Radiolarians II

Medeski Martin & Wood | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 14, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Indirecto Records
• ASIN: B001U3ZZ1A
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,024 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #50 in Music > R&B > Funk > Jazz Funk

Editorial Reviews

A year ago, Medeski Martin & Wood set off on the innovative experiment known as The Radiolarians Series. The Radiolarians Series was designed to subvert the age-old music industry cycle of write>record>tour. The trio, consisting of keyboardist John Medeski, drummer Billy Martin, and bassist Chris Wood, convened for brief writing retreats, performed only that new material on tour, and then recorded the music immediately after getting off the road.

Indirecto Records is now releasing this material as a trio of records entitled Radiolarians I, II, and III.
To date, the band has completed 3 tours with dates stretching across the United States, South America, and Japan. The influences of these locations have found their way into MMW's writing and are being expressed through the music found on the Radiolarians Series. In September, Indirecto released Radiolarians I. This April 2009, Indirecto will release the second installment of the series, Radiolarians II.
The Radiolarians Series, designed to challenge the traditional format of touring after a record¹s release, has found Medeski Martin & Wood thriving and making some of their most creative and innovative music in years.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inventive jam-filled landscapes; hold the jelly, April 17, 2009

By 

A. Ostrow "ajkostrow" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Radiolarians II (Audio CD)

MMW simply don't seem able to produce a lackluster studio (or live) album - not that they ever should or would if they could. "Radiolarians II" doesn't necessarily build on "Radiolarians I," but like each successive effort from these guys, unquestionably three of the best musicians on the planet, it complements "I" and the rest of their ever-growing library of albums and sounds. Those looking for signature MMW all-out jams will make do with "Riffin' Ed" and "Amish Pintxos," both of which induce a fair bit of head-banging (I just can't dance). "Baby Let Me Follow You Down," which closes out the set (and which is the only non-original song here), is classic MMW blues, with the first M expertly riffing over W part-walking, part whole-note holding and the second M carressing the drums with his smooth brushes. I didn't want it ever to end, but after a too-short 6 minutes, it did; in fact, after a second and third listen, I wanted to give this album more than a measly 5 stars. MMW never really show off, especially in the studio. One often gets the feeling that they're holding back, building the anticipation so that when they do let loose (especially live) it's really something special. Only these three guys can create so much out of so little, and do it with such a down-to-earth attitude. "Radiolarians II" is a pleasure to listen to, and I feel that the meaner/rawer tracks that don't automatically make me want to move will only grow on me with (not too much) time. MMW have created a gem of musical landscapes that are a blast to wander in and out of, and for good measure (becuase how could they not?), have thrown in a bit of the funk, jam (not jelly) and laid-back panache only a band as cohesive as they are can create.

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid, better than than the first one, August 6, 2009

By 

Anthony Cooper (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Radiolarians II (Audio CD)

Medeski, Martin & Wood seemed to hit a creative wall with "End Of The World Party (Just In Case)". Since then they've successfully mixed things up with John Scofield, John Zorn, and now recording songs only after they toured with them. The first disc in the Radiolarians series unfortunately petered out after a strong beginning. This one stays strong. Beginning with the fuzz-toned "Flat Tires", this CD follows different sounds, keyboards, and moods to the bluesy end. "Chasen vs. Suribachi" is irresistable, "Riffin' Ed" sounds Sonny Clark-eque, and others sound sludgy, trancey, and/or experimental. Highly recommend to MM&W fans, it's one of their better discs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Stratospheric, June 20, 2009

By 

B. Svalberg - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Radiolarians II (Audio CD)

Radiolarians II was simply excellent. Although recognizable as vintage Medeski Martin & Wood, the work departs from the old and moves toward new and interesting destinations. I thoroughly recommend Radiolarians II.