Medeski Martin and Wood @ Party in the Park

Well, I missed them twice in 2008, so it is nice to see them twice in 2009. Not quite as engaging as the show at the Smith, due in large part to the venue, but also the music just didn't get to the level of playing achieved previously. Last time I concentrated on the "and" factor, but at this show, as I am often drawn when I see MMW, I was magnetized to Wood. Being the free outdoor show that it was, the bass became the key in keeping the easily disengaged crowd rapt, and Wood delivered. Speaking of the crowd, it was an impressive turnout on a night when the skies threatened to open all night, and for a band who let's face it, doesn't exactly cater to the lowest common denominator after-work alcohol-fueled party in a parking lot. Speaking of the parking lot, what the heck is up with this great free music series still being held in the parking lot now that Manhattan Square Park is an available venue again? It was so much better when it was there and should be returned post-haste. Don't even wait until next year, do it now! Why not?

I missed the opener Giant Panda Geurrilla Dub Squad due to waiting out the storm that never hit. They continue to be one of those bands I always seem to miss for one reason or another.

MMW @ Smith Opera House

What is your favorite part of Medeski Martin and Wood? Is it the swirling "Medeski"? The percussive toy box that is "Martin"? Or perhaps the base, I mean bass, no wait, I meant base, of "Wood"? Me, I like the "and" part the best.
...and is what brings it all together
...and the way none of their tunes begin or end
...and the way they squeeze their equipment into the smallest possible space on stage
...and the old art and photos that sat in front of the stage
...and how much they always change while still staying pretty much the same
...and no matter how much I listen to them or how many times I see them, I still have no clue what just happened, what is happening right now, or what will happen next

Things I didn't like:
The venue! They were strictly enforcing their antiquated no camera rule. Seriously, give up, what a waste of your time. They would come by and look over people's shoulders to make sure they were texting and not taking photos with their phone.
The crowd! What the hey?! Calling the place half full might be the overstatement of the year. After getting sold out at the German House last year I was sure to get an advance ticket this time around. I was amazed at how few people were willing to make the 30m trip from Rochester or Syracuse on a Friday night no less.
We'll get another chance to see them soon enough as it was just announced they'll be playing the free Party in the Park series in downtown Rochester on June 25.

One other thing to note, during the last tune Medeski's Leslie Amp gave out and the roadies tried valiantly to fix it mid-song. As they were replacing parts Medeski would stray one hand off the Wurli to tap on the B-3. It wasn't clear to me if it was out of habit, or if he was trying to help out the roadies by testing it for them. Either way, they couldn't get it going. If they had, it would have been the greatest mid-song instrument fix since the time at a Jazz is Dead show I saw a roadie replace a drumhead during Billy Cobham's drum solo while Cobham hit every drum but that one.