More than two decades and 15 studio albums into their existence, locally spawned jazz mainstays The Bad Plus have named their new release The Bad Plus. The simple title (shared by their 2001 debut) makes sense, since the group is at the most radical stage of reinvention of its career. When co-founding pianist Ethan Iverson left in 2017, remaining rhythm section Reid Anderson and Dave King made the obvious decision to bring in a new pianist, Orrin Evans. But Evans moved on after two albums, and the Bad Plus made the more daring call of saxophonist Chris Speed and guitarist Ben Monder. The playing on the new album, the first with Speed and Monder, is more wide open, with the sax often restating melodies and riffs throughout and guitar churning away underneath, both newcomers occasionally cutting loose into wilder forays. But the sound is still unmistakably defined by the interactions between Anderson’s bass and King’s drumming. You’ll have plenty of chances to meet the new Bad Plus at their four-night stand at the Dakota, two sets a night, beginning on Christmas, and running through December 28. (RACKET)
SUN-THURS
DEC 25-28
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?: Cory Dewald