The Bad Plus @ The Village Vanguard, 1/23 - 1/28

Nearly four years ago, three Midwesterners—a pianist, a drummer and a bassist—rocked The Village Vanguard with a set that resulted in a recording contract with Columbia. Their debut, These Are The Vistas, appeared shortly thereafter. With re-arrangements of classic hits including Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Blondie’s “Heart of Glass,” The Bad Plus are known to leave the scent of rock, while their rhythms are consistent with the flavor of post-bop.

Their show at the Blue Note several months ago had the audience captivated: you just simply didn’t know which guy to watch since Iverson, King and Anderson were all getting far too ill. Whether it be their colorful display of call and response, improvisation or the surprise in hearing a familiar bassline from an 80’s pop song, it’s clear that they thrive in a live setting. Now, having produced two more albums since their debut and having gone on worldwide tours, The Bad Plus is bound to deliver on this six-day homecoming stand.

Bad Plus + Jason Moran & The Bandwagon @ Blue Note - $20 Bar/$30 Tables – 9/13 – 9/17

Ladies and gentleman, without further ado we present to you the Bad Plus: an avant-garde trio from the midwest whose eclectic musical tastes range from contemporary jazz to 70’s glam rock to Radiohead (check out their reconstruction of “Karma Police”). Fortunately, I had a chance to catch ‘em last night and for starters, the drummer, David King, gets wicked on