Out of all the Medeski Martin and Wood records I must say that this one is my favorite. The trio has done it again, re-discovering their classic ambient jazz grooves and transforming them into a sound that far surpasses Uninvisible (2002).

By acquiring Dust Brother John King, they were able to produce a new sound with a clarity and depth greater than any album the combo has constructed thus far. Critics in the past have argued that the band's sound is rather esoteric with cryptic melodies and obscure beats. End of the World Party (2005) settles that dispute.


MMW has expanded the styles of a traditional jazz trio over the years by adding new elements and engendering a sound that is individual in its own right, relying equally on rhythm as well as the melodic progressions of each song.

Chris Woods' thumpin' bass lines and Billy Martin's drum grooves join forces with John Medeski's soulful clavinet to create a sound rivaled in coolness only by Steven Seagal's pony tail. A diversity among tracks maintains the album's flow, pushing tunes that are jam-packed with sound yet not congested with noise. One of my favorite tracks "Reflector" shows the band's new found love of high energy grooves as Medeski dominates the keys in a soulful takeover. "Mami Gato" then introduces a Latin trance that really emphasizes a sense of togetherness even amidst such a mixture of sounds. I added this album to the collection with **** stars and recommend that you do the same.

If you ever get the chance to see this band live I would highly recommend it. I first heard them in Boston's Orpheum right after Uninvisible had just been released. I saw them again later that year at Bonnaroo (2002) and then again earlier this year at Pearl St. in North Hampton during the End of the World Party tour and they always put on a good show.