OUT LOUDER - MEDESKI, SCOFIELD, MARTIN & WOOD
Reprising their collaboration on 1998’s “A Go Go,” Medeski, Martin & Wood are back with jazz guitarist John Scofield for “Out Louder.” The mood is funky, and the outcome is nearly as noteworthy as the musicians’ previous disc. The MMW groove is improvisation, springing from a keen jazz sensibility and developing into anything from alt-jazz to gospel. Scofield vibes with the MMW ethic in a manner that is often profound, producing major thrills. For some fine jazz funk, cue up “Little Walter Rides Again,” “Down the Tube” and “Tootie Ma Is a Big Fine Thing.” Also note the absolutely lyrical cover of John Lennon’s “Julia,” the dissonant groove of “Hanuman” and a tasty rendition of Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It.” One of the more distinctive jazz discs of the year. Billboard
