Shack-Man [Import]

Medeski Martin & Wood, Medski,martin&wood | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Video Arts Japan
• ASIN: B00000G6CN
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #984,281 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #84 in Music > Indie Music > Rock > Funk Rock

Track Listings

1. Is There Anybody Here That Love My Jesus

2. Think

3. Dracula

4. Bubblehouse

5. Henduck

6. Strance of the Spirit Red Gator

7. Spy Kiss

8. Lifeblood

9. Jelly Belly

10. Night Marchers

11. Kenny

12. Macha [Extra Bonus Track]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Released in 1996, Shack-man may be the quintessential MMW disc. From the opening cover of the traditional spiritual "Is There Anyone Here that Love My Jesus" to the mellow swirls of the closing "Kenny," the emphasis is on the almighty groove; though John Medeski (here pumping everything from Hammond B-3s to toy pianos) and bassist Chris Wood are much flashier players, it's drummer Billy Martin who really gets (and keeps) the party going. The laid-back, sunshine-and-palm-trees vibe of Hawaii (where Shack-man was recorded) creeps into some of the tracks, but the overall feel is more New Orleans than Waikiki. --Dan Epstein

From the Label

The material for their latest release, SHACK-MAN, was mostly composed and developed on the road during the last year in which they played over 200 shows. The band's third Gramavision release and fourth album overall was recorded in their tropical sanctuary, a shack in the remote jungles of Hawaii. “There's a certain vibe we get into musically in Hawaii that we don't get into on the road," says Medeski. "It was always our dream to make a record there. The sound of the Shack is amazing.”

With ten new compositions and a remarkable revamping of the traditional “Is There Anybody Here That Love My Jesus,” MMW emerge as America's favorite groove band. Although critics have compared their unique musical hybrid to the soulful organ jazz of Jimmy Smith, the cosmic voyages of Sun Ra and Miles Davis in the 70's, these versatile keyboard, bass, and drum virtuosos hew just as closely to the dance floor pop and street savvy funk of Booker T & the MG's, Sly and the Family Stone, and James Brown. The instant accessibility and musical depth of such Shack-man tunes as “Dracula,” “Bubblehouse,” and “Strance of the Spirit Red Gator” invite music fans of every stripe into the Shack, spacious home to the universal groove.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There is no music like this music!!, January 11, 2004

By 

Kevin Currie-Knight "Education Grad Student" (Newark, Delaware) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Shack Man (Audio CD)

It has been a about a year since I've listened to this, but putting it on now leaves me confident that I'll never leave these grooves on the shelf that long again. Maybe it is my 'fresh ears' coming back to it anew, but I never realized quite the extent of the magic achieved on this disc; I knew it was good then, but...!

On this album - there best to date even though they've 'dropped' several since - covers all the bases: funk, punk, jazz, hip-hop, even a spot of trickling ambience. For those who've not heard MMW before, it is hard to describe: picture the slammin'est hip-hop bass/drum combo you've ever heard paired with a keyboard player playing in three different keys which normally might be unnatractive but somehow it sounds so good that you just don't care! Yup, that's it...with just a tad more attitude than what you've envisioned.

The big wiinners on the disk are "Is there anyboddy here that love my jesus", "Dracula", "Strance of the spirit red gator", and "Night Marchers. The grooves are killer, the improv is intense, the three musicians have never sounded better, and the vibe is completely tight. No complaints.

Enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Amazing, January 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Shack Man (Audio CD)

BUY THIS ALBUM!! It is the best MMW CD to date. Billy Martin is one of the most talented drummers in the business today. John Medeski has some of the most unique and interesting ogran/piano sounds ever to be heard. Chris Wood is also outstandig from start to finish.

p.s. If these guys ever come to your town do yourself a favor and check them out. They are an amazing live band.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you want to get into MMW, this CD is where to start, August 10, 1999

By 

"discostu00" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shack Man (Audio CD)

For all of you who have heard about Medeski, Martin, and Wood's talents and great live shows, and want to see what all the hype is about, start here. Shack-Man is defenitely their most coherent effort. This CD made me want to go out a buy more of MMW.Shack-Man is filled with infectious grooves that will leave you with it's sounds stuck in your head all day. That's a good thing.