Free Radio Welcomes John Medeski In Asheville

Asheville’s own Free Radio was joined by renowned Medeski Martin & Wood keyboardist John Medeski for a hometown show last Thursday night, August 26. Medeski sat-in with the hip hop collective at various points of Thursday’s concert at Asheville Music Hall.

John Medeski teamed with Free Radio for a “Free Jazz Jam” to start the hometown act’s first set. The keyboardist returned in the second set to add to a number of songs, including covers of Stevie Wonder’s “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” and Yoko Ono’s “Where Do We Go From Here?” as well as originals “Up, Up & Away” and “Purpose.” Medeski’s Saint Disruption project collaborated with Free Radio for a take on “Where Do We Go From Here?” featured on the Asheville-based band’s recently released Earthworms album.

Free Radio began the evening’s encore with their own spin on Valerie June’s “Astral Plane.” John Medeski then reemerged for the “Well Wishes” finale. Studio versions of both songs are included on Earthworms.

Medeski and Saint Disruption played Asheville’s The Grey Eagle on Sunday night. Free Radio returned the favor by singing with Saint Disruption at The Grey Eagle.

Watch John Medeski join Free Radio on a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” below captured by Matt Henson along with a handful of short clips from the show:

Setlist

Set One: Free Jazz Jam* > Revival, Payroll, The Royal We, Back In My Day, What I Manifest, Waking Justice, Autumn Tragedy, No Woman No Cry, Something In the Water, Last Poet First, Come Down

Set Two: Up, Up & Away*, Outer Limits, You Haven’t Done Nothin’*, That Bull Shit, Dreaming, Baby Be Mine, Where Do We Go From Here?*, Paradise, Hard Headed, Purpose*

Encore: Astral Plane, Well Wishes*

* – w/ John Medeski