Happy Birthday John Medeski: Live At Lucille’s With MMW In 1993

Keyboard master John Medeski turns 51 years old today. Best known for his work in Medeski Martin & Wood alongside drummer Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood, John is among the most recognizable performers in the jazz and jam scenes. MMW celebrates 25 years as a band this year and will soon mark the occasion with a pair of celebratory concerts. For Medeski’s 51st today, here’s a look back at an MMW performance featuring the band no long after their formation playing in Tennessee in 1993.

Lucille’s in Knoxville, Tennessee hosted John, Billy and Chris on September 12, 1993 for a show that was taped for the Live At Lucille’s television program. Five of the songs played that night appear in the footage that incorporates interviews with the three musicians between songs. The below video features the trio performing John Coltrane’s “Syeeda’s Song Flute” which would be recorded for their 1993 sophomore LP It’s A Jungle In Here. There are also renditions of “Chubb Sub” and “Hermeto’s Daydream” from their 1991 debut album Notes From The Underground and “Wiggly’s Way” and “Moti Mo” from It’s A Jungle In Here.

Watch MMW in action in 1993 along with discussions about their instruments, approach to their craft and more: