Tonic (Medeski Martin & Wood album)

Tonic is a live album by experimental jazz fusion trio Medeski Martin & Wood recorded at Tonic in New York City from March 16–20 and 23–26, 1999. Medeski Martin & Wood played their first live performance at Tonic on July 4, 1998, not long after the club opened in the Spring of 1998. Like their first album, Notes from the Underground, Tonic was recorded in their original acoustic format: piano, bass and drums. This format was replaced by electric alternatives brought about by the restrictions of touring during the early 1990s. The setting and format of Tonic is reminiscent of Medeski Martin & Wood's acoustic roots. The live performance was conducted in front of a 150-person audience that almost surrounded the musicians.[2]

Tonic
Live album by
ReleasedApril 25, 2000
RecordedMarch 16–20 & 23–26, 1999
VenueTonic, New York City
GenreJazz
Length69:39
LabelBlue Note
ProducerMedeski Martin & Wood
Medeski Martin & Wood chronology
Last Chance to Dance Trance (Perhaps)
(1999)
Tonic
(2000)
The Dropper
(2000)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic [1]

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Invocation"Billy Martin, John Medeski, Chris Wood5:15
2."Afrique"Lee Morgan8:25
3."Seven Deadlies"Billy Martin, John Medeski, Chris Wood10:56
4."Your Lady" (Arranged by Bob Moses)John Coltrane9:12
5."Rise Up"Billy Martin, John Medeski, Chris Wood11:14
6."Buster Rides Again"Bud Powell7:36
7."Thaw"Billy Martin, John Medeski, Chris Wood11:32
8."Hey Joe"W. M. Roberts5:30

Personnel

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Credits

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  • Recorded live by Federico Cribiore
  • Prepared for mastering by David Baker and Mark Wilder
  • Mastered at Sony Mastering by Mark Wilder
  • Project manager: Mantis Evar
  • Inlay photo: Melissa Carusa
  • Art direction and design: Chippy

About David Baker (1945-2004) (Sound engineer) "A glance at his recordings reveals a phenomenal number of late-night favorites: Chico Hamilton: Still Sensitive, Paul Bley and Gary Peacock: Partners, Shirley Horn: Here's To Life, Astor Piazzolla: Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night, Richie Beirach Trio: Trust, Anthony Davis: Hidden Voices, and, of course, pretty much anything by Medeski, Martin & Wood".

References

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  1. ^ Steve Huey. "Tonic Review". Allmusic.
  2. ^ Federico Cribiore (2000). "Tonic is a special place.". Tonic [CD booklet]. Hollywood: Blue Note.