Medeski Martin & Wood redefined the understanding and reach of a traditional jazz trio nearly two decades ago. Chris Wood’s upright bass routinely walks with sass over Billy Martin’s adventurous drumming — though both musicians pale in comparison to the universe of sounds that emanate from John Medeski’s keys. Part jam band, part psychedelic, part acid-rock — the band’s catalog runs the gamut while still remaining grounded in fundamental New York jazz. Each member has wandered off into various side projects, and it’s somewhat rare to find the group touring in its most basic form. Tonight at the Boulder Theater. Tickets, $34, are available through . Tickets to Saturday’s show at the Ogden Theatre are available through Ticketmaster.
Tapes ‘n Tapes broke big on blog buzz in 2006 and quickly signed to the prominent XL records, only to be dropped shortly thereafter when second album “Walk It Off” failed to generate the same frenzy among the same violent jungle of tastemakers. The Minneapolis quartet has received comparisons to bands like Pixies and the Strokes, though it mostsly finds itself mired in the cluttered indie-rock bush leagues. Last month’s “Outside” may very well propel the band back to notoriety, but it will be an uphill battle. Tickets to Saturday’s show at the Fox Theatre, $15, are available through .
John Hendrickson: 303-954-1785 or jhendrickson@denverpost.com
