Medeski Martin & Wood - Last Chance to Dance Trance (perhaps): Best of 1991-1996

It's really no wonder the trio of John Medeski, Billy Martin, and Chris Wood hit it big with the improv-rock crew. Their grooves are impeccable and strong, at once taut and fully limber. And this collection shows that MMW knew their grooves even on their minor-splash debut, Notes from the Underground in the early 1990s, when Medeski played mainly piano. The tracks here range from organ-driven rhythmic twisters to slinky reggae covers ("Bemsha Swing/Lively Up Yourself," taken from 1993's It's a Jungle in Here) and all-out keyboard blasters built on loopy jazz-fusion rhythms (as on "Beeah"). Reprising the material that predates MMW's astonishingly successful Combustication, this album reveals a trio that has managed to combine grooves, postbop improvisation, and stellar talent without flinching from their first recorded outing. That you can catch the highlights of their first five releases--plus an unreleased live "Night Marchers"--on this one CD is a boon. --Andrew Bartlett Amazon.com

Great "best of"

This is a great album but I wouldn't recommend buying it. This album has a great assortment of songs which show off many of their older sides, but do not weave the wonderful stories their other complete albums do. I'd recommend buying either "It's a Jungle..." or "Shack man" and listen to it from start to finish a couple dozen times. Those are amazing experiences. Once you listen to those two, you will buy the rest of their music, and then have no need for this "greatest hits album." May 30, 2005

a "best of" that works

I often have issues with "best of" releases. Either just poor track selections or a failure for the tracks to merge into a cohesive whole. But that's not the case with Last Chance. It's excellent from start to finish and represents MMW very well.

MMW is a hip and modern jazz trio with a penchant for experimentation and funky beats. Their sound isn't for everyone. But if you're looking for something fresh and exciting, definitely grab this cd. It's a great intro to the group. July 21, 2002

...not for all jazz fans!...

...most of this disc had to grow on me, like that hand-like parasite from the alien movies...and after awhile it did just that!!! they grabbed me by the throat and told me to pay attention!!! they on some jazz-fusion stuff, not as hard as herbie hancock's 'rockit' but related...in fact, they probably can be considered the next generation art-of-noise (a group i use to love back in the day!)...some of the music here really stands out, i'm glad to have this in my collection... January 7, 2002

Who is the psycho who gave these guys a contract?

listen to this only if you're in need of a soundtrak for underwater alien observation or you're trying to drive someone crazy. This band (using that term loosely) sounds like a combination of people who've forgotten how to play their instruments and Dead Heads with nothing else to do. It is simply the worst thing I've ever heard. I saw them last night live and they were even worse in person. November 1, 2001

MMW AMAZING!

What an amazing cd, you have all the best of MMW and the jazzy hip hop feel of good times. This cd should be owned by all jazz fans! totally sick!!!!!

BUBBLEHOUSE IS DOPE! October 3, 2001

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