Billy Martin Mago CD

Two-thirds of the famed avant-garde jazz-groove fusion trio Medeski, Martin & Wood celebrate a nearly two-decade long relationship on this free for all, high-spirited collection of duets recorded in July of 2006. While there is no question that Martin is an inventive drummer and few can top Medeski for pure Hammond B-3 genius, the two launch their unique side project in a strangely off-putting way. If the frenetic, melody free and insanity-filled opening track is "Introducing Mago," then Mago is a schizophrenic, loudmouthed character who won't make many friends. Fortunately, the two settle down into something that resembles sensible music for most of the rest of the set, building a cool, hypnotic groove on "Crustaceatron" that is trippy and out there, but at least more conventionally structured. They finally hit pay dirt on the jumpy and playful "Mojet," which -- like the similarly throbbing "Bamboo Pants" -- sounds like a throwback to the funky old-school soul-jazz of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, with a few modern, percussive twists. They then take the listener to church for a spell on the brooding "Apology." Most of the collection is both engaging and inventive, but of course -- knowing that it's the true fans who will be listening -- Martin and Medeski choose another wacky, crazymaking assault to close the set, this one titled "L'Aventura." The recommendation for all who are not in the cult of M,M&W and thus won't forgive them their indulgences: skip the opener and closer and get grooving with the cool stuff in between. ~ Jonathan Widran

Recording information: Applehead Studio, Saugerties, NY (07/17/2006/07/18/2006).

Photographer: Phil Stiles.

Personnel: Billy Martin (drums); Billy Martin; John Medeski (Hammond b-3 organ).

Audio Mixer: Danny Blume.

CMJ (p.6) - "Longtime fans will no doubt appreciate what's going on within the songs...."
Down Beat (p.82) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "It offers old-time jam-band stuff: grooves, grinds and a lot of go-for-it freedom. It feels like a two-piece, rather than a series of duets..."
JazzTimes (pp.104-105) - "The duo's pacing is perfect, with a keen sense of space....Energy abounds on all of the album's 11 tracks..."
Global Rhythm (Publication) (p.56) - "'Apology' is a minimal, bluesy vamp, 'Mojet' a chunk of Memphis soul and 'Bonfa'...could have come off a Jimmy Smith record."