The Bad Plus

The Bad Plus has been pushing the boundaries of jazz for over twenty years. The American formation instantly became famous with their imaginative interpretations of music outside the genre, from pop and punk to classical and avant-garde, from Nirvana via Aphex Twin to Ligeti and Stravinsky. With this approach they have successfully set a new standard. The Bad Plus has a reputation for hyper-energetic performances and is loved all over the world because of that, by fans of all genres.

In 2022 the group returned in a new form. The piano was replaced by guitar and tenor sax, played by renowned masters. Guitarist Ben Monder has previously collaborated with, among others, Maria Schneider, Paul Motian, and David Bowie. Saxophonist Chris Speed played with, among others, John Zorn, Craig Taborn, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. This four-piece released its second album towards the end of 2024, entitled Complex Emotions. 

‘The chemistry between the foursome sounds incredible, burning brightly with endeavour and fierce originality that doesn’t just take this band into a new era, but actually launches them head-first from an exploding cannon’ (UK Vibe).

Chris Speed reeds, Ben Monder guitar, Reid Anderson bass, Dave King drums