CD $13.28

Black Elk Speaks is a collection of improvised percussion pieces by Medeski, Martin & Wood drummer Billy Martin. Recorded over several years at Martin's home and at MMW's Shacklyn Studios, the disc is a self-described "musical adaptation to the spirit, visions, and stories of the great Ogiata Sioux warrior and medicine man Black Elk" (whose volume of writing lends its name to the album). Though not quite as forward-reaching as his Illy B Eats collection released earlier in the year, {$...   [ read more ]

CD $13.28

Some jazz musicians could care less what occurs outside of jazz; if it isn't straight-ahead acoustic jazz, they aren't interested. But other jazzmen not only acknowledge that other genres of music have merit -- they enthusiastically embrace them. Billy Martin, the Martin in Medeski, Martin & Wood, does exactly that on illy B Eats, Vol. 2, which finds the drummer in a hip-hop state of mind. This instrumental CD isn't an album of rapping any more than it is a hardcore jazz project;...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13