MMW Keyboardist John Medeski Interviewed at AAJ and More!

The Medeski, Martin & Wood band, one that has amassed followers like a snowball rolling down a mountain of wet snow since its emergence on the scene over 18 years ago, is one of those exceptional organizations that doesn't stick to playing what might be expected by its audiences. They don't play it safe, instead choosing to explore sounds, grooves, genres as the spirit moves them. And 2009 saw the spirit moving them a great deal.

For proof, Exhibit A is Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set, released Dec. 8, 2009, by Indirecto Records (the band's own label). It's a collection of music developed through the course of the year, some of it released previously as Radiolarians I, II and III, but now available in one package and augmented with more musical accessories.

AAJ Contributor R.J. DeLuke spoke with the trio's keyboardist, John Medeski, about the long process of creating Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set, keeping things fresh with MMW and working on side projects like the stunning Heaven on Earth (Half Note, 2009), with saxophonist James Carter, guitarist Adam Rogers, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Joey Baron, in his insightful interview, John Medeski: Strong as Ever with MMW, up at AAJ today.

You can also read what AAJ Managing Editor John Kelman has to say about Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set in his in-depth box set review, also published today at AAJ.

AAJ is committed to providing the most extensive coverage surrounding new jazz releases, so be sure to check out all the buzz surrounding John Medeski and MMW's Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set at AAJ today!