Review: The Bad Plus - The Empire Strikes Backwards (or) ladies and gentlemen of the opposite

Posted on 4 March 2006 | 4 Comments

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz

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The Bad Plus is an unconventional (and somewhat controversial in jazz circles) Midwestern jazz trio. Comprised of drums-bass-piano they form their own jazz version of a rock power trio. They confound listeners with rock-ish song structures that serve as a framework for their adventurous and rhythmic post-60’s free jazz sound. The Bad Plus has even been referred to as “the loudest jazz band on the planet.” They have covered the likes of Nirvana, Bjork, The Pixies, Black Sabbath, Aphex Twin and more. While totally modern in scope, it is sometimes hard to realize that there is nothing but piano, bass, and drums driving the music into the future.

While jazz purists might be turned off, the latest album from The Bad Plus Suspicious Activity is certainly worth a listen for any music fan. It is out now on Columbia Records and can be purchased here.

MP3 | The Bad Plus – Anthem For The Earnest Suspicious Activity
MP3 | The Bad Plus – The Empire Strikes Backwards Suspicious Activity

Comments

1 K. - 952 days ago Really enjoying the Empire Strikes Backwards track.

2 Eric Grubbs - 952 days ago I have this record and their These Are the Vistas record. Good stuff, just be careful about the Suspicious Activity CD: it's has the anti-ripping software on it.

3 Moka - 950 days ago oh i just did a jazz post and I was thinking on posting about this guys but I thought their music disrupted the overall mood of the post. Great band, very interesting song structures.

4 Eric - 950 days ago I agree with you Moka. They are like a hard rock band playing jazz music.