THE STONE: ISSUE FOUR

Quite successful for progressive jazz fusion releases year 2010 was finished with excellent live release from leading US nu jazz band - Medeski Martin and Wood. This live show was recorded in Japan and released in series of Stone music club releases (under the Zorn's Tzadik label umbrella) to support club's activities.

Musicians play all-acoustic and sound quality is excellent. In combination with very enthusiastic public and excellent track list, this release could be placed between best 2010 contemporary jazz/fusion recordings.Based mostly on funky piano sound, music has enough space for all three musicians though. It's so fantastic to hear that modern jazz fusion music could be such groovy, emotional and accessible at the same time without being cheesy or mellow! Don't be afraid of all-acoustic sound there - nothing sounds dated or old-fashioned on this album!

Tunes are great, musicianship is excellent, and even if this album doesn't bring you more experimental elements or unusual sounds ( even opposite - this music sounds a bit conservative as for such innovative band), this release is excellent demonstration of all best sides MM&W are so known about.

Excellent album for any lover of funky jazz fusion, and great entry for everyone searching on his way to modern jazz fusion! Very recommended.

My rating is 4,5,rounded to 5!