Notes From the Underground [Digipak] [Remaster] by Martin & Wood Medeski (CD, Nov-2004, Amulet Records)

This was not the first MMW album I owned, but it is surely one of their top 5 efforts. Great acoustic jazz, with an edge, to say the least. After having been a fan of their music for a while, I've come to realize that MMW is probably the most talented trio to come along since the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Just as the Hendrix Trio did, MMW pushes the envelope and probably really don't care if you dig their stuff or not. I admit that some of the music they produce is totally unlistenable (see The Dropper), and a lot of it definitely challenges the listener. They're operating on a plane not known to most common folks. Anyway, I highly recommend this disc. BTW, their 5/5 discs are Tonic, It's a Jungle in Here, and End of the World Party, IMHO.