The Hawk

Issue date: 11/17/06 Section: Entertainment

Scofield has played with generationally iconic jazz greats.

If you combine a young, hip trio with a jazz guitar legend that has played along with the likes of Charles Mingus and Miles Davis, you get Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood. The Brooklyn-based jazz group of Medeski, Martin and Wood has a well-respected career composed of legendary live performances and easily recognizable albums. Their forces collided with guitarist John Scofield at the Electric Factory on Nov. 11 because they are backing their new album, Out Louder, that they recorded together and released in September. The four are no strangers to each other, though. Scofield requested the help of MMW for his 1998 album A Go Go.

At the beginning of the show, a no frills attitude was expressed to the audience as the band went right to work. Bassist Chris Wood took a very nice solo working up and down the fret board as the rest of the band took in what he was communicating. It was filled with energy that went right through everybody in the room. John Scofield immediately contributed to the jam. He bobbed his head enthusiastically and smiled at the crowd with delight, as he knew that what was pouring out of him was special.

"Little Walter Rides Again" was a highlight in the first of the two set show. Billy Martin helped keep the music going as it began to fizzle out. His use of bells and other hand percussion instruments proved to be effective. His drumming throughout the show was smooth, passionate and downright funky. John Medeski also chimed in with his haunting organ playing and hip-hop influenced keyboard work.

After a long set break, the band picked up right where they left off. They opened with "A Go Go" off their first album together. With a flawless delivery, this version showed the deep camaraderie that has formed between the four. The version did not stray far from how it was on the album but the conveyance was breathtaking.

The whole show was very energetic but a beautiful breath of fresh air was introduced when the group did a cover of The Beatles' "Julia." Although there were no words sung, the beautiful melody resonated in Scofield's guitar work and faded out with the rest of the band putting their twist on it. This was jazz at its finest. MSMW prove that sometimes the best things are left unsung.

The brief second set quickly came to a crashing close with the intense "What Now." The band then came back on for an encore. "Amazing Grace" was recognizable right from the start and served as a fitting end to the night's show. With a great night of jazz, MSMW proved that working in partnership with the other side of the spectrum equates for amazing results.

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