Medeski Martin & Wood set to kick off U.S. tour

Experimental jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood will bring their touring show to the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, RI next month after completing their current European tour.

The keyboard, drums and bass group, known for its avant garde approach to jazz--toying with traditional jazz structures by overlaying a dense, often electronic soundscape over their work--will swing through Italy, Belgium and Spain before beginning their American stand, which will feature a small number of shows in wide-flung venues throughout the country.

Stops include an Aug. 18 appearance at Gathering of the Vibes in upstate New York, and an Aug. 26 slot at the Shakespeare Camp & Music Fest in North Plains, OR.

The band--comprised of keyboardist John Medeski, drummer Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood--has been touring Europe in support of its late 2004 release "End of the World Party (Just in Case)," produced by John King of the Dust Brothers, who notably produced such classics as Beck's "Odelay" and Beastie Boys' "Paul's Boutique."

In October, the band will participate in a musical festival at sea on a cruise ship, departing from Long Beach, CA, billed as the "Groove Cruise of the Pacific," along with acts such as The Flaming Lips and the John Popper Project. More information can be found at the Xingolati website.