Show Review

New York City boasts one of the greatest music scenes in the world. You can see every genre of music there on almost on any given night. Although in recent years it has become harder to see live music, as there have been venue casualties along with way. The Bottom Line, Wetlands and Manny’s Car Wash among many others have recently closed their doors. In fact, many well-known clubs are presently in danger of becoming extinct. The legendary CBGB’s where Blondie, The Ramones, and Talking Heads started out, could be shut down in the very near future.

Another staple of the downtown scene that is facing this problem is Tonic. For those who haven’t been there, it really isn’t much to look at. But that was never the point. Music decorated and filled the room. Their website profiles the venue catering to “avant garde, creative and experimental music” and for many artists, Tonic was a training ground before moving to larger clubs and bigger projects.

It is obvious many musicians have not forgotten what Tonic gave to them because now they are giving back. And for the next month or so, many artists are playing benefit shows to allow it to continue operating. On March 7 and 8th, Medeski Martin &Wood offered their services and gave fans the opportunity to see them perform in one of the clubs where they got their start.

MMW was joined on stage by special guests, Charlie Burnham (String Trio of New York) on violin and Calvin Weston (James Blood Ulmer, The Lounge Lizards) on a second drum kit and trumpet. The quintet spent the next 45 minutes creating, improvising, listening and trading thoughts through music. There was complete freedom on stage for each member to explore any idea or move in a completely different direction.

Most of the session was very abstract but when they locked up the audience was right there with them shaking to the beats. At one point, Burnham plucked at the violin, sitting it on his knee like a guitar and using his wah-wah pedal while holding down a funky groove for everyone to build on. Each musical concept was formed, expressed and then transmogrified into the next wave of inspiration.

The band thanked the audience for coming out to support Tonic because it’s “truly a special place for us.” Then in a truly improvisation mode the band actually played a song, “New Planet” from their album, End of the World Party (Just In Case), leaving the audience wanting more…as good entertainers always do.

If you live in New York or are planning to visit soon, check out tonicnyc.com for a list of some of the very special artists that will be performing to support one of their favorite venues.

Photos courtesy of Adam Foley.