Oscilloscope Laboratories, teaming up with MVD Entertainment Group, is excited to announce the release of “Not Not Jazz” on video on demand and Blu-ray DVD on August 11th. Directed by Jason Miller and produced by Tyler Davidson, Jim Stark, and Elie Weiss, this documentary dives deep into the unique and improvisational creative process of the groundbreaking ‘avant-groove’ band Medeski Martin & Wood. The film captures their journey as they record a new album at the renowned Allaire Studio, marking 25 years since the band’s formation. Premiering at the Woodstock Film Festival, close to where it was filmed in New York’s Hudson Valley, it also recently screened at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN this past spring.
Reflecting on the project, director Jason Miller shared: “Meeting John, Billy, and Chris and being trusted to document their musical process and personal lives has been incredible. It was a long and challenging journey to bring this film to life, and I learned a lot from them along the way. I hope everyone who watches the film finds something meaningful in it.”
Medeski Martin & Wood seamlessly blend avant-garde improvisation with groove-based jazz, gaining recognition both as innovative musicians and a hugely popular act. Emerging from the New York Downtown scene in the early ’90s, MMW embarked on extensive cross-country tours before returning to Manhattan to refine their sound through various experimental projects. Each member—keyboardist John Medeski, drummer/percussionist Billy Martin, and bassist Chris Wood—had previously collaborated with notable artists like John Lurie, John Zorn, and mentor Bob Moses throughout the ’80s. The trio officially came together in 1991 for a gig at New York’s Village Gate and soon began rehearsing in Martin’s Brooklyn loft. This led to their first self-released album, “Notes from the Underground,” in 1992. As they toured more broadly, Medeski transitioned from the grand piano to the Hammond B-3 organ, further defining their distinctive sound.
