Notes from the Underground
Medeski Martin & Wood · 1992
72 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and avant-garde improvisation that invites listeners into a playful sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hermeto's Daydream — This track serves as an introduction to the band's eclectic style, featuring intricate rhythms and spontaneous melodies that highlight their improvisational prowess.
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Orbits — With its hypnotic groove and engaging call-and-response passages, this track exemplifies the interplay between the musicians and their ability to create a dynamic soundscape.
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Caravan — The reinterpretation of this classic jazz standard showcases the trio's unique ability to blend traditional elements with modern improvisation, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong improvisation and unique blends of styles, establishing a distinct sound in jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with tracks often exceeding five minutes and allowing for spontaneous exploration.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of themes
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- invites spontaneous listening adventures
- for focused afternoon sessions
- immersive journeys through sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established their reputation in the jam band scene.
- Career context
- In 1992, Medeski Martin & Wood released 'Notes from the Underground' as their debut album. This marked the beginning of their exploration into blending jazz with elements of funk and world music, setting the stage for their future experimental work. The album arrived shortly after the trio formed in 1991 and showcased their innovative approach to instrumental music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bad Plus· Snarky Puppy· Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hermeto's Daydream 7:13
- 2 The Saint 6:58
- 3 La Garonne 5:52
- 4 Orbits 4:27
- 5 Uncle Chubb 7:05
- 6 Rebirth 6:28
- 7 Otis 4:44
- 8 United 8:30
- 9 Caravan 8:20
- 10 Querencia 12:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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