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Medeski, Martin & Wood

Since 1991, jazz trio Medeski, Martin and Wood (MMW) have been a part of the underground scene, gaining notoriety while touring and releasing albums throughout the past seventeen years. MMW has won fame and kudos for being a group that really brings out their talent in their performances. They are known for going on extended improvs, reaching rare, atonal heights embedded in arrhythmic grooves that can sometimes leave audiences scratching their heads. Their exploratory nature can be seen in the multiple skills each member holds. John Medeski is a keyboard/organ/piano player, has done solo projects, led smaller bands and has even scored a film. Billy Martin is a drummer/percussionist who runs his own record label and released a percussion instruction book. Chris Wood is a bassist and frequently plays with his brother’s band, the Wood Brothers. MMW’s regular collaborations with artists from the jam-band Phish to the hip hop stylings of DJ Logic can take them far from their jazz roots. The current northeast tour is one of three tours planned for 2008, each following a simple formula: Write the music, take it on the road, return to the studio and record it. So this year should see three tours and consequently three albums of all new material.

Tuesday, February 26 at 8pm. The Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900/www/townballroom.com). $25 advance (box office, New World Record, Terrapin Station, Tickets.com, Tops Markets)

or $27 at door. All ages.