John Medeski - Mad Skillet LP

John Medeski's Mad Skillet has announced the release of its self-titled debut album via Medeski Martin & Wood's record label, Indirecto Records. Led by the hugely influential keyboardist and featuring guitarist Will Bernard and the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band rhythm section of sousaphonist Kirk Joseph and drummer Terence Higgins, Mad Skillet is first and foremost a product of New Orleans. The band's inception can be traced back to the late-night sets that go down every year during New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For years during that annual festival-after-the-festival, Medeski would seek out gigs with Bernard, a New York-based guitarist rooted in jazz, but adept across genres. After traversing various players and configurations, the tandem hooked up with Joseph and Higgins, both of whom Medeski had met when he produced the Dirty Dozen's 1999 record, Buck Jump. Fiery after-hours shows at spots like the Little Gem Saloon firmed up the band's profoundly intuitive rapport. While Medeski's name is out front, the album reflects a spirit of interplay and equality among members. Indeed, Mad Skillet has an X factor that sets it apart from the rest of Medeski's remarkable discography.
John Medeski's Mad Skillet embark on a 13-date U.S. tour surrounding the release, beginning with a festival appearance at Utopiafest in Burnet, TX and including shows throughout the Midwest and Northeast.