Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood Performance & Interview on KPLU FM 7.3.2014 [NPR Audio & YouTube Video]

Jamband heroes Medeski, Martin & Wood are teaming up with guitarist extraordinaire John Scofield for a new album called Juice, set to be released on September 16, 2014. This will be the quartet's 4th album together, following Scofield's A Go Go (1998), and their more recent albums as Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood: Out Louder (2006), and In Case the World Changes Its Mind (2011).

The band stopped by KPLU Radio, the NPR affiliate in Seattle, to perform a few songs and talk with host Abe Beeson about the new album and how they first came together in the late '90s. Above, you can hear the full 27+ minute segment, and below you can watch a video of what will be the opening song on Juice: "Sham Time."

Throughout the performance, John Medeski and John Scofield shine as true virtuosos. They show not only incredible chops in playing with speed and precision, but also great feel. The melody and harmony are familiar while also being adventurous. You can hear New Orleans swing, bebop, blues, soul, funk, rock, and so much more in their music.

The rhythm section of Billy Martin on drums and Chris Wood on bass is about as good as any in jazz history. They show an ability to play understated parts that leave plenty of room for the two Johns, but they also know how to go out on their own. Most importantly, they groove their asses off.

During the interview, they talk about a couple cover songs will go on the album, like a "dubbed out" 11+ minute version Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love" and Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'." They also talk about how they never fit into the music industry because they straddle the line between rock and jazz, with influences across the board. They also discuss the "generation gap" between Scofield and the three members of MMW. Some good laughs in there, for sure.

Pre-order Juice on Amazon.

Source: KPLU.org