking mad scientist, the way he plays his keyboards. Complete command of all of his electronics, effects, weird sounds, not to mention his on-the-fly composing. And Billy Martin is a dream to watch - simultaneously relaxed and intense. He sub-divides like a god. And there are no words for how Chris Wood lays down the bass. Sheer genius. This show was scary good.

These guys played and produced one of my friend's albums. Surpassed expectations. Will see them again. Great venue. Nice sound mixing

Awesome, as always. Funky, rich, fun, with beautiful sound. They never disappoint.

All around a really excellent show. I love the Melodica.

The show was great. Fantasitic keyboards. However, the show started WAY too late (1-hour). Doors open at 7:00 to give everyone time to get in. The folks that planned ahead and were there and ready at 8:00 PM were kept waiting so the lazy ones wouldn't miss the show. So the real fan of MM&W that came early to get in the front row was Jones'in for a beer when the show started 2-hours after he got there to get a good spot. Went to get a beer and then couln't get back to the front. Not a great way to treat loyal fans.

The music was innovative, energetic, and fun. The sound level and mix was great. This was our first visit to the new House of Blues, which was a pleasant surprise. In addition to the standing room available on the first and second floors, there is a very nice reserved third floor section, with assigned seating, a plus for mature audience members (like us).

John Medeski is proving himself to be one of the most captivating jazz keyboard players on the planet. It seems he is better every time I see him. On the rare occasions when he visits Boston, he is a must see.

I hadn't seen MMW for a couple of years, so I was really excited to see them at HOB Boston (my first show at this venue). MMW threw it down. They drew most of the first set from their new cds, the Radiolarians, but the second set paid some homage to discs like ShackMan. It was all filled with shinning example of the intuitive interplay between these connected musicians, and their collective force of creation. This was a great way to cap a long day.

This was a very good Medeski Martin and Wood show.

I've seen MMW many many times and I always have a blast. I've never been disappointed and they always make me bust a move. Definitely one of my favorites to see live.

Talented intense music,It had it all!! Jazz fusion at it's best, A Great time!!! We would travel to go see them!

This show was a little unlike most of the other MMW shows I've been to (about a dozen by now, over the last 14 years). They focused almost exclusively on songs from the three "Radiolarians" albums, with only two exceptions, I think (one from Uninvisible and an encore "Crosstown Traffic", which is a live staple. After a rocking opening number (sorry, I'm terrible with song titles), the first set settled into some mellow "conventional" jazz grooves, without a lot of the spaciness that frequently is in a first set. There were a couple of super energetic numbers towards the end of the first set. The second set was short, but intense. A number of songs from Radiolarians III, including the highlight of the night, a closer of "Undone". The second set was vintage MMW, with high energy and Medeski going absolutely nuts. Maybe the best I've seen then at times. The only reason I didn't rate this show a 5 was because it was a little short, and I would like to have seen some of the older stuff, like from Friday Afternoon or Jungle. But I can't really complain. Afterwards, they were signing things, but the line was a little long for my taste.

Medeski, Martin, and Wood are one of my favorite bands to listen to. I drove three hours to see this show and it did not disappoint. This was one of the most amazing shows i've ever seen. They bring energy and excitement back into the jazz world.

The Sound Board is a spectacular new venue. It was secure, large, two bars and fantastic sound. The opening band, the Wood Brothers, were amazing. They started right on time - before everyone even got there. Medeski Martin and Wood put on a high energy, multi-instumental, funky and awe-inspiring performance. People were dancing in their seats, but were afraid to stand up and dance - as the security wouldn't really let you dance in the aisles like you are supposed to at a MMW concert. The Sound Board was also good for showing the performance live on the big tv screens. As John Medeski plays the keyboard/organ and sometimes has his back to the audience, it was great to be able to watch what he was really doing on the screen. We also were not allowed to take any pictures of the performances, so I cannot upload any here... :(

Best show I've seen so far this year. Their musicianship far exceeded my expectations and my understanding.

people attending to the show was cool and sound and place unforgateble .coollllll

I got to the venue early, I was involved in the pumpkin carving contest. I was allowed to put the pumpkin on stage. When I was on stage setting up the pumpkin, John Medeski was playing with his keyboards, so I made believe that I had a lot of work to do to rig the lights on the inside of the pumpkin... So i guess one might say Medeski and DW (me) were the opening act!!! Chill venue, chill staff, great acoustics. MMW threw it down! I wish they would have played another set by themself! They are a true music inspiration!They sounded tight! More shows in NYC PLEASE!!!

