Notes from the Underground is the debut album by the American jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood, released in 1992 by Accurate Records. Unlike subsequent albums, it is notable for featuring a less prominent funk influence as the group focused on a more “traditional” acoustic sound, with Medeski playing no Hammond organ and Wood playing an acoustic bass guitar. A five-piece horn section led by Steven Bernstein contributes on several tracks.
Track listing "Hermeto's Daydream" (John Medeski, Billy Martin) – 7:11 "The Saint" (Medeski) – 6:58 "La Garonne" (Medeski) – 5:51 "Orbits" (Wayne Shorter) – 4:25 "Uncle Chubb" (Medeski, Martin, Wood) – 7:04 "Rebirth" (Medeski, Martin, Wood) – 6:28 "Otis" (Medeski) – 4:44 "United" (W. Shorter) – 8:29 "Caravan" (Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol, Irving Mills) – 8:18 "Querencia" (Medeski) – 12:48
Personnel John Medeski – piano Billy Martin – drums, percussion Chris Wood – acoustic bass Steven Bernstein – trumpet Bill Lowe – tuba, trombone Curtis Hasselbring – trombone Thomas Chapin – alto saxophone, alto flute Doug Yates – bass clarinet
Credits Horn arrangements by Medeski Recorded by David Baker & Roger Teltzman Mixed by David Baker & John Siket at Sound on Sound, NYC Edited by Bob Ferapples Mastered by Bob Appel Recordings of MMW live to DAT Photos: Alan Martin Cover art ("Balafon") & design by Billy Martin
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