This Is Kid's Music?

While thumbing around my music service last night for new releases I came across Medeski, Martin, and Wood's Let's Go Everywhere. My familiarity with the band was limited to knowing they were more interesting then Phish, but still hard to classify. Kind of jazz. Kind of folk. With a little bit of rock. Really popular with the Hipster and NPR set. The main thought that popped into my mind each time I heard of them was them sounded more like a law firm than a band.

Turns out Let's Go Everywhere is MMW's greatly anticipated children's album. If such a side project, basically the result of watching their kids play together, sounds so good then I am looking forward to digging into the rest of their catalog. The hooks these guys lay down, combined with vocals turns from friends and the kids themselves gives the album a loosely structured groove.

One of the best tracks is "Pirates Don't Take Baths" with lyrical duties being covered by Tim Ingham. The opener "Let's Go Everywhere" also features Ingham's deep-throated baritone on the microphone. He sounds like the cool Uncle who shows up to tell a few stories and sing a few tunes with the band. John Lurie, founding member of the Lounge Lizards, stops by spinning a story of growth and individuality on the memorizing "The Squalb."

What makes the listener feel as if they had been plucked down in band's studio are the band member's children. They pop up throughout the album reminding you who Let's Go Everywhere is actually for while adding to the private session ambiance. Some of the best tracks featuring their accompaniment are "Where's the Music" and "All Around the Kitchen." On the former the band pumps out a mid tempo jazz-funk groove and without warning stops. Before I could check what was wrong the children ask "Where's the music," prompting the band to churn out a few more bars. On the latter track you can guess what type of instrument the kids choose to pick up.

Let's Go Everywhere is the perfect antidote for the rainy, gray days that have descended upon many areas this winter. Once the clouds blow back to reveal the glorious sky again this album would also be excellent for a sunny day too.