The Word—featuring John Medeski, Robert Randolph (pictured at top), and the North Mississippi Allstars—will reunite for this special Jazz Fest after-show for the first time since 2012. It will be the supergroup’s only performance at Jazz Fest and one of only three shows the band is currently scheduled to play. The other two are in New York.
The idea for the band originated nearly fifteen years ago, when Medeski, Martin and Wood joined the North Mississippi Allstars on tour. In 2000, The Word became a reality when pedal-steel guitar master Robert Randolph joined Medeski and NMA in the studio to record their self-titled debut. The 2001 release was hailed as one of the best albums of the year and the group toured briefly to promote the record before each returning to their respective careers. The show at the Joy Theater promises to be a rare treat, the likes of which have not been seen in over two years.
The Word is an all-star group of musicians, boasting multiple Grammy nominations among them. All are masters with varied resumes, making The Word a true collaborative project drawing from a variety of genres, with a distinct emphasis on rock, blues, and gospel.
Keyboardist John Medeski devoted much of 2013 to recording and performing with avant-garde pioneer and MacArthur fellow, John Zorn. Additionally, Medeski Martin & Wood recently made two collaborative recordings, one with Wilco guitarist, Nels Cline and the other with longtime friend and collaborator, John Scofield, both due for release in 2014. Medeski is also a frequent guest with Phil Lesh’s band, Phil & Friends.
Likewise, the North Mississippi Allstars released a career-defining album in 2013, World Boogie is Coming. A blues-infused roots rock album, the band produced it themselves at their own Zebra Ranch Studios in Hernando, MS. The album features guest appearances from a number of artists including Robert Plant, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Sharde Thomas.
Guitarist Robert Randolph’s prowess and distinctive mix of rock, funk, and R&B has garnered him a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and he has been joined on stage and in the studio by Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana. With such a varied mix of genres and experience informing each artist’s work, the show will surely be an incredibly dynamic highlight of this year’s Jazz Fest.
Tickets for an evening with The Word, presented by Winter Circle Productions, can be purchased here. General Admission is $40.00. VIP admission, with reserved seating on the balcony (incredible views), one free drink ticket and a commemorative event poster, is $75.00.
