ArtsEtc.

Groove geniuses make bland return

For anyone who likes John Scofield or Medeski, Martin and Wood, Out Louder is very exciting to think about. For anyone who loves these guys together, this album is even more thrilling. After all, the last time Scofield and MMW teamed up, they recorded A Go Go, one of the most influential funk/jazz efforts since late Miles Davis. That was about eight years ago, and now these jazz and jam (I suppose) veterans return for a second effort, under the name Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood. Jazz musicians sure are creative.

While this album still grooves like any MMW effort, it completely fails to achieve anything near the dynamic level of the group's earlier work on A Go Go. Granted, matching the potency of the musicians' first joint effort would have been near impossible, but Out Louder not only fails to live up to its standard, it somehow manages to fall considerably beneath it.

Don't get me wrong, Medeski, Martin and Wood groove in a way not many other groups can. It comes naturally to them, and the result is a wonderful blend of funk and jazz that is irresistible. You can call it funky, you can say it grooves, you say whatever you want, but the band gels in a way that makes head nodding and foot tapping infectious. MMW, including Scofield, are talented jazz musicians whose affinity for funk has allowed them to cross over to more rock- and jam-based audiences. While MMW were originally a jazz trio with organ, drums, bass and an occasional horn section, their progressive nature has pushed their musical boundaries, catching the ears of a variety of listeners. The same is true of Scofield. That is what makes Out Louder all the more unsatisfying. This album is too bland and too much of the same.

On Out Louder, MMW take on song writing responsibilities, unlike A Go Go, which was essentially made of Scofield songs. True to form, MMW delivers 13 tracks of swinging funk. The end product sounds just like MMW, and in many ways the whole album feels like just another release by the band. In stark contrast to Scofield's skilled songwriting, MMW seem to wander without direction on most of the album. John Scofield really does not do much to stand out on Out Louder, and that is very disappointing. Other than a great solo on "Hanuman," his presence is essentially nonexistent.

Perhaps, as a big fan of both Scofield and MMW, I have unrealistically high expectations. However, this album is too flat and generic, and that is usually the last thing I would expect from these musicians. Bassist Chris Wood's musicianship is still clearly present, as is John Medeski's ear for percussive and bluesy melodies. There is still no doubt that these guys are the best in their business, and that is really why the rehash known as Out Louder is truly a let down.

I've heard Out Louder labeled as an edgier version of A Go Go, with new sounds and more aggressive production, but I would call it watered down and disorganized. The meaningless wandering as the album progresses is something I would expect of Phish, not anything that either John Scofield or Medeski, Martin and Wood would put their names on.

Grade: 2 out of 5