The Bad Plus (USA)

The Bad Plus is one of those absolutely original bands, although the avant-garde jazz formation does play a lot of covers, translating countless original pop songs into a jazz format in a highly original way. The quartet operates as a democratic unit, moving forward with a clear vision and refusing to conform to convention. Active for more than two decades, the witty and boldly creative The Bad Plus arrives at the House of Music Hungary with a new instrumental quartet line-up – instead of piano, guitar and saxophone complete the rhythm section – and will present their latest album, due out in the autumn.

Founded in Minneapolis in 2000, The Bad Plus started out as a trio with bassist Reid Anderson, drummer and bassist Dave King, and pianist Ethan Iverson as the third member who was replaced by Orrin Evans for three years from 2018. Recently a big change has taken place in the band because Evans has embarked on a solo career and the foundation rhythm section has taken a new path. They are continuing to push their boundaries, so to speak, as they embark on a new piano-free incarnation with guitarist Ben Monder and tenor saxophonist Chris Speed. The fresh line-up, which has inspired them and given new impetus to their sound, already resulting in one great single, which will be followed by a full-length album in the autumn that will be presented at the House of Music, The quartet has added classical and pop music to its jazz repertoire - the latter in the form of stunning covers that range from David Bowie and Pink Floyd to Nirvana and the Pixies, the Flaming Lips and Aphex Twin. On the material for their 15th studio album, due out on 30 September, the founding duo said, "Evolution is necessary for life and creativity, we've evolved but we're still The Bad Plus." The Bad Plus, which is worth seeing every time, because it always plays an improved version of its already great basic concept.