Soul Stream Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I had a chance to go see The Bad Plus last weekend and ended up not going. They've seemed to really get the hype lately. However, I usually find myself a little underwhelmed at hyped events. I haven't noticed any talk on the board about them (maybe I'm wrong about that). Anybody got any opinions? I have to say, when I hear jazz musicians talk about how genius certain Rock groups are, I start to glaze over. Not that I don't consider many of those same artists genius, it just seems a bit of a sellout to wave the flag about how great The Police were when you're playing the Village Vanguard. It takes more than a reworking of a rock song to make me a fan. How are these guys? Quote
jazzbo Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I've listened to their release a half a dozen times. I like it. It's sound is bold and forceful and I think the guys can PLAY. The recording is geared to feature their "hard" sound and is very dynamic and full. I hardly go and see anyone. . . . If they were appearing again in town at a reasonable price I might spring to see them. Would be interesting to see them perform. . . . Quote
Alexander Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I agree with Lon. I think their CD is fantastic. Acoustic jazz trio with a rock attitude. And they can play. What's wrong with liking the Police? You can't play at the Vanguard unless you only listen to jazz? Quote
Rooster_Ties Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I have The Bad Plus' major-label CD (forget the title), and I like it quite a bit. Enough that I'm sure I'll pick up their next disc too. My wife really likes it a lot too. Totally acoustic jazz with a sort of rock edge to the sound (of both the group, and also the production). I got no problem with jazz artists saying things publically about rock artists they admire. If that's what it takes to put a few more butts in the seats at the shows, more power to them. It's the music that matters, and frankly - if I heard about some jazz group that was claiming to have been influenced by a rock group that I like (or that they too liked that same group), I'm sure I'd at least listen to what they have to say (musically, speaking). And there are about 10,000 bands worse than The Police to have cited as having been great. (I really like The Police, especially their earlier albums, but it's all good, actually.) You probably missed a hell of a show, Soul Stream. Not that I've ever heard The Bad Plus live, but I would suspect that they're pretty darn good. Quote
The Mule Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 Count me in as a fan. I think they're really interesting. There was a lot of debate on the old boards about The Bad Plus. This is my beef with some jazz purists: They bitch and moan that jazz isn't promoted properly and that "nobody cares about jazz but us," but when a younger band with some less-than-"pure" influences IS promoted by a major label they immediately become suspicious and dismissive. All I would say to those who are suspicious of The Bad Plus and haven't heard them: Give it a listen with an open mind. Like Lon said, these guys can play. Quote
sal Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I'm a fan as well. Their album is really good. I'm looking forward to seeing them here in Chicago next week. Quote
.:.impossible Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I saw them on a weekend morning show a few months back. The music was very "difficult" for lack of a better term. I expected something much more repetitive. I have friends from all backgrounds who are recommending this group to me. My brother and his musicians and even friends who don't necessarily consider themselves jazz fans tell me this is a great disc. The hype spun me the wrong way apparently because I still haven't checked them out. Quote
ajf67 Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I really like them and enjoy their CD a lot. Each member of the trio adds signifcantly to the final outcome, and I find myself focusing on a different player with each listen. I also have no problem with them covering rock tunes or having a rock-influenced sound. The two rock tunes they cover on the CD ("Heart of Glass" and "Smells Like Teen Spirt") are a good bridge for some folks I think. I think people mistakenly think this will make them "light," "easy" or dumbed-down, all of which are wrong I think. I'd love to see them live and will go the first chance I get. Quote
Soul Stream Posted September 3, 2003 Author Report Posted September 3, 2003 Maybe it's the name that's turning me off. Quote
Free For All Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 Maybe it's the name that's turning me off. Â How about "The Good Minus"? Quote
Rooster_Ties Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 Maybe it's the name that's turning me off. Â How about "The Good Minus"? Nah, that would be totally "double-plus ungood". ( My god, was 1984 really almost 20 years ago??? ) Quote
Clunky Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 I have seen these guys three times now. They absolutely rock and are amongst the sincerest musicians I have met. They love the music and it shows. The hype does not do them justice. I will be very interested to see how they progress. I am pretty sure they are currently/ have recently recorded their second Columbia date. Quote
Trumpet Guy Posted September 3, 2003 Report Posted September 3, 2003 Love Em'!! Have seen them live once. Quote
Tom Storer Posted September 4, 2003 Report Posted September 4, 2003 I think they're a good trio, but only one of many. Quote
king ubu Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 Here's a bit of the Bad Plus live at Tampere, Finland, October 31st of last year. Pretty good, in my opinion! If the link does not work, go to the site here: http://www.radiofrance.fr/chaines/france-m...ion.php?e_id=37 and click on "ECOUTER". I have to admit I was quite surprised how much I like those few tracks offered there! I never thought about picking up their disc(s) (probably because all the raves put me off), but I really enjoy the music! ubu Quote
king ubu Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 That file should be up until Sunday afternoon (our time) or evening, then will be replaced with the next programme (Sonore!!!) ubu Quote
Alexander Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 Nice to see this thread resurrected! I'm going to see the BP on Thursday. Front row seats too! Can't wait... Quote
Dr. Rat Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 Is it just me that thought their second disc was a complete bore? Is it just me that began thinking "You know a foursquare rock pounder and a pianist with definite classical proclivities is a bad recipe for a jazz trio." Not that I'm against anyone doing something different along this direction, but if you play something like New York Electric Piano next to these guys, don't they sound a little, ummmm, empty? --eric Quote
JSngry Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 I've just heard a few things off their Columbia album on KNTU and have been neither impressed nor repulsed. Quote
pryan Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 I went to see them back in June and was very impressed by the "live" performance. This group is very tight and can reach both traditional, straight-ahead fans, and younger listeners who are into more "modern" stuff (both improvisational and pop/rock). Haven't heard any of their studio material, however. Quote
ejp626 Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 Definitely not a fan of BP. They are coming to town (Chicago), and I might even have a ticket as part of a subscription series but I wouldn't go. I was very underwhelmed by the first album, and in fact I actively disliked it, thinking I would never bother to listen a third time (trying to give it one more chance). Then I really got turned off by the massive hype. Quote
Alexander Posted October 4, 2004 Report Posted October 4, 2004 Their second album ("Give") is quite good, if not quite the radical statement that "These Are The Vistas" was. Their first album (on Fresh Sounds) is excellent too. My guess is that you either like them, or you hate them. Obviously, I like them... Quote
BruceH Posted October 6, 2004 Report Posted October 6, 2004 Maybe it's the name that's turning me off. How about "Two Times Two Minus One"? Quote
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