A fan-shared photo from a nostalgic r/jambands thread captures Medeski Martin & Wood (MMW) performing at the Toronto Jazz Festival in June 1996. The image shows the trio—John Medeski on keyboards, Billy Martin on drums, and Chris Wood on bass—under a simple tent stage with minimal lighting and modest rigging, perfectly illustrating their grassroots, raw energy during the era.
Known for their innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and hip-hop, MMW was defining their signature avant-groove sound around this time, highlighted by their 1996 album Shack-Man. Fans reflected on the vibrant jam band community of the ‘90s, recalling the culture of live tape trading that spread the band’s influence far and wide.
The thread also conjured memories of Medeski sitting in with Leftover Salmon at the 1996 H.O.R.D.E. Festival, where he joined them for a spirited set including “Zombie Jamboree” and “Hey Joe.”
Closer to home, MMW’s intimate “shack parties” at NYC’s Knitting Factory—sold-out Monday night residencies celebrating Shack-Man—were legendary, fostering a tight-knit scene augmented by guests like DJ Logic.
This flashback underscores how MMW’s early years were steeped in community and creative experimentation, traits that still resonate in their music and live shows today.
Source: r/jambands