Mind blowing would be an understatement!! The opening act - Antibalas was also great! And the final set with both MMW and Antibalas was amazing.

Wow. I've been a MMW fan for about 14 years. In that span I had seen MMW about 12-15 times. The last show I saw of them was in 2003 at Bonnaroo. I'm also a fan of Antibalas who opened for them. Antibalas were also fantastic. The third set was a collaboration between the two bands that was absolutely amazing. I can't say enough about how great this show was.

I have seen MMW maybe 30 times and every show rocks! It is hard to say that this was their "best show I have ever seen" but it comes very close, mos def in the top 3...the fact that their set was made up of audience requests was amazing...the crowd was energized from the first note despite having to brave extremely inclement weather and train delays on the way to the show! The band never let up...the groove just kept building and building and then hitting the shore like a tsunami...then when they announced that they were bringing out Antibalas to play the 2nd set with them I almost lost it. The encore to this show may have been the best 20 minutes of musicianship I have ever seen!

This show was a real pleasure to attend. The best set was the second one when antibalas Afro drumbeat joined them on stage.

MMW and Antibalas put on a spectacular show! All I saw in between my dancing and sweating were smiling fans all over the place. MMW and Antibalas should unite and play together always. MMW also had some really interesting and informative vendors (No Fracking petition and voting registration). I was able to register and sign a petition! AMAZING SHOW!

grooooove. MMW played a super show for their 20th anniversary. glad I was there

So funky, so fun. Just can't miss these guys when they come to town!

Simply a great show and collaboration between both bands.

From what I could hear the group was great. The crowd, for the most part was uninterested. The noise level from people talking was almost as load as the music. Not the right venue for such a quality group.

Perhaps the best single MMW set I've ever heard of including fan favorites like, "Hey Joe" and my personal favorite "Coconut Boogaloo". MMW elated the crowd from start to finish, and in an all-too-rare Philadelphia appearacne satisfied their most hardcore fans with great renditions of arguably their best tunes. MMW's second set was performed as a 13-piece, with opening band Antibalas as support. Antibalas' latin/world music vibe set a nice groundwork for the MMW boys to exhibit their skills and have some fun. Albeit good music and a party atmosphere, my brain started to hurt after the 4th song in that set. With three bassists, two drum kit players, two percussionists, two keyboardists, horn section and guitar all on stage at once, my brain started turning to Jell-O. Scaled back it would have been extremely enjoyable rather than just tolerable. I really wish MMW would have played a second set by themselves. That said, seeing Antibalas for the first time I can get a picture of what they're all about. Good vibes, inclusive and properly arranged as a pseudo-big band, Antibalas provided a musical experience that you don't find most places. My only critique is that they're missing James Brown. A ten piece instrumental act (with two bassists) can get muddy at times, and it certainly did for someone new to Antibalas like myself. With so much happening at once, it would have been nice to have a focal point in the group, other than the occasional unwanted ramblings of a large Jamaican percussionist. The first time it was cool. The second time was no longer unique, and the third time it started to get annoying. It was too much, yet not enough. Great show. The MMW set stands alone in my top 5 live sets of any band, all time. Admittedly, I don't know what ranks ahead or behind at this point but it's in the top 5. The show as a whole, probably ranks in my top 10-15, definitely top 20. Without Antibalas it would have been #2 just behind Roger Waters "The Wall". 'Nuff said.

They were awesome and the funky grooves did not stop!

KILLER MUSIC at any cost in challenging conditions

This was my first MMW show ever. My date & good friend, who is a HUGE MMW fan, took me to last Friday night's show on 3/11. I really didn't know what to expect and on top of that I wasn't sure I would even dig the music because I usually listen to hard rock and metal. Surprisingly enough, the first band, The Bass Clarinet Quartet, was great, I loved them. Wow their range of sound was amazing! Then MMW came on and they truly blew me away! I LOVED the ENTIRE SHOW! They were groovy! Their beat was SO infectious, for the entire magical show! I am not so easily impressed...however I they totally impressed me...actually they truly they blew me away! The talent all of these gentlemen have! The keyboard player was playing like crazy! You could barely see his fingers move they were going so fast! He was playing quite a few different keyboards up there and at times was playing TWO (different) keyboards at once...different melodies! Unbelievable! The drummer was amazing. I totally dug the way he used tons of different instruments/sounds throughout their songs, not solely the drums. It sounded so cool! It was so different, refreshing. The bassist was all over the place. He was switching between electric and acoustic bass throughout the concert. He was jamming! The way they play together is magical! They have this chemistry between them that you can feel from the stage. My feeling is anyone and everyone would love their show and If you are not quite sure if you will like them or the music, give it a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

First time seeing MMW live and we were blown away by their performance. Will definitely see them again at every possible opportunity.

The El Rey Theatre is a beautiful, perfect-sized venue! The different levels made, dancing, and being able to see the stage both very possible. The smoking section is half of the entrance area which made it pretty cramped during breaks. Medeski, Martin and Wood were everything I hoped for and more! They were so much fun, with a great balance between my old favorites and fun new stuff!

Probably my 12th time seeing MM&W in person and man they just never disappoint. I'm always taken back by the chaotic preamble leading into the ultimate rhythmic groove session that makes it hard not to get up and boogie. These guys dish out more talent in a single performance than most bands do in an entire lifetime. Can't wait for 13

MMW "killed it" on Friday night! The not only "killed it"; they brought it back to life and "killed it" again! Sick Sick show! They played the top fan favorites for the first set with some tasty bass solos form Chris Wood and John Medeski going in to mad scientist mode on several occasions. The second set was a bit looser with a bit more "out there" improv that sometimes really jammed!

I've seen MMW more than 5 times and each member is one of the best in the world at their instrument. They always put on a very good show and this show at the El Rey was even better than I expected, it was AWESOME!! The last time (two times I think(?)) John Medeski was lacking a little.. uh je ne c'est pas.. a little mojo on stage but this show he was full on fantastically super funky and spacey simultaneously. He had a mellotron along with other vintage/classic(B3, clavinet, Rhodes through a leslie) and other pro-standard digital keyboards on stage with him that he used to blow the crowd's minds. Chris Wood was holding things down as he always does. Solid and tight. Billy was his usual charismatic self, even in his playing (if can percussion be charismatic he makes it happen). Great surprise with Kyle Glass (Tenacious D) playing some sort of straight flute for the second set.

Awesome show, played for like 2 1/2 hours... that's how it should be done. Medeski, Martin and Wood always put on a great show, never disappointing.

2nd set was only improve which made for a very interesting and exciting musical experience

Good show, good music. The venue did not have any seats really, which I personally would've liked.

Medeski, Martin, and Wood were so amazing to see. They had the craziest and most unexpected transitions. I love their style of music and dance my tush off. My first time going to that venue (The Showbox) and I thought it was great, I will be going back and the next time the band plays in the area again I will be making it out.

MMW are great performers and the show was so much fun, not to mention all of the gorgeous scruffy men!

MMW put on a great show last night. The crowd was a little chatty.

MMW almost always delivers and thats saying alot because they are risk takers. Its nice to see them play because you are assured you won't hear the same song played the same way twice. These guys are not for the faint of heart!

