(Jazz-Funk, Future Jazz, Fusion) Medeski Martin and Wood - Last Chance to Dance Trance (perhaps). Best Of (1991-1996) - 1999, FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

Last Chance to Dance Trance (perhaps): Best Of (1991-1996)
Medeski, Martin & Wood
Review
by Stacia Proefrock
13 songs from the funk-jazz period of Medeski, Martin & Wood's career before their move from Grammavision to the Blue Note label, Last Chance to Dance Trance documents the period when the trio was building their fan base both in and out of the jazz world. Irresistibly catchy, this album is pure organ-bubble-jam-pop. John Medeski consistently steals the show with his frantic massaging of the Hammond B-3, while Billy Martin and Chris Wood give the whole thing some backbone. Though their later mixing of jazz and sampling on Combustication and other albums would boldly go where no one had gone before, this album may very well represent the best portion of their career.

... Includes liner notes by David Baker.
A well-selected collection that deftly surveys Medeski, Martin & Wood's first five years together, LAST CHANCE TO DANCE TRANCE (PERHAPS), presents the New York City jazz group's transformation from an adventurous acoustic-oriented ensemble into a lively plugged-in, funk-loving act. Arranged in non-chronological order, the set includes the frenetic early tune "Hermeto's Daydream," a track that particularly calls attention to the versatile rhythm section of bassist Chris Wood and drummer Billy Martin, and "Bubblehouse," a soul-jazz-steeped number that highlights organ player John Medeski's love of a Hammond B-3 groove. While fans of the trio's later material may opt for the 2006 NOTE BLEU compilation, this anthology is the perfect place for MMW neophytes to begin exploring the band's catalogue.
Medeski Martin & Wood: John Medeski (piano); Chris Wood (acoustic bass); Billy Martin (drums).
Compilation producer: Medeski Martin & Wood.Entertainment Weekly (12/17/99, p.87) - "...should suit savvy jazz traditionalists, while their deconstructionist leanings will woo a quirkier, avant-garde crowd....BEST OF is a spiffy intro to the trio's funk-fortified excursions." - Rating: B+
Alternative Press (3/00, p.86) - 4 out of 5 - "...these guys just basically groove. You've got your uptempo-groove...midtempo-groove...And you've got your slow....here's where it all began, whatever it is."

# Audio CD (October 12, 1999)
# Original Release Date: October 12, 1999
# Number of Discs: 1
# Label: Gramavision
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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
Customer Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars - a "best of" that works, July 20, 2002
By: Matt Greer
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.
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5.0 out of 5 stars - jazz and hip hop meet, May 7, 2001
By: MidwestPlains
Although their music in constantly developing, this compilation is a good overview of the MMW sound.
The early 90's selections reveal MMW's jazz roots, and feature Medeski on acoustic piano. The other songs have Medeski on the thick and heavy tones of the Hammond organ (Chubb Subb has the tightest organ/string bass beat I've ever heard).
It's important to note that every song on this album reveals the group's hip hop influences. They approach every style of music, be it funk, jazz ballad, etc. with a "baboom boom kack!" kinda rhythm. Yet, MMW is not all rhythm and no melody, remember, they have jazz roots.
Their sound boils down to a combination of 3 main things: 1) the East Coast hip hop sense of rythym 2) an impeccably trained ear that can hear dissonance in jazz, or vice versa, and 3) virtuoso skill along with unselfishness among the members -this makes MMW who they are. In fact, any organ trio/jam band should have these 3 things if their worth their musical salt. MMW have them in abundance.
Check out: Soulive
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5.0 out of 5 stars - Jim Wilke, of Jazz Afterhours on PRI, play this CD!, January 27, 2000
By: "pearldragon1"
Medeski, Martin and Wood are phenomenal. In the sense of true musicians of any genre, each demontrates exemplary technical skill - but check out what they do with Track 5 - "Is Anybody Here That Love My Jesus?". Old Wisdom peaks through the windows of these youthful souls and causes us to blink with wonder and delight. They do no less credit to the rest of their selections in this compiled CD.
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MORE Customer Reviews at Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Last-Chance-Dance-Trance-perhaps/product-reviews/B00001ZSUM