Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Medeski, Martin & Wood are set to release Omnisphere on Sept. 14.
(Photo: Michael Bloom)Medeski Martin & Wood is set to issue Omnisphere (Indirecto), a live disc the trio recorded in Colorado during 2015 with new music collective Alarm Will Sound, on Sept. 14. Below is a new arrangement of “End Of The World Party,” one of two tracks on the forthcoming disc reimagined from the group’s 2004 Blue Note album of the same name.
This latest version softens the composition’s groove a bit, but adds an ominous spirit through whirring keyboard supplements, and Alarm Will Sound’s brass and reeds.
Tour dates for MMW are forthcoming. Keyboardist John Medeski is set for fall dates with Mad Skillet, a new ensemble featuring guitarist Will Bernard, sousaphone player Kirk Joseph and drummer Terence Higgins. MMW bassist Chris Wood continues road work with the Wood Brothers, and percussionist Billy Martin is enmeshed in his role as artistic director for the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York. For more information about the group, visit its homepage. DB
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
