About
The Bad Plus are a U.S. jazz quartet consisting of bassist Reid Anderson, drummer Dave King, guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed. Anderson and King are originally from Minnesota. King is also part of the Minnesota-based groups Halloween, Alaska, Happy Apple, and Love-Cars. Founding member and pianist Ethan Iverson left the group at the beginning of 2018 and was replaced by Orrin Evans. Evans left the group in 2021. The three original members first played together in 1989 Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- avant-garde jazz
- contemporary jazz
- jazz
- jazz trio
- modern jazz trio
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to the Bad Plus?
- What happened to the Bad Plus? The Bad Plus is a critically acclaimed American jazz group known for their innovative blend of jazz, rock, and avant-garde influences. Since their formation in 2000, the band has undergone several changes in its lineup and musical direction. Originally celebrated as a piano-bass-drums trio, The Bad Plus gained a devoted following for their inventive covers and original compositions. In 2017, founding pianist Ethan Iverson departed the group, marking a significant transition. Orrin Evans then joined as pianist until his own exit in 2021. In response to these changes, The Bad Plus reinvented themselves as a quartet, adding guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed to the founding rhythm section of bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King. This shift expanded their sonic palette while maintaining their signature adventurous spirit. Today, The Bad Plus continues to perform and release new music, pushing the boundaries of modern jazz and maintaining a strong presence on the international jazz scene.
- Who are the members of the Bad Plus?
- Who are the members of the Bad Plus? The Bad Plus originally featured Ethan Iverson (piano), Reid Anderson (bass), and Dave King (drums). This lineup became renowned for its genre-defying jazz and reinterpretations of popular songs. In 2017, after Iverson's departure, acclaimed pianist Orrin Evans joined the group, contributing to their evolving sound until 2021. Currently, The Bad Plus has shifted from their trio roots and now features Reid Anderson (bass), Dave King (drums), Ben Monder (guitar), and Chris Speed (tenor saxophone). This new configuration has allowed the band to explore fresh musical directions and broaden their creative horizons. Each member is a respected musician in the jazz world, bringing unique styles and extensive experience to the ensemble. Their commitment to innovation continues to attract new fans while retaining the distinctive energy and improvisational prowess that has set The Bad Plus apart for over two decades.
- Why did the Bad Plus break up?
- Why did the Bad Plus break up? The Bad Plus did not officially break up, but the band has experienced significant lineup changes that led to shifts in their sound and dynamics. The most notable change was the departure of original pianist Ethan Iverson in 2017, which was a mutual and amicable decision. Iverson left to pursue his own musical projects, including solo work and collaborations outside of The Bad Plus. The band continued with Orrin Evans on piano, maintaining their trio format. In 2021, Evans also departed, prompting the remaining members to rethink the group's structure. Rather than disbanding, founding members Reid Anderson and Dave King chose to evolve The Bad Plus into a quartet, adding guitar and saxophone to their sound. This transformation allowed the band to continue creating and performing, embracing new opportunities and musical pathways. Their adaptability and openness to change have kept The Bad Plus relevant and influential in the contemporary jazz world.
- Who is in the Bad Plus?
- Who is in the Bad Plus? The current lineup of The Bad Plus consists of four acclaimed musicians: Reid Anderson (bass), Dave King (drums), Ben Monder (guitar), and Chris Speed (tenor saxophone). Anderson and King are founding members who have been with the group since its inception in 2000. Their unique musical chemistry forms the backbone of the band's sound. Ben Monder, a highly respected guitarist known for his work in both jazz and experimental music, brings a new harmonic depth to the ensemble. Chris Speed, an accomplished tenor saxophonist, adds a fresh melodic and improvisational dimension. This latest incarnation marks a significant departure from The Bad Plus's original piano trio format, allowing them to explore new textures and broaden their musical reach. The group continues to innovate and perform worldwide, earning praise for their bold, genre-blurring approach to contemporary jazz.
- Who is the leader of a jazz band?
- Who is the leader of a jazz band? In a jazz band, leadership can take several forms and often depends on the group's structure and history. Traditionally, the bandleader is the person responsible for artistic direction, choosing repertoire, organizing rehearsals, and guiding the ensemble's overall vision. This role may be filled by a single musician