It's a Jungle in Here

It's a Jungle in Here

ASIN: B000003228

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Pouring their jazz out of a postmodern blender, Medeski Martin & Wood reference Sly Stone, King Sunny Ade and John Coltrane on the same album; Thelonious Monk and Bob Marley in the same song ("Bemsha Swing-Lively Up Yourself"). And it works: By turn funky ("Beeah," "Shuck It Up") and avant garde ("Worms"), thoughtful ("Moti Mo," "Sand") and over-the-top ("Where's Sly?"), MMW know that for music to matter, it must reflect its time--and "to entertain" is not an evil verb phrase. This piano/organ, bass and drums trio (joined here by top-flight special guests on brass, woodwinds and guitar) is the voice of Future Jazz--and you can hear it now. --Suzanne McElfresh

From the Label
A look at the sources of MM&W's covers (King Sunny Ade, John Coltrane, Bob Marley and Thelonious Monk) gives a perfect sense of the trio's highly charged, all-encompassing groove. This Gramavision debut reveals a subtle sense of orchestration, as several tracks are enhanced by the presence of the Groove Collective horn section and guitarist Mark Ribot. There is also plenty of the trademark MM&W fire on the album that started the buzz on this band in earnest.

Tracks:

Beeah
Where's Sly?
Shuck It Up
Sand
Worms
Bemsha Swing/Lively Up Yourself
Moti Mo
It's A Jungle In Here
Syeeda's Song Flute
Wiggly's Way

Amazon.com

Pouring their jazz out of a postmodern blender, Medeski Martin & Wood reference Sly Stone, King Sunny Ade and John Coltrane on the same album; Thelonious Monk and Bob Marley in the same song ("Bemsha Swing-Lively Up Yourself"). And it works: By turn funky ("Beeah," "Shuck It Up") and avant garde ("Worms"), thoughtful ("Moti Mo," "Sand") and over-the-top ("Where's Sly?"), MMW know that for music to matter, it must reflect its time--and "to entertain" is not an evil verb phrase. This piano/organ, bass and drums trio (joined here by top-flight special guests on brass, woodwinds and guitar) is the voice of Future Jazz--and you can hear it now. --Suzanne McElfresh

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite MMW.......2006-06-17

I recently bought this album recently after trying to complete my back catalog on this band, and I was very impressed when I got to "It's a Jungle in Here". I think it is a prime example of what makes the trio great, and it distinguishes itself because of the great piano lines strewn throughout the music. I think it actually accentuates the music without overpowering it.

This is something that was missing a bit in more recent MMW albums as a straight up piano has been pretty much absent (until the recent "End of the World Party (Just In Case)"). The piano really makes the jazz stand out. Of course Martin and Wood are great here as always, although as an older piece of work, you won't hear the experimental tendencies that have become the norm.

I love the album though as it really expands on the variety that I've known MMW capable of as well as their appreciation of fine Jazz (i.e. Bemsha Swing by T. Monk).

These guys can do no wrong for music.......2006-03-13

3 1/2 stars

Exploring their hybrid jazz sounds from every percievable angle, M,M ,and W can only be accused of going too far into their tweaking and articulating of various themes, thereby undermining the overall theme of the song and album..That seems to be the only roadblock standing in their paths to creating a true masterpiece album, as they are the type of people that simply Cannot record a dull note...Blessed is the musician who balances out the far more overwhelming emptiness of souless, uninspired compositions!

great example of a new evolution in jazz music.......2006-01-01

its a jungle introduces you to one of the fastest evolving groups of this time. although this album was recorded with the most conservative instrumentation of any MMW album, on IAJIH MMW showcase their ability to reform the "organ" trio with liquid rhythms and virtuoso musicianship. the music on IAJIH projects a standard jazz feel, but beautifully combines bebop, stride, swing, rock, funk, free, and lounge styles into an impressive jazz fusion which creates a basis for MMW's futuristic sound. If your at all intrigued by the more recent experimental MMW albums, try this one out, and you will better understand the roots of this incredible trio. 5 stars easy, a groundbreaking work in the world of jazz.

All that Jazz.......2005-03-25

I was totally blown away by this album. I like the use of horns in early MMW. "Where's Sly", "Shuck it up", and "Wiggly's Way" were my favorite tracks on the CD, the latter being a very perfect end to the album. Get this album, nuff said.

A good song collection.......2002-08-15

The song 'Where's Sly' was my first introduction to Medeski Martin and Wood. It remains a favorite of mine. This CD is a very good listen, with the band in fatback groove mode. Check out the medly of 'Lively Up Yourself' and 'Bemsha Swing.' The humor and musicianship of this band is amazing. They always remind me that jazz was originally dance music.

Average customer rating:

It's a Jungle in Here
Medeski Martin & Wood
Manufacturer: Rhino Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000E7C6
Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

Beeah
Where's Sly?
Shuck It Up
Sand
Worms
Bemsha Swing/Lively Up Yourself
Mo Ti Mo
It's a Jungle in Here
Syeeda's Song Flute
Wiggly's Way

Average customer rating:

The Jungle, the Drum -n- the Bass
Unseen Guest
Manufacturer: Unseen Guest
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA9JWS
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music