Notes From the Underground

Released in 1992 on Accurate Records, Notes From the Underground serves as the debut statement for Medeski Martin & Wood. It is a historical outlier in their discography because it features John Medeski exclusively on acoustic piano, eschewing the Hammond B3 organ that would define their signature sound on subsequent Blue Note releases. Chris Wood plays acoustic bass throughout, further anchoring the album in a 'traditional' but experimental jazz framework. The album was recorded during the height of the Downtown NYC jazz scene and features contributions from a horn section led by Steven Bernstein, adding layers of post-bop complexity. Critics, particularly at AllMusic, have noted its departure from the trio's later funk-heavy output, praising its raw improvisational spirit and the technical prowess of the trio in a purely acoustic setting. It remains a vital piece of the 90s jazz revival, bridging the gap between the avant-garde and the emerging jam band aesthetic.