Bubblehouse CD5 represents
Medeski, Martin & Wood's first venture into the world of remixing. Enlisting the likes of downtown New York's finest DJs, the band gives creative license to the reinterpretation of their quirky, jazz-funk-flavored music. The remixes, done by
DJ Logic and the illbient collective
We, differ greatly, but both have merit. The
We remixes of "Bubblehouse" and "Spy Kiss" employ breakbeats and jungle rhythms interspersed with ambient sounds. The
DJ Logic mix of "Dracula" is more straight-ahead; he retains the essential song structure while adding beats behind the music. The "Dracula" remix also features a guest appearance by downtown innovator and Jewish revolutionary
John Zorn, who adds some blaring sax riffs to the relatively low-key mix.
Bubblehouse CD5 also contains the song "Macha," one of the band's live standards released for the first time on album.
Bubblehouse CD5 demonstrates
MMW's attempt to remain on the forefront of the expanding jazz genre. Although not their best effort, the album presents an interesting variation on
MMW's unique style. ~ Marc Gilman