JAM presents the film “Not Not Jazz”, Saturday, October 18th

WMPG’s Jazz At The Movies and the Portland Conservatory of Music are excited to present the documentary film “Not Not Jazz”, Jason Miller’s documentary on Medeski Martin & Wood.

The original architects of jam band music, keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Chris Woods, and drummer Billy Martin first got together in New York clubs back in the early 1990s. They have since gone on to become major stars on the national and international festival circuit. Some call their music “avant-groove”, some call it “avant- jazz”. John Medeski calls it “ wide open”. Whatever you call it, the music this powerful trio makes is remarkable and defies categorization. It is where the art of improvisation meets the irresistible groove. Medeski Martin & Wood can take an audience on an adventure that seamlessly navigates a path through improvised jazz, rock, hiphop and funk, and in a way that invariably gets them up and dancing.

“Not Not Jazz” offers us a real behind the scenes view of the band in the process of creating new music, at a recording studio in Woodstock, NY. With more than 25 years of performing together as a band, these 3 virtuosic players share a special kind of instinctual communication. And as this film shows us, through with copious footage of the band playing from then up to now, the chemistry between these 3 musicians remains electric to this day, and never stops. The groove they got just keeps going…

Just like the music, the movie Not Not Jazz flows with a momentum all its own. WMPG’s Jazz At The Movies invites you to join us on Saturday, October 18th, 7pm, at the Portland Conservatory of Music, 28 Neal St., Portland, for the film “Not Not Jazz”.

Tickets are free, and donations are gladly accepted.
And as a very special bonus, band drummer Billy Martin will be on hand to introduce the film in person. Together with Jamie Saft and Jesse Heasly will present a short performance.