Many acts come back to Crowbar , 420 E. College Ave., over the years, but for some, the biggest change is a bigger tour bus. For Medeski, Martin and Wood (MMW), however, constant evolution means more than a nice set of new wheels; it's the group's philosophy.

"Things are always changing," keyboardist John Medeski said. "One of our goals from when we got together was to establish some way of making life and music come together."

The New York-based jazzy jam band, which last played the local venue in April of 1998, returns at 8 p.m. Sunday to Crowbar. Those who have seen it already can expect a few things from the trio, but with some new material under its belt and a dedication to experimental expansion, Sunday's MMW experience might include some surprises.

"From what I hear, they put on one of the best shows out there," Brad Jacobson (senior-letters, arts and sciences) said.

"All my friends say they're the best."

David Wells, director of operations for Crowbar, said he is excited to have the group back, especially considering its rare appearances at smaller clubs.

"This is huge," he said. "These guys don't play clubs very much anymore. They decided to dedicate themselves to playing some more intimate venues for this tour."

Since the 1998 show, MMW has added a greatest hits compilation, two live albums and two more all-original studio records to its arsenal of released music.

Its most recent album, 2002's Uninvisible, was recorded mostly through improvisational sessions in the studio that eventually turned into an album of songs.

Although critics have called the disc "unorthodox" for a jazz record, Medeski said his group has always experimented with its albums.

"It's a fine line and a very wide spectrum between groove and song," he said. "We'll spend 20 minutes in outer space live, but how do you do that on a record?"

Another area the group has delved into heavily since its last Crowbar show has been working with guest musicians.

Along with Medeski, drummer Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood, Uninvisible includes several DJs and a horn section on some tracks.

Medeski said he enjoys playing with guests; the band even featured a regular group of horns during its West Coast tour last year. But both the group itself and its fans recognize the trio's uncanny ability to work together.

"There's a certain chemistry the three of us have," Medeski said. "We can just get lost."

Jacobson also recognizes MMW's talent as a three-piece combo.

"They can be the funkiest of the funky," he said. "Musically, they're as good, if not better, than anyone out there."

The group has also spent its time since 1998 performing in several types of venues, ranging from sit-down acoustic shows in auditoriums to opening for the Dave Matthews Band in huge rock arenas.

Medeski said this variety has allowed the group to push its boundaries.

"We're not like cable TV, where you can just click to whatever you want," he said.

"But now, it's fun to do it all, and for us, that's the ultimate, because then we can experiment with everything from jazz to avant-garde to grooving."

This has also helped the band, which has been together since 1992, breathe some new life into its older material.

"I do feel like in the past year or so, something has happened with the old material, like it's found a new life," Medeski said.

"I feel like it blew something open in terms of staying committed to expressing the free side of our music."

The group's return to the smaller clubs might also add new energy to Sunday's performance.

Wells said after the group's previous Crowbar show, the group made it clear to him that it enjoyed the intimate setting.

"I went up to the guy, it was probably Medeski, and I said to him, 'Thank you so much,' " Wells said. "And you know, he said, 'No, thank you, because we've been playing such large venues that we haven't had the opportunity to be this up close and personal.' "

Whatever the group's reasons, Sunday night should be pretty different than that last show.

"There's no formula for us," Medeski said.

"It has to be what's right for that night."