I thought the band was really good. As musicians they are amazing. However, the way the concert took place was AWFUL. They made us wait too long to see Medeski. When they finally came out, they played a couple of songs and then, they went BACK again and I thought "well, maybe it will be 10-15 min. 25 Minutes afterwards, I found myself still waiting for them to go out. Me and my friend decided to leave the place before they went out for the second time and also before we fell asleep. I didn't get to hear any of the good songs they played because they only played a couple good ones and another that they should have left for the last part of the concert (it was too slow and too psychodelic). We spent 4 hours there and I only got to listen to 3 good songs. It was a total waste of money and time. I will never go see them again.

My first time seeing MMW live and I was absolutely amazed! These guys have been playying together for years and you can tell. They each add their own element to the music and you can tell that they really do love to play the music. They are about the music, not like some artists. When you look at them on stage you can really tell that it is where they want to be! Medeski Martin and Wood...amazing.

I couldn't believe a second of this show. The communication skills alone are envious. The ability to transition timbre between Chris and John... The risks Billy takes, his polyrhythms at his feet and melodic funk up top.... goddamn

MMW+Antibalas go together like cheese and crackers. Two of my favorite bands that, independently, were amazing, but together brought down the house with a raw funk unheard on this earth since the 1970s. I didn't stop moving for three hours.

Yes I'm a fan of MMW, but I have to tell you these guys blew me away again. There is something so primarily satisfying about their music. They are all incredible musicians and together they put out a mind altering pulse of pure soul and joy that makes every head bob and every foot dance. They hit a variety of tunes giving us a filling of very funky jazz intermingled with very jazzy funk twisted up with a lot of electronica and moments of pure keyboard genius- piano playing that reminded me of the intensity of Cecil Taylor and the melodic depth of Monk. This is the kind of music that everybody should taste at least once...

Great show, the opening acts were awesome. Quixotic was incredible, first time seeing them and I was definitely wowed. MMW was amazing as always. My only hesitation was that this was taking place at the Fillmore. Not the best venue... the sound is just not great there... that was my only complaint, outside of that it was a great night.

Quite far,one of the best MMW shows I've ever seen. This guys are such amazing musicians. There ability to blend so many styles into one show, its hard to call them "jazz". A must-see performance for any fan of music.

It is the first time I saw these guys live although have been a fan for a long time. They were amazing! Second time at the venue and it is a loose environment, small but enthusiastic crowd. A couple of loud drunks,wish they didn't serve alcohol and I do like to drink but know when to stop too.

MMW astounds again. So many instruments and such crazy other-world talent, the show was like being ripped out of your seat and being led around the room by your head. Their music literally takes you places, places I didn't even know existed, and cold never find without their guidance. Their music is sheer melodic chaos that borders on madness and deal-with-the-devil skill. Crazy good time that had me alternately breathless, bursting with laughter and cheering them on. This was my second MMW show and I will never miss seeing these cats when I have the chance.

Fantastic organized chaos ! Great funk jazz group who are the most talented musicians I have ever seen!

These guys are such intense and skillful musicians...creative, energetic and tons of fun! I have to wonder, how do they rehearse? Love the variety of unusual instruments. Great live show...I'm not too thrilled about the excessive loud talking throughout the night at the bars, but liked the overall response of the audience...Let's Dance!

Incredible show, these guys always bring the heat. Some of the best musicianship you'll find anywhere.

A great show from start to finish. MMW know their stuff and blow me away each time I see them perform. The intermission was a bit longer than I would have liked, but well worth it when they took the stage refreshed. This was an acoustic set which means that Medeski did not play his electric organs. Fantastic show, look forward to seeing them again. The sad thing is the show was far from sold out. There were many empty seats and the balcony was not even opened. All that really means is the people that did not attend, do not know what they missed. MMW even took the time to meet fans after the show in the Bergen PAC lobby to sign posters and CD's. All around, a great show.

