Two-thirds of the famed avant-garde jazz-groove fusion trio Medeski, Martin Wood celebrate a nearly two-decade long relationship on this free for all, high-spirited collection of duets recorded in July of 2006. While there is no question that Martin is an inventive drummer and few can top Medeski for pure Hammond B-3 genius, the two launch their unique side project in a strangely off-putting way. If the frenetic, melody free and insanity-filled opening track is Introducing Mago, then Mago is a schizophrenic, loudmouthed character who won't make many friends. Fortunately, the two settle down into something that resembles sensible music for most of the rest of the set, building a cool, hypnotic groove on Crustaceatron that is trippy and out there, but at least more conventionally structured. They finally hit pay dirt on the jumpy and playful Mojet, which -- like the similarly throbbing Bamboo Pants -- sounds like a throwback to the funky old-school soul-jazz of Booker T. the M.G.'s, with a few modern, percussive twists. They then take the listener to church for a spell on the brooding Apology. Most of the collection is both engaging and inventive, but of course -- knowing that it's the true fans who will be listening -- Martin and Medeski choose another wacky, crazymaking assault to close the set, this one titled L'Aventura. The recommendation for all who are not in the cult of M,MW and thus won't forgive them their indulgences: skip the opener and closer and get grooving with the cool stuff in between. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi

1		Introducing Mago
2		Crustaceatron
3		Mojet
4		Apology
5		Bamboo Pants
6		Thundercloud
7		Bonfa
8		Safak
9		Miss Teardrop
10		Syncretism
11		L'aventura
12		Bamboo Pants [Short and Raw Version]