Medeski Martin & Wood: Sugar Craft
Track
Sugar Craft
Group
Medeski Martin & Wood
CD
Combustication (Blue Note 93011)
Musicians:
John Medeski (keyboards), Chris Wood (bass), Billy Martin (drums),
DJ Logic (turntables)
.Composed by John Medeski, Billy Martin, Chris Wood
.Recorded: New York, 1998
Rating: 86/100 (learn more)
Combustication marked the point where MMW began to stray from the typical organ trio format in search of a progressive and innovative sound that was solely their own. Their hip-hop influence becomes more audible here, heard heavily in Martin's streetwise beats, but most notably through the addition of turntable guru DJ Logic. MMW praised Logic's musicianship, rhythmic sense and his sensitivity as an accompanist. On "Sugar Craft," his resourcefulness and creativity are apparent as well, as he at times provides an ethereal sonic tapestry, plays off Medeski's comping, or fills gaps with well-timed rhythmic scratching and samples. Though he toured with the group for only a little over a year, Logic's influence remains strong to the present, as MMW continues to investigate the fertile boundary where jazz meets hip-hop.
Reviewer: Matt Leskovic
Tags: 1990s jazz · fusion · hip-hop
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