| | Medeski, Martin & Wood Combustication CD Medeski, Martin & Wood Discography of CDs
 (3 Customer Reviews)
At their collective core, Medeski, Martin & Wood are simply the most popular keepers of the organ trio flame in modern jazz. But this trio of downtowners is willing to piece together straight-no-chasers of all forms to get the party moving. COMBUSTICATIONS, their fourth album, does all that with a jazzy heart, some funky intestines, a set of salsa hips and a DJ on the brain.
As with previous MMW albums, funky jazz is COMBUSTICATIONS' focus--whether it's smoky, mid-tempo hipsway ("Just Like I Pictured it") or churchy balladry (a gospel-tinged rendition of Sly Stone's "Everyday People"). But the width of the trio's scope is best exemplified by the polar contributions of the album's guests. Turntablist DJ Logic appears on the three tracks that prophesy a hip-hop-jazz future, particularly on "Church of Logic," where he builds a soundscape and then solos over the band. Contrast that with "Whatever Happened To Gus," on which East Village art dealer Steve Cannon does a Beat-derived dream monologue about old school jazz drummer Gus Johnson, while the band does a free-form freak-out behind him.
Additional personnel includes: DJ Logic, Steve Cannon.
Medeski Martin & Wood: John Medeski, Billy Martin, Chris Wood.
Personnel: John Medeski (keyboards); Billy Martin (drums, percussion); Chris Wood (bass drum); DJ Logic (turntables).
Audio Mixers: Dave Baker ; Scott Harding.
Recording information: Magic Shop, New York, NY; Magic Shop, NY, NY.
Photographer: Jimmy Katz.Entertainment Weekly (8/14/98, p.81) - "...their latest recording hums with their retro-futurist style, recalling '70s soul-jazz, Sun Ra, and their own arty-party savvy. Keyboardist John Medeski cooks up more of his wondrously strange textures, and his rhythm pals do seductive business..." - Rating: B
Vibe (6-7/98, p.181) - "...Long after many neofunksters have surrendered the flag and moved on to less demanding territory, MMW continue to find fresh ground in the cosmic slop." Medeski, Martin & Wood Combustication Songs Combustication Music Review Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)   Pretty cool...
I'm a huge fan of MMW, and this was a bit of a let down. There are plenty of really cool grooves and jams on here, but some of it is just too experimental and abstract for me. It's definitely not as accessible for a casual ear either, as anytime I put it on at the party people end up leaving. "Sugar Craft" and "Latin Shuffle" have some really sweet parts in them though. Also "Just Like I Pictured It".
Submitted by imustbejosh (omaha,ne)
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 MMW At Their Best
Enchanting!!! Jazz for the 21-th century...Minimalistic and strangely innovative, Combustication is easily Medeski Martin & Wood's best work
Submitted by ASN (Skopje, Macedonia)
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MM Dub - Kickin' Mad Style With Pressure
Yo, This album is illy. John, Billy, and Chris bring the raucous AGAIN with their groove layden acid hip hop funk jazz. These guys get loose in the studio and on the road no doubt. Handsdown the most original, energetic, make-ya-wanna-shake-ya-booty-and-say-oh-yeeeeah three piece jazz steezo on the rock. Buy It!
Submitted by petruzzi (Wallingford, CT)
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