FOURTH ANNUAL PRIMO GATHERING FOR MUSICIANS ANNOUNCED

MMW

Medeski Martin & Wood have announced Camp MMW 2011. The fourth annual Camp MMW will take place July 31 – August 5, 2011 at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY. All types of musicians, ages 16 & older, are encouraged to apply.

Camp MMW is an incredible opportunity for musicians of varying levels and ages, to live and study with MMW in the Catskill Mountains. Campers will gather together for five days of intensive workshops and seminars, deep listening, musical exploration, and improvisation. The first three Camp MMW’s have been great successes. Last year, John Medeski discussed escaping the trappings of the intellect and entering into the language of sound. He explored concepts and exercises to help musicians create a personal style. Billy Martin presented the idea of rhythmic harmony and introduced concepts in counterpoint and how the combination of subtle complexities and personality can bring rhythm to life. Chris Wood’s lecture on “Being Spontaneous on Purpose (and why it’s impossible)” expounded on the paradox of “preparing” to improvise. Special guests have included John Scofield, Steven Bernstein, Marc Ribot, David Tronzo, Cyro Baptista, and David Fiuczynski.

At Camp MMW, students are encouraged to break with convention and bust out of their safety zones. A guitarist can study melody with keyboardist, John Medeski or a horn player can work on mastering rhythm with drummer, Billy Martin. A pianist may develop his groove with bassist, Chris Wood. There will be special guests, group collaborations, and, of course, exclusive performances by MMW. In the anything-goes, non-traditional atmosphere of Camp MMW, experimentation will be encouraged, limits tested, risks taken, and newfound freedom gained in the process.

80,000 acres of New York State’s Catskill Mountain wilderness is the backdrop to the collective creative energy of Camp MMW. The lovely Full Moon Resort features charming accommodations in either their turn-of-the-century Catskill country inn known as the Valley View House, or one of seven lodges, cabins, or cottages. The Valley View House is the center of activities at Camp MMW and offers comfortable common areas. Full Moon Resort also has open campgrounds and a bathroom/shower facility for those students opting to camp outside.

A typical day at Camp MMW begins with a buffet breakfast with the band, from 8AM to 9AM, followed by a Master Class/Seminar with MMW at 9:30AM. At Noon, camp breaks for a buffet lunch, followed by free time until 2:45 when students divide into workshop groups with individual band members and special guests. At 6:00 everyone gathers for a seated dinner, followed by the evening’s event, which includes performances, jam sessions, films, discussion, bonfires, and the occasional dance party.

All instruments are welcome, with an interest in creating variety.

Applications and detailed instructions are available on-line here.