John Medeski
Groove organ explorer
Renowned for his Hammond B3 prowess, Medeski blends avant-garde jazz with funk and soul as a cornerstone of the modern groove movement.
jazz-funkavant-garde jazzgroove jazzacid jazz
About
A central figure in the 1990s jam-band and jazz-funk scenes, John Medeski is best known as the keyboardist for Medeski Martin & Wood. His career spans experimental collaborations with John Zorn to blues-rock projects, characterized by a soulful yet dissonant approach to the organ and piano.
Music Style
Medeski’s sound is defined by gritty Hammond B3 textures and vintage synthesizers. He fuses gospel-inflected soul-jazz with edgy, improvisational avant-garde sensibilities.
Background
- Hometown
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Education
- New England Conservatory of Music
- Instruments
- piano, organ, synthesizer
- Active
- 1980s-present
Similar Artists
If you like Jimmy Smith or Larry Young — you'll love this artist
Jimmy Smith
Foundational influence for soul-jazz organ and rhythmic drive
95%
Larry Young
Pioneer of the avant-garde and modal approach to the Hammond organ
90%
Robert Glasper
Shared focus on blending jazz with contemporary groove and hip-hop sensibilities
80%
Notable Collaborations
John ScofieldJohn ZornBilly MartinChris WoodRobert RandolphPhil Lesh
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