Medeski Martin & Wood: Retirement Song

Track

Retirement Song

Group

Medeski Martin & Wood

CD

Uninvisible (Blue Note 35870)

Buy Track

Musicians:

John Medeski (keyboards), Chris Wood (bass), Billy Martin (drums),

Danny Blume, Scotty Hard (guitars), Eddie Bobé (percussion), DJ P Love (turntables)

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Composed by John Medeski, Billy Martin, Chris Wood

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Recorded: Brooklyn, NY, 1999

Albumcovermedeskimartinwood-uninvisible

Rating: 92/100 (learn more)

Similar to no other tune in the MMW songbook, "Retirement Song" finds the trio radically extending the sonic possibilities of their music. Borrowing equally from hip-hop, minimalism, electronica, and Herbie Hancock's "Rockit," it is an effective experiment in layering, texture, color, and the interconnectivity of rhythm and melody. A piece like this could easily sound overproduced or synthetic, but "Retirement Song" pulsates with organic vibrancy. Melodically, the focus is on the trance-inducing, contrapuntal guitar lines which provide a static hook over which Medeski's echoing synths are eerily suspended. Wood's ostinato bass provides an anchor, freeing the rhythmic components – drums, percussion and turntables – to constantly shift their accents around the hypnotic pulse. Want to see into the future? Download this track.

Reviewer: Matt Leskovic

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