 Medeski
Martin & Wood annually haunt the city of New York every Halloween, and
2002 was to be no different. With Beck at the Beacon this go around, over one
thousand shackmen and shackwomen flocked to Hammerstein
Ballroom to hear the avant-garde psychedelic trio deliver they're patented
organic freakout groove. Additional musicians crowded the stage throughout the
evening, making for a special and spooky Halloween with MMW.
Percussionist Mauro Refosco joined Billy Martin for some trickery,
Steve Bernstein and the Uninvisible Horns rolled in for some sassy
brass melodies, sending the mad scientist himself back to the lab for some chronic
sonics. Guitarist Smoky Hormel added choice hollowbody comp to appropriately
dark and foreboding jams, the undercurrents being braved by the upright work
of Chris Wood. DJ Spooky in name and sound spiced the twisted
concoctions being brewed onstage.
Surrealism was the way as the band and some friends delicately called upon
spirits and energies from years past through the meditative percussion of "Stridulations."
The show went in waves, and some were groove-ridden, others harrowing. All in
together, a Medeski, Martin and Wood Halloween affair proper.
Philadelphia photographer extraordinaire/MMW aficionado Jaci
Downs was in full effect all over the Hammerstein, stoked on spook and shooting
her favorite performers in a fine hour indeed. Her images reflect the power
and passion towards her subjects and art form. Enjoy!
Brian Getz
JamBase | NYC/Philly
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