What can you say about Medeski Martin & Wood? These guys are an amazing breath of fresh air. For anybody who enjoys great improvisational funky jazzy bluesy music then you will love MMW. Three amazing musicians provide an evening of sublime music. Watching Billy Martin on percussion is really something to see. And Chris Wood on bass is no slouch either. And of course John Medeski. What can you say about him? Aside from being a musical genius he didnt seem to be in the best of moods. Looked like he didn't want to be there. Don't get me wrong, the set was amazing, just he seemed less than happy to be there. After the show the band signed autographs!! I got to meet them! Such good down to earth people. Billy such a nice guy, Chris too!

Outstanding performance. Phenomenally talented musicians.

What a great show. Once these guy take off, they take the audience to a whole different level.

Musically as entertaining and mind boggling as a Cirque show!

The talent and interplay between the 3 excellent musicians is inpriring. Catch them if you can.

This is a top five concert. Brilliant by every measurement.

This show was incredible to say the least. The combination of the two forces being Antibalas & Medeski Martin Wood was a great one. Im very glad i was there to experience it happen.

-The music sound system was great. -Security didn't have a big "presence" which I think is the way it should be. -Crowd was fine. -Parking was no big deal. Plenty of lots just a few blocks around.

About MMW's music: we're talkin' improvisational explorational adventures down to a fine art. Fabulous interactivity, in deed, there were songs within songs, extended OUT soloing, and as the last date of this tour, a 2-set 4 hour show. I can still hear their music circling about in my mind's ear! ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! About the venue: This particular date was held at The Culture Room. Regarded as one of South Florida's premier venues, even my own band has pondered playing here. ONE MAJOR DRAWBACK: Imagine paying 33 bux to see a group in a premier venue that has NO SEATING. That's right! WE STOOD in one spot like Sardines in a can for the entire show. We won't go back there again, no matter who is booked.

Was hoping for an energetic funky show based on reviews and CDs . Venue said show to start at 8pm , wrong! That's when the doors open. Show didn't start until 9:25 and we had to endure a room filled with cigarette smoke while Old Frank Zappa videos " warmed up the crowd". The band then opened with 2 slow introspective , belly button gazing songs. My companions bowed out and we soon followed.

First time seeing MMW. They exceeded my expectation for a modern Jazz band. Great show, these are real musicians without all the glitz and glam.

Best jazz show I've been to ever! Playing all over the genre and defying it at the same time! Definitely showed ATL a whole lot of love!

MMW live NEVER disappoints. These guys were built from the ground up to put on the groove and that is what they do. I highly recommend checking them out when you get the chance.

I sat in the balcony dead center. Scrapomatic was really good. MMW sounded really good, the bass was a bit muffled at first part of show. It's wonderful to watch three excellent musicians jam. Martin is incredible and keeps all meshed. This was their 20th anniversary show, wow. Go see them when you can.

Avante Garde? Sure. But where's the melody? How long can you carry on dissonant tension before it becomes sheer noise? I think these guys test that limit. To my ears, they passed it during the first set, sufficiently that I skipped the second. Clearly all 3 are fine musicians, well schooled and rehearsed, and skilled at their respective instruments. Having only heard their recorded work with Scofield, I'd expected to hear a few great musicians pushing out some modern 3-piece jazz. But this became unbearable. On a brighter note, the local warmup band, Scrapomatic, played soulful (if occasionally too mellow) R&B-ish stuff and their singer is first rate.

MMW and Antibalas playing a set together was unforgettable.

From A to Z, with halloween costumes, brilliant!!!

This was a one of a kind evening. MMW nailed it with a request only setlist, then Antibalas played a set with MMW together. The last song was one of our generation's greatest protest anthems "Indictment". Even with the singer's voice gone, the song was still powerful. The only bad part was the venue's choice of ticket broker. The Washington DC show was run through Ticket Fly which is a much much better experience than Ticket Master. I usually won't go to Ticket Master events, it's been a couple of years, but I had to break my rule to see this amazing music.

This show was absolutely amazing and I know I will never see anything like it again. What a fantastic collaboration.

Very talented guys. But really outstanding with Antibalas. Terminal 5 was a great location for both bands.