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Written by Aaron Brummet Sunday, 26 November 2006 15:07

Since 1991, keyboardist Medeski, percussionist Martin, and bassist Wood have been exploring and expanding the meaning of "experimental jazz."

at Mississippi Nights, St. Louis
8 p.m. | all ages
TIX: $25 | CALL: 314-421-3853

Since the beginning of time (or at least the '60s), many musical acts have chosen to forgo a formal band name in favor of simply combining their own. Folk legends Simon and Garfunkel. Supergroup Crosby, Stills and Nash (and sometimes even Young). Prog rockers Emerson, Lake and Palmer. But in recent years, few of these groups have garnered the critical praise and respect of avant garde artists John Medeski, Billy Martin, and Chris Wood. Since 1991, keyboardist Medeski, percussionist Martin, and bassist Wood have been exploring and expanding the meaning of "experimental jazz."

With their tendency to incorporate funk, soul, free jazz, fusion, and even jam band moments into their albums and live sets, MMW have, together and separately, been highly sought after collaborators. Now, eight years after performing on guitar aficionado John Scofield's album A Go Go, the futuristic trio has rejoined their friend and ally to release the first ever MSMW album, Out Louder. The new record continues to broaden the crew's horizons by including blues, reggae, and salsa jams among their groove-heavy offerings. If that isn't enough, a take on the Beatles' ballad "Julia" should be sufficient to win over the casual listener. With this release, the first on MMW's Indirecto label, the group truly brings unlimited freedom to the definition of jazz. | Aaron Brummet

Tour dates: 12/3: Lawrence, KS | Liberty Hall; 12/4: Columbia, MO | Blue Note; 12/5: St. Louis, MO | Mississippi Nights; 12/7: Minneapolis, MN | First Avenue; 12/8: Milwaukee, WI | The Rave (Eagles Club); 12/9: Chicago, IL | Vic Theatre; 12/10: Indianapolis, IN | The Vogue