Customer Reviews

Friday Afternoon in the Universe

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This, this! This is my favorite trio recording in my life so far. A while ago I claimed that The Dropper was a better album, but months later I can confidently say that this is the priceless MMw recording. Even if you prefer the accoustic MMW, this is such an emotional recording that just wont let you down. It's a perfect fusion of the new and old. On one hand you have Billy MArtin who really at this point, stepped into that on-the-one hip-hop sound, but then you have John Medeski really running with it. You'll hear such moody, united rythym that breaks right out of tangents to follow straight, hard, funk grooves or drum and bass jams. I love the play between the members (loose--> Tight). The focus of the album is that: loose tangents and avant-garde, dark sounds bursting into tight grooves. Some of the sounds are so touching they'll make you want to cry. John Medeski's reverb piano solo in "Last Chance to Dance Trance" makes me feel like I'm waltzing at a royal ball with the most beautiful woman ever touched. "Chinoiserie" has a loose jazz sound until the trio snaps into a united climax and Billy Martin takes a solo on drums. Fans of trio's, the ultimate setting for quality musicians, will immeaditely see the beauty in this recording. missing it would be a real goddamn shame. This is a testiment to the beauty of the Jamband scene. Brilliant!

I consider myself a music lover...fanatic would be a much better word. It embarrasses me that I did not learn of MMW sooner. Last Chance to Dance Trance is one of the sexiest songs I have ever heard. This groop can groove and blend unlike anyone I have ever listened to. This album is one of their best if not the best. Martin and Wood can shape the music into fantastic new directions that never cease to offer new perspecives. Like I said, LCTDT is mind-blowing music and Chinoiserie is another magical feat...I just can't get enough. MMW...DON'T EVER BREAK UP...THIS IS TOO GOOD

"Because it's pretentious and boring". Those are the words I hear when someone answers me the question: "why don't you like jazz". Than I lend Friday Afternoon In The Universe, third effort by Medeski, Martin & Wood, to this person and after some time he won't return it back to me.
Friday Afternoon In The Universe is one of the most catchy, funky jazz release I know. Instead of touching your mind, this music moves your body. The music is complex and easy to listen at the same time. Highly recommended to curious listeners and jazz enthusiast as well.

Imagine the strongest jazz rhythm section you can (bass, drums, keys), get rid of all the superfluous stuff that usually hides them (vocals, guitars, and light shows), and then let 'em get nice and funky. MMW are only about advancing their groove, with an egoless melding that baffles the mind. Each of the plays so loosely, yet together they offer something that's incredibly well structured.

This release is really good stuff - "Chubb Sub" especially - and is the release that got MMW's name out of NYC and into the many converstations nationwide. However, your interests might be inclined toward one of their other realeases. For example, _It's a Jungle in Here_ is a bit funkier, _Tonic_ is quite a bit more mellow, and _Notes from the Underground_ is a bit more convenitonal.

is this all time classic. everything is here. you got the funk, you got the reggae, you got the jaazzzz: people get up and dance to it. also they break with convention when they use their odd assortment of sounds in the spacier tracks. the beautiful Hop in the Step of "last chance to dance trance (perhaps)," combined with its sort of old world italian feel on the keyboard, this tune makes for a groovy, happy, but unusual listening experience. makes you want to both order a plate of pasta and also follow the wife around the pool with a bottle of wine begging her for just one dance. Track 14, "chubb sub," has one of the best bass intros i have heard. the groove is just too thick to wade through--you'll get stuck up to your waist in the groove. beautiful american art. americans, it's your culture: you are bound to own this album--the penalty for not owning this album, as determined by the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts), is 60 consecutive hours a week of britney spears and n'sync every week for one year. be smart and go buy this cd.

I love this cd. Totally chill, even with their (sometimes loud) sound experimentation. This album was my introduction to Medeski Martin & Wood, and it made me a big fan.

No trio in any music scene have the kind of chemistry that is displayed by these three guys. From beautiful soundscapes to butt shaking, organ drivin' grooves to vignettes that can make you laugh this is the best representation of MMW doing what they do best. If you don't own any MMW yet but you've heard their name thrown around, pickup "Friday..." and you'll soon hear what the buzz is about.

It's typical Medeski Martin and Wood in that it dances throughout your soul, letting you know how amazing these guys are. Songs like "The Lover", "Last Chance to Dance Trance (Perhaps)", "We're so Happy", "Chinoiserie", "Sequel", and "Chubb Sub" are all special in their own way. Yes, I know that this is almost every full-length song on the album, but all deserve being mentioned. It took me a couple of times to listen to the cd to realize that the shorter songs kind of serve as intros (particularly, "Paper Bass" and "House Mop"). I would say that if you are an MMW fan, you HAVE to have this cd, but most likely you already do; but if you are a new fan, this is a great introduction to them, although each one of their albums has its own distinct sound. ENJOY!

Add water, stir, and let it flow...these guys are amazing together. Some incredibly high moments occur in "We're So Happy"- beginning w/ the funky drummer embellishment and chaotic interplay of the upright/keys and on into the churning in/out of the main funky drummer groove, turning your world upside down, then rightside up ( a strange journey indeed). Check out the sexy-low-down groove on "Sequel"- the bass line is sooo nasty it's good for you...completely reminds me of the Darkk Bros. vibe (similar group out of Chicago). This was the CD that turned me onto these three groovesters. And if you enjoy this then do yourself a favor and check them out live! Guaranteed to shake out the dust! This CD contains a nice balance of textures and rhythms... a must have for any worthwhile Cd collection.

Imagine the strongest jazz rhythm section you can (bass, drums, keys), get rid of all the superfluous stuff that usually hides them (vocals, guitars, and light shows), and then let 'em get nice and funky. MMW are only about advancing their groove, with an egoless melding that baffles the mind. Each of the plays so loosely, yet together they offer something that's incredibly well structured.

This release is really good stuff - "Chubb Sub" especially - and is the release that got MMW's name out of NYC and into the many converstations nationwide. However, your interests might be inclined toward one of their other realeases. For example, _It's a Jungle in Here_ is a bit funkier, _Tonic_ is quite a bit more mellow, and _Friday Afternoon in the Universe_ is a bit more convenitonal.