John Medeski's Recovering From Illness; MMW's Remaining European Dates Canceled

UPDATE:

Here's the official statement on John Medeski's illness, as provided by MMW's publicist. My original post follows.

"While on tour overseas in early July, John began experiencing flu-like
symptoms, and very severe headaches. He was seen by doctors in Croatia,
Slovenia, and finally in Austria, where he was admitted to the University of Innsbruck Hospital on July 5. It was determined that John was fighting a severe bacterial infection and experiencing cluster headache symptoms. On July 6, the doctors advised us that John could not continue with the tour. After 150+ tests, MRIs, pain management protocols, antibiotics, and 3 days of excellent care in the University hospital, no one could identify John零 infection.

On July 7, John checked out of the hospital to rest in a hotel until he was strong enough to travel home. Though the infection has still not been identified, he零 currently in treatment here in the US, and doing MUCH better. His headaches have subsided, and while not 100%, he零 functioning very well.

Needless to say, we're glad to have John back and feeling better as the band looks forward to Camp and upcoming shows this fall."

-----original post-----
Medeski Martin and Wood has canceled the remainder of the jazz/jam trio's summer shows in Europe, announcing on the MMW web site that the change of plans is "due to illness ... we hope to reschedule these dates."

More specific details came by way of a press release, apparently from the promoter of the Galapajazz festival in Madrid, that wound up on the message board of the band's site. MMW had been scheduled to play that fest on July 9.

The note, below, suggests that keyboardist/organist/EFX guy John Medeski is experiencing a serious health problem.

Here's hoping that the gifted keys man has a speedy and complete recovery, and that MMW is back in action before long. MMW, for a long time, has been one of my favorite live acts - Medeski, drummer Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood offer up a funky, jazzy, jam-oriented, avant-leaning mix of grooves and tunes that, on the group's best nights, is more creative than practically any other band out there.

MMW's next round of tour dates are slated to start Sept. 11, with a performance with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, at the Mann Music Center in Philly.

I'll post more details here when I get them.

Here's the note, apparently sent by promoter Galapajazz to ticket holders and fans (Spanish-language version of this release is posted here):

"Galapajazz suffered a last-minute change. It is the unexpected suspension of the tour of the U.S. trio Medeski, Martin and Wood who had planned to perform at the Teatro Jacinto Benavente on Thursday July 9.

An emergency medical John Medeski has compelled to take this step after that, after his arrival in Europe would be affected by an occipital nerve neuralgia with facial paralysis.

After the relevant medical tests, Medeski has let his inability to continue with the tour this summer that it would lead to scenarios of Austria, Germany, United Kingdom and Spain, where Jaen Galapagar and were the only two places where I had planned act."

According to the National Institutes of Health, occipital nerve neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. The condition "is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. Their scalp may also be tender to the touch, and their eyes especially sensitive to light." For more info on the condition, click here.