Medeski, Martin & Wood

Longtime Medeski, Martin & Wood fans should be forewarned that Let's Go Everywhere isn't one of the trio's typical ventures into "perpetual" grooves; rather, it's an album intended for kids. That's not to say that there aren't MMW-style grooves throughout—in fact, the record is quite groovy and quite danceable, recalling the trio's 1996 Shack-Man sound, arguably their most accessible era.

Aside from a few sporadic moments, MMW haven't had many vocals on their tracks, but they abound on Let's Go Everywhere. Fun songs about traveling the world and rhyming cities and places kick off the album, followed by a near pop-sounding song about trains. "Pirates Don't Take Baths" is a piano-anchored tune about a high-seas renegade who's reconciling with his goal to get clean. But one of the best MMW tunes in recent memory is nestled toward the end—a gorgeous piano lullaby called "Old Paint," reminiscent of the group's cover of "No Ke Ano Ahiahi" a few years ago.

With the inclusion of standards like "Hickory Dickory Dock" and "Pat a Cake," it'd be a stretch to say Let's Go Everywhere is for kids of all ages—it does stick to its target market. That said, the record serves as a fun and freewheeling introduction to the sounds and rhythms of jazz for the uninitiated young person. Jazz often gets a bad rap for being stuffy, but the little ones would never know it after listening to this.

—Michael D. Ayers
01.16.08