A Different Time

Keyboard master John Medeski thrives on the unpredictable, a trait that has kept his work with the trailblazing trio Medeski Martin & Wood (MMW) fresh and surprising for more than twenty years. With A Different Time, his first solo piano project, Medeski once again takes his sound in a completely unexpected direction - unexpected even to him.

A Different Time is a far more introspective, meditative collection than fans of MMW's lively, groove-driven music might expect. Consisting mostly of Medeski's own compositions and improvisations, with a familiar spiritual and a Willie Nelson song added into the mix, the album presents a different side of Medeski's prodigious artistry, one which he was initially reluctant to display.

Not just a first for Medeski, A Different Time also marks the return of the historic OKeh label, once home for such jazz pioneers as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, King Oliver, and Sidney Bechet. Sony Classical has revived the label as an outlet for new jazz releases by artists like Medeski, Bill Frisell, David Sanborn & Bob James, and Craig Handy, among others to be announced. "At this point," Medeski says, "after everything that's gone on in the music business, it's exciting that Sony has come around to releasing new creative music again. I like the energy of being part of something new."