Medeski, Martin & Wood's Shack Man is the best example to date of the trio's cerebral fusion of soul-jazz, hip-hop, and post-punk worldbeat. Relying on a laid-back groove for most the album, the group just rolls along. Shack Man is the kind of album that will appeal most to soul-jazz beginners; for aficionados, the lack of grit in the groove makes it rather tedious. ”
Released in 1996, Shack-man may be the quintessential MMW disc. From the opening cover of the traditional spiritual "Is There Anyone Here that Love My Jesus" to the mellow swirls of the closing "Kenny," the emphasis is on the almighty groove; though John Medeski (here pumping everything from Hammond B-3s to toy pianos) and bassist Chris Wood are much flashier players, it's drummer Billy Martin who really gets (and keeps) the party going. The laid-back, sunshine-and-palm-trees vibe of Hawaii (where Shack-man was recorded) creeps into some of the tracks, but the overall feel is more New Orleans than Waikiki.
01. Is There Anybody Here That Love My Jesus
02. Think
03. Dracula
04. Bubblehouse
05. Henduck
06. Strance Of The Spirit Red Gator
07. Spy Kiss
08. Lifeblood
09. Jelly Belly
10. Night Marchers
11. Kenny
*1996 Gramavision / Rykodisc | GCD 79514
Personnel:
John Medeski: Hammond B-3 organ, Clavinet, Wurlitzer electric piano, Pianet T, toy piano, Yamaha CSO1 II
Billy Martin: drums, percussion
Chris Wood: accoustic bass, electric basses, guitar
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