You can praise God by peeling a spud

Instrumentals, Day 4

This space has been pretty lacking in Jazz, wouldn’t you say? Well, allow me to make up for that by introducing one of my favorite trios of all time, The Bad Plus. Technically, after some shuffling in the wake of Ethan Iverson’s departure in 2017 they’re now a quartet, but.. the original lineup is all the matters to me – this was Iverson on piano, Reid Anderson on upright bass, & Dave King on drums.

I think this first song might be the first of theirs I ever heard. It’s the lead-off for their 2004 album Give & it is a perfect encapsulation of the band’s sound. One of those defining characteristics is Anderson’s bass tone, which is so wonderfully buzzy but also well outlined. He also seems to be turned up in the mix more than most traditional jazz trios, which gives their sound a more percussive edge. This song has it all: a crisp song structure, strong use of dynamics, & energetic improvisation.

The Bad Plus – “1979 Semi-Finalist”
Listen on Spotify // Tidal // Apple Music // Youtube Music // Amazon Music

This trio is known for including covers on almost all of their studio albums, so I couldn’t present an accurate sampling of the band without including one here. This track is found on my favorite Bad Plus album, Suspicious Activity?, released in 2005. Whether or not you’ve seen the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, I’m sure you’ve heard the theme song by Vangelis (yes, the composer of the Blade Runner soundtrack), at some point in your life. After my earlier description of Anderson’s playing, you’ll understand why I chose this one quickly as you listen. I love his dramatic, reinvented bass line & how it turns into a bit of a riot in the middle, before the theme eventually resolves again.

The Bad Plus – “(Theme From) Chariots Of Fire”
Listen on Spotify // Tidal // Apple Music // Youtube Music

Thanks for being here.
☵ SK