Medeski Martin and Wood @ Celebrity Theatre
October 15th, 2007 - by Mark DiOrio
Right as Medeski started I noticed that the guy two rows in front of me, as well as a dude next to me, had both passed out. They must have partaken in some heavy pre-show boozing, which is a shame. You don’t get smashed and scream “Freebird” at a MMW show. It’s the kind of show where you maintain a buzz throughout and let the jazz take over.
Medeski Martin and Wood is a Jazz trio consisting of John Medeski on the keys, Billy Martin on percussion and bassist Chris Wood. The group formed in 1991 in Brooklyn N.Y. and since then has generated international acclaim. This performance was part of the Jazz in AZ 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert at the Celebrity Theatre in central Phoenix.
The trio puts on an absolutely, incredible live show and Celebrity Theatre is probably my all-time favorite place to see a concert. It is a classy place (there are seats) with a large spinning stage that allows you to see the performance from all angles without getting up. There isn’t a bad seat in the house.
I was surprised that Celebrity was only about half full for this show, but it made sense considering the pricey $45 tix. With parking and a couple beers, that is an expensive night. However, this show is well worth it. I have a few MMW albums, but listening from home doesn’t compare to the live experience. The set is a constantly flowing improvisation leaving you wondering what will happen next. John Medeski was strumming the strings on the piano one minute and then on the floor playing a melodica (a wind piano) at the same time, which was another instrument that I have never seen before. (it looked like a combination of a briefcase and an accordion, awesome!)
Billy Wood on percussion had a large assortment of abstract sound devices as well. He was constantly on the move generating an amazing sound, sometimes even on the floor with cowbell-type devices. It is apparent that this trio has an incredible connection and comfort level allowing them to produce this unique sound.
During the show, there were two interesting dancers, one on each side of the stage. The dude to my left was quickly apprehended and asked to move out of the isle. The chick dancer to my right was not bothered and danced away with some accomplices throughout the show. This was pretty funny considering everyone else in the place was seated the entire time. The crowd was diverse, ranging from hippies to seniors. Overall an incredible evening. If you ever have a chance to catch this act, don’t hesitate. And don’t get trashed before the show.
