Track Listing

1. Is There Anybody Here That Love My Jesus
2. Think
3. Dracula
4. Bubblehouse
5. Henduck
6. Strance of the Spirit Red Gator
7. Spy Kiss
8. Lifeblood
9. Jelly Belly
10. Night Marchers
11. Kenny

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80180 in Music
• Brand: Martin
• Released on: 1996-10-15
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com essential recording
Released in 1996, Shack-man may be the quintessential MMW disc. From the opening cover of the traditional spiritual "Is There Anyone Here that Love My Jesus" to the mellow swirls of the closing "Kenny," the emphasis is on the almighty groove; though John Medeski (here pumping everything from Hammond B-3s to toy pianos) and bassist Chris Wood are much flashier players, it's drummer Billy Martin who really gets (and keeps) the party going. The laid-back, sunshine-and-palm-trees vibe of Hawaii (where Shack-man was recorded) creeps into some of the tracks, but the overall feel is more New Orleans than Waikiki. --Dan Epstein

From the Label
The material for their latest release, SHACK-MAN, was mostly composed and developed on the road during the last year in which they played over 200 shows. The band's third Gramavision release and fourth album overall was recorded in their tropical sanctuary, a shack in the remote jungles of Hawaii. “There's a certain vibe we get into musically in Hawaii that we don't get into on the road," says Medeski. "It was always our dream to make a record there. The sound of the Shack is amazing.”

With ten new compositions and a remarkable revamping of the traditional “Is There Anybody Here That Love My Jesus,” MMW emerge as America's favorite groove band. Although critics have compared their unique musical hybrid to the soulful organ jazz of Jimmy Smith, the cosmic voyages of Sun Ra and Miles Davis in the 70's, these versatile keyboard, bass, and drum virtuosos hew just as closely to the dance floor pop and street savvy funk of Booker T & the MG's, Sly and the Family Stone, and James Brown. The instant accessibility and musical depth of such Shack-man tunes as “Dracula,” “Bubblehouse,” and “Strance of the Spirit Red Gator” invite music fans of every stripe into the Shack, spacious home to the universal groove.

Customer Reviews

There is no music like this music!!
It has been a about a year since I've listened to this, but putting it on now leaves me confident that I'll never leave these grooves on the shelf that long again. Maybe it is my 'fresh ears' coming back to it anew, but I never realized quite the extent of the magic achieved on this disc; I knew it was good then, but...!

On this album - there best to date even though they've 'dropped' several since - covers all the bases: funk, punk, jazz, hip-hop, even a spot of trickling ambience. For those who've not heard MMW before, it is hard to describe: picture the slammin'est hip-hop bass/drum combo you've ever heard paired with a keyboard player playing in three different keys which normally might be unnatractive but somehow it sounds so good that you just don't care! Yup, that's it...with just a tad more attitude than what you've envisioned.

The big wiinners on the disk are "Is there anyboddy here that love my jesus", "Dracula", "Strance of the spirit red gator", and "Night Marchers. The grooves are killer, the improv is intense, the three musicians have never sounded better, and the vibe is completely tight. No complaints.

Enjoy!

MMW at their height
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy MMW's more recent recordings, and their outing with John Scofield on A Go-Go is nothing short of incredible. It's just that lately it sounds like they're trying a little too hard.

On this album, they just sit back, and let every groove flow out naturally. Chris Wood doubles on guitar here with excellent effect - his wah-wah solos add, rather than detract (which is all too often the case when a guitar is added). Furthermore, this album reflects John Medeski's organ playing at its height (though some might argue for It's a Jungle in Here).

This may not be their most sonically barraging album. However, it is so funky you'll be too busy nodding your head to notice.

Simply Amazing
BUY THIS ALBUM!! It is the best MMW CD to date. Billy Martin is one of the most talented drummers in the business today. John Medeski has some of the most unique and interesting ogran/piano sounds ever to be heard. Chris Wood is also outstandig from start to finish.

p.s. If these guys ever come to your town do yourself a favor and check them out. They are an amazing live band.