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Sat 24 Feb – Medeski, Martin and Wood

Last night (February 24th, 2007) John Medeski, Billy Martin and Chris Wood aka Medeski, Martin and Wood gave an excellent show at Teatro de la Ciudad de México in Mexico City.

The show was started by a Mexican fusion band called Cabezas de Cera. I had never heard this band before and I kinda liked it. They integrate a lot of instruments in their music. The "string guy" played the Chapman Stick and other two instruments that, as the main man said, were created by this guy also. It was some sort of mandolin made from metal and the other one I don't know how to describe it. He had also effect pedals and he managed to make really good combinations with these instruments.

Then there was the drummer. He had a bass drum (A 22" one I think), a snare drum, a hi-hat, another pedal to play something I couldn't clearly see, a ride cymbal (maybe 16" or 18"), a splash cymbal, a programming console and some other electric effect devices. He plays very good.

Next was the main man. He played some flutes and a saxophone. He had also his effect computer and some microphones. All the time he played with distortion effects, including his voice.

Nice presentation by Cabezas de Cera. However, the last song the distortion at the very end was TERRIBLE. I remembered the very last of the G3 in Mexico and it was horrible. Besides that, everything good.

After a break, the SHOW started. Medeski, Martin and Wood took their places. Billy Martin started playing with the cowbell, Medeski was doing some effects and if I'm not mistaken, Wood was "walking" with the bass. After that "Interlude", the funk started.

Billy Martin's solos were terrifying. It's not just coordination but speed, he has very good speed. Also, he had his bizarre percussions. There were some metal rings, some metal bars, some wood toys (at least that's how they looked like from my seat) and a tambourine.

Because of their musical style, you could easily confuse the music with Medeski's solos. However, they were very catchy. If you closed your eyes, you could enjoy more the whole music, especially Medeski's.

Chris Wood also had his solos. He reminded me a lot Danilo Perez Trio's bassist, they play very similar. In fact, they know that bass solo is one of the hardest and they manage to pull them off easily.

At the very very last, Wood unplugged his bass and started playing. Medeski took a little piano and Martin something that made funny sounds. The three of them gathered at center and played unplugged. This was an excellent way to close their presentation.

Overall: one of the best concerts of my life!
Cheers and thumbs up!