THE BAD PLUS
(Edition)
Over a dozen albums in, The Bad Plus are deliberately breaking the formula that has made their unique brand of jazz so successful. This eponymous album is being treated as a debut: bassist Reid Anderson and drummer David King move away from their hallmark piano trio texture, and introduce guitar and saxophone to the ensemble. So, without that signature sound, what makes this a Bad Plus album?
Well, King’s rock-influenced grooves still underpin these eight tracks, while Not Even Close to Far Off and Stygian Pools maintain the classic stripped-back feel of the last two decades. Ben Monder’s guitar playing adds much to the sound, bringing a Bill Frisell feel to the album. But the inclusion of Chris Speeds’ (excellent) saxophone playing instantly turns the band into any other jazz combo – in terms of timbre. Four fantastic musicians making excellent, unfussy jazz, whatever you might call this lineup.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES