Bad Plus

Biography

The Bad Plus is a pioneering American jazz group formed in Minnesota in 2000, though its founding members—bassist Reid Anderson, drummer Dave King, and pianist Ethan Iverson—had played together for over a decade prior to their official debut[7][2]. Their early years were marked by a shared vision to challenge jazz conventions, blending influences from rock, pop, and classical music with improvisational jazz. The trio's first major release, 'These Are the Vistas,' made a significant impact by reimagining the piano trio format for the 21st century, drawing on source material from artists like Nirvana, Tears for Fears, and David Bowie rather than the traditional jazz canon[2][3]. Their energetic performances and inventive covers quickly established them as one of the most talked-about groups of the early 2000s, helping to pave the way for a new generation of genre-blurring jazz ensembles[2].

Over the next two decades, The Bad Plus released a dozen albums featuring both original compositions and imaginative reinterpretations of works ranging from pop hits to Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring.' The band underwent several lineup changes: Iverson departed in 2017, replaced by pianist Orrin Evans, who contributed to two albums before leaving in 2021[1][4]. Rather than seeking another pianist, Anderson and King reinvented the group as a quartet, adding guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed. This new configuration debuted with an eponymous album, continuing the band's legacy of pushing boundaries and exploring fresh sonic territory[1][6]. Throughout their evolution, The Bad Plus has maintained a collective ethos focused on creative risk-taking, group identity, and a commitment to the 'song' as a personal statement[1][5].

The band's legacy is defined by its fearless approach to genre, its role in redefining modern jazz ensembles, and its influence on contemporary acts such as GoGo Penguin. Their willingness to evolve—whether through lineup changes or stylistic shifts—has kept their music vital and relevant, earning them a reputation as trailblazers in jazz fusion and nu jazz[2][3].

Fun Facts

• The Bad Plus is known for their radical jazz covers of rock and pop songs, including Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and ABBA's 'Knowing Me, Knowing You'[3].
• They once recorded a full-length jazz interpretation of Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring,' showcasing their classical influences[2].
• The group was originally formed in Minnesota, but their breakthrough came after relocating to New York and debuting at the Village Vanguard[2].
• Founding members Anderson and King have played together since their teenage years, long before The Bad Plus officially formed[1][2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Billy Hart - Ethan Iverson collaborated with Hart, who influenced his approach to jazz composition and ensemble playing (Iverson's collaborations and solo projects) [2010s]
• Bud Powell - Iverson's Blue Note project interpreting Powell's work reflects the group's reverence for jazz tradition (Iverson's Blue Note debut) [2010s]

Key Collaborators

• Ethan Iverson - Founding pianist, core member for 17 years (All albums up to 2017) [2000-2017]
• Orrin Evans - Pianist, joined after Iverson's departure, recorded two albums (Never Stop II, Activate Infinity) [2017-2021]
• Ben Monder - Guitarist, joined for quartet lineup (The Bad Plus (2022)) [2021-present]
• Chris Speed - Saxophonist, joined for quartet lineup (The Bad Plus (2022)) [2021-present]

Artists Influenced

• GoGo Penguin - Inspired by The Bad Plus's genre-blending piano trio format (GoGo Penguin's discography) [2010s-present]
• E.S.T. (Esbjörn Svensson Trio) - Contemporaries who similarly blurred jazz and rock boundaries, often cited alongside The Bad Plus (E.S.T. albums) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Flim (These Are The Vistas)
2. As This Moment Slips Away (The Bad Plus Joshua Redman)
3. Smells Like Teen Spirit (These Are The Vistas)
4. Grid/Ocean (Complex Emotions)
5. Pound For Pound (Made Possible)
6. Pound For Pound (Made Possible)
7. Gaston
8. Variation d'Apollon (For All I Care (Exclusive Online Version))
9. And Here We Test Our Powers Of Observation (Give)
10. French Horns (Complex Emotions)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia