Big Time - Medeski Martin & Wood
12.29.01 - Teatro Mancinelli (Orvieto, Italy)

A fantastic funk jam from the trio at the historical jazz festival in Perugia (and surrounding towns).

Having lived in Italy for five months, I was fortunate to see and experience the amazing festival culture throughout the country.  Each year, every city in Italy throws several unique festivals.  The tradition is, in part, a reflection of the Italian’s love for music and celebration.  It also serves to upkeep the millenia-old competitions between the towns, with each trying to outdo the others in the magnificence of their events.

The Umbria Jazz Festival must win this mountainous region an annual prize, as the 10 day long music event has hosted artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sam Rivers, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and John Scofield (among many others) in its 36 year history.  Though Jazz has evolved throughout the ages, seeing some of the modern greats such as MMW in this ancient mountain city would be a real treat.  Enjoy!