Medeski Martin & Wood - "Radiolarians II"

Much like it's predecessor, Radiolarians II grabs listeners' attention with Chris Wood's bass. However, instead of stringing you along with a few minutes of tinkering and noodling, you're hit with it immediately head-on. I really like how he introduced himself the last time around, the way he just dropped in and grabbed the groove on "First Light" in the midst of Medeski and Martin's improvisational mannerisms. But this time on "Flat Tires," there's no build-up and no suspense. Chris Wood is just there, playing some of the most physical and intense bass that we've ever heard in the MMW context. Though he comes in last in the namesake pecking order, he's defined their sound over the last few years, and has swollen MMW further than any 3-piece jazz outfit should be allowed to swell. It's completely evident in "Flat Tires," as well as in the brooding "Junkyard." These are the tracks that open Radiolarians II, and they solely belong to Chris Wood and his bass.

John Medeski and Billy Martin are, of course, still involved. Medeski's signature keys and piano are there at every turn--especially in "Amish Pinxtos"--and Martin's alter-ego--illlyB--lends his breakbeat drumming in more than one place ("ijiji" and "Chasen vs Suribachi"). That fiery avant garde insight and chemistry that has rocketed MMW since their early days in Brooklyn is as stellar as ever among the three. In fact, this is probably one of the most diverse and well-rounded MMW albums to date. But, I keep going back to Chris Wood and those first two tracks. For me, that's where the heart and soul of Radiolarians II lies.