The Bad Plus

The Bad Plus
Harald Krichel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	The Bad Plus
Origin	Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Genres	Jazz, avant-garde jazz, Rock music, Pop music
Years active	2000–present
Labels	Columbia Records, Okeh Records, EmArcy Records, Temporary Residence Limited
Associated acts	Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, John Zorn

The Bad Plus The Bad Plus is an American jazz trio formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, known for blending jazz improvisation with arrangements of rock music and pop music repertoire. The group gained attention through reinterpretations of songs by Nirvana, David Bowie, and Radiohead, and has collaborated with artists across jazz and rock spheres. Their work has appeared on labels including Columbia Records and EmArcy Records, and they have performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and festivals like the Montreux Jazz Festival.

History

Formed in the early 2000s in Minneapolis, the trio emerged from the Twin Cities scene alongside artists associated with First Avenue and ensembles linked to University of Minnesota. Early releases attracted the notice of major labels after performances at North Sea Jazz Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, leading to a signing with Columbia Records. Over successive albums the group toured North America, Europe, and Asia, appearing at Monterey Jazz Festival, Village Vanguard, and collaborative projects promoted by Blue Note Records artists. The band navigated lineup changes and label transitions while maintaining ties to composers and musicians from Minneapolis and wider United States jazz networks.

Members

Original personnel included a pianist associated with the University of Minnesota scene, a bassist active in Minneapolis session work, and a drummer who studied at regional conservatories. The trio's lineup has intersected with musicians who worked with Norah Jones, Jack DeJohnette, and members of The Bad Plus have guested with artists such as Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, and John Zorn. Touring personnel and collaborators have included figures linked to New York City clubs like the Blue Note Jazz Club and ensembles from Chicago and Los Angeles.

Musical Style and Influences

The trio blends influences from Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman with material by Nirvana, David Bowie, Radiohead, and Pink Floyd. Their arrangements draw on techniques associated with Arnold Schoenberg-adjacent modernism and improvisational approaches championed by Miles Davis and Charles Mingus. Rhythmically, the group channels grooves found in Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and The Police while referencing harmonic ideas from Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett. They have cited inspiration from producers and composers such as Rick Rubin, Brian Eno, and Steve Albini.

Discography

Studio albums and notable releases include early independent recordings that led to a breakthrough album on Columbia Records, subsequent projects on EmArcy Records, and experimental sessions released by Temporary Residence Limited. Their discography features reinterpretations of songs by Nirvana, David Bowie, Radiohead, and Prince, alongside original compositions reflecting the influence of Charlie Parker-era bebop and contemporary composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Releases have been distributed in markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany, and have charted on specialized lists such as those compiled by Billboard and critics at The New York Times.

Live Performances and Tours

The trio has headlined major festivals including Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and has performed at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, Village Vanguard, and Lincoln Center. They have toured with artists connected to Columbia Records rosters and played curated nights alongside musicians from Blue Note Records and ECM Records. International tours have included appearances in Tokyo, Oslo, Berlin, and Paris festivals and theaters. Live collaborations have paired the group with orchestras and chamber ensembles associated with institutions such as the Minnesota Orchestra and composers linked to Bang on a Can.

Critical Reception and Awards

Critics have compared the trio to pianists and ensembles associated with Blue Note Records and to innovators like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. Reviews in publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, and DownBeat praised their risk-taking arrangements and technical command. The group received nominations and awards from bodies such as the Grammy Awards and critics' polls at JazzTimes and Pollstar, and has been featured in year-end lists by Pitchfork and NPR Music. Peers from Pat Metheny to Brad Mehldau have cited admiration for their approach.

Legacy and Influence

The trio has influenced contemporary jazz trios and crossover ensembles that reinterpret rock music and pop music within jazz frameworks, inspiring musicians emerging from scenes in Minneapolis, New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Their repertoire choices and collaborative projects have impacted programming at festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival and venues such as Village Vanguard. Educators at institutions including Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School have referenced their arrangements in curricula, and contemporary ensembles influenced by them have recorded for labels such as ECM Records and Blue Note Records.

Category:American jazz ensembles Category:Musical groups from Minneapolis