Medeski, Martin and Wood Album: “Last Chance to Dance Trance (perhaps): Best Of (1991-1996)”

Although their music in constantly developing, this compilation is a good overview of the MMW sound.

The early 90's selections reveal MMW's jazz roots, and feature Medeski on acoustic piano. The other songs have Medeski on the thick and heavy tones of the Hammond organ (Chubb Subb has the tightest organ/string bass beat I've ever heard).

It's important to note that every song on this album reveals the group's hip hop influences. They approach every style of music, be it funk, jazz ballad, etc. with a "baboom boom kack!" kinda rhythm. Yet, MMW is not all rhythm and no melody, remember, they have jazz roots.

Their sound boils down to a combination of 3 main things: 1) the East Coast hip hop sense of rythym 2) an impeccably trained ear that can hear dissonance in jazz, or vice versa, and 3) virtuoso skill along with unselfishness among the members -this makes MMW who they are. In fact, any organ trio/jam band should have these 3 things if their worth their musical salt. MMW have them in abundance.

Check out: Soulive

Medeski, Martin and Wood are phenomenal. In the sense of true musicians of any genre, each demontrates exemplary technical skill - but check out what they do with Track 5 - "Is Anybody Here That Love My Jesus?". Old Wisdom peaks through the windows of these youthful souls and causes us to blink with wonder and delight. They do no less credit to the rest of their selections in this compiled CD.

What an amazing cd, you have all the best of MMW and the jazzy hip hop feel of good times. This cd should be owned by all jazz fans! totally sick!!!!!

BUBBLEHOUSE IS DOPE!

Don't buy this album and think you are buying music made by virtuoso jazz artists. It is very good music. And, it is talented, but there are many musicians that are superior to these guys in talent. Specifically, this greatest hits package is really good. Unlike most jazz, it is very repetitive, and it loses a star for that, and probably the reason for that is to try to attract a bigger audience. Most people can't deal with music that is constantly changing because it seems overwhelming. In fact, some people might find the musicianship on this album overwhelming, and desire something even simpler. Everyone is different.

I have enjoyed Last Chance to Dance Trance for several years by now. I like Medeski Martin Wood better than other jam bands like Phish, or Soulive, but for the most part I prefer stuff like Simon Phillips, or Pat Metheny when I am looking for something to relax by. Many people would use the word, "Jam," to describe this, but I think of it more as hippy jazz.

I am not a hippy myself, and I can just imagine a lot of hippies getting angry at any criticism I might make of this band. Just like metal heads (evil hippies) find the bands they love sacred, jam band lovers are the same way. They have very loyal fans, even to the extent that jam band music is like a religion, where going to the show is like going to church. Hippies are as the Christian religion. Metal heads are like the Satanic Church. Well sort of! However, just because you own and have read a Bible, or The Satanic Verses, or have a metal album or a hippy jazz album does not mean that you have joined the culture.

Like so many things, I myself tend to be on the periphery of many subcultures that to me seem very similar to religions. Anyone remember the band Metal Church? Just like it is hard to go from being a Christian to a new religion, metal and hippy jazz are the same way. Like so many things, being a fan of hippy jazz can easily be like joining a religion. I tried joining Christianity, and found it hard to leave, not philosophically, but because of all the harassment I received. I tend to stay away from hippy jazz because I know that a lot of people that listen to the music also do drugs. So, maybe it's the hippies that make it hard to leave, but rather the lifestyle, which I associate with addictive drugs. I don't even want to put myself in situations where illegal drugs are available.

I'll also mention that Last Chance to Dance Trance is a greatest hits album, where every song on the album is very good.

It's late at night, a stiff drink, you put this album on. Immediately, you're descending the steps to the action inside. The speakeasy doors swing open, the cowboy at the saloon entry, the trio on the small dimly-lit stage thrashing fingers or sticks to their instruments. Notes rolling, popping, lilting and tilting. Audio constellations seen by your ears. Flickering like the candle on your table. Later, when it's over, the closing lights come on, you ascend the steps to the midnight street corner. Light a cigarette, flip your collar up, and enjoy the walk home.

If that sounds like a nice evening to you, get. this. album.