the bad plus talk equals good

it has to be good whenever anyone talks about jazz these days. especially, when people are talking about jazz artists that are making a name for themselves in a post-fusion world. one of the bands that seems to garner a lion's share of the conversation is the bad plus, an unconventional piano trio who has been making waves ever since their first major label record "these are the vistas" (2003 - columbia records). the very element of their music that makes them so compelling, is the same element that makes them a lightening rod for controversy.

the bad plus in many ways are a rock band. that is not to say that they are not a jazz combo, because they are, with shades of coltrane and ornette, but it is to say that they are as much a rock band as they are a jazz band. but here's the catch: they are not a rock influenced jazz band, they are an indie-rock influenced jazz band. their last three records were all produced by tchad blake (notable producer of tom waits, elvis costello, los lobos, and the pearl jam among others). blake has pulled out the most essential, punk rock aesthetic from the bad plus' instrumentation, leading what may be one of the most giant leaps in jazz-kind since "bitches brew."

a lot of what is said about the bad plus is confirmation of their talent, their direction, and their importance. but it is almost impossible to speak of them without mentioning the jazz purists who feel that their sound is "unnatural" or somehow "not valid" as "true jazz." i would contend that those of said opinion, are simply not relevant. if somebody is not able to recognize a paradigm shift in music as it is happening, they relegate themselves to the role of historians, confined to see the world through the restrictions of their own generational lens.

the bad plus, reid anderson on bass, ethan iverson on piano, and david king on drums, may not be relevant to those who are still trying to come to grips with coltrane, ornette, and miles, but i am certain that they will still be relevant when my children choose to explore jazz music. keep it up. keep talking. keep mentioning jazz.

the bad plus website