Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood

This summer marks the third appearance for John Medeski, Billy Martin, and Chris Wood, aka Medeski, Martin, and Wood, or MMW.
The experimental jazz-fusion trio will also have legendary funk guitarist, John Scofield joining them to perform tunes from Scofield’s album, 1998’s “A Go Go,” as well as MSMW’s 2006 release, “Out Louder.” HPR caught up with drummer Billy Martin while he was in New York earlier this summer.
HPR: Can you explain how the concept came to be, of the Radiolarian Recording Project of three tours, with three separate albums to ensue in 2008?

Billy Martin: Well, you know it started as a seasonal music and tour project. Each season we would go out and write music together and then perform it and develop it during this tour. And then we would come off the tour and record in our studio, basically that process gives us new music and the new record. And the Radiolarian came from a book that I found in a store, which basically is about microscopic, small little ocean-life creatures, like plankton. These beautiful skeletal structures and the imagery we liked so much, it could work in our design, so the title came out of that.

HPR: What differences are there for you as you prepare for a MSMW show, unlike a MMW gig?

BM: When we play with Scofield it’s a whole different thing. It’s definitely a departure from the other thing we are doing, which is nice. It keeps things fresh. We are always doing different things with Scofield, some new material and we leave one part of the show open for improvisation, which we do every show.

HPR: You are also hosting MMW Camp, and music camp for all ages of learners. What do you remember most about your music teachers?

BM: I had a lot of private teachers, and I think what I got out of that was more of a home-schooling thing. In this modern day there is not really a school that can teach you how to survive as a drummer. It’s not as simple as classical music or orchestra, teaching something like that. What I think I learned most from my teachers is probably just creating your own style and putting your individual self into your music.
HPR: Your first 10K performance (2004) was a MMW show. The second time you performed at 10K (2006), Trey Anastasio added some guitar to your set. This third appearance again will have a completely different feel, marking each set for its uniqueness. How does that translate into what MMW’s live shows are about?

BM: It translates into just being in the moment and playing the music of the day. Whoever is there, you play with them. The set with Trey happened because he was there and he wanted to play, so we let him come up. We made something together in that moment. You know, music for that day and that’s what makes it special.

Medeski, Scofield, Martin, and Wood: Field Stage, 10KLF; Sat., July 26, 4 p.m.