End Of The World Party -Justin Case

Medeski Martin & Wood: John Medeski (keyboards); Chris Wood (bass guitar); Billy Martin (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Marc Ribot (guitar).
Recording information: Shacklyn Studios, Brooklyn, NY; The Medina, Los Feliz, CA.
This 2004 Blue Note release by Medeski Martin & Wood is yet another example of this band's ability to create infectious grooves and fascinating tonal colors. This is not jazz, per se; MM & W frequently blur genre lines, experimenting with a variety of styles and sounds.
On END OF THE WORLD PARTY (JUST IN CASE), the trio continues in its quest for funky beats and intriguing soundscapes. "Shine It" and "Curtis" have a 1970s retro feel, and on these selections, the group uses a Fender Rhodes, a wah-wah pedal, and earthy drum sounds. In contrast, "Anonymous Skulls," and "End of the World Party" boast state-of-the-art, high-voltage energy. On these tunes, keyboardist John Medeski uses atmospheric sound effects to swirl around the melodies, generating strange, cacophonous noises. Labeled as a jam band of sorts, Medeski Martin & Wood stand out among their peers because of their attention to detail; their grooves are contagious, and they infuse their music with lots of uniquely quirky timbres and textures.