Avant-jazz keyboardist John Medeski is known for his work with improvisational trio Medeski Martin & Wood. In 2000, Medeski produced and played on the self-titled debut by The Word, a gospel-meets-rock collective with North Mississippi Allstars that introduced the secular world to pedal-steel guitar phenomenon Robert Randolph. The band released a self titled album and toured in support. The band reunited in the summer of 2005 at the Bonnaroo Music Festival.

"The history of The Word reached back to our early years," says North Mississippi Allstars' Luther Dickinson. In 1998 we toured with Medeski, Martin & Wood and came up with the idea. This tour means a lot to us and we're looking forward to getting back together with old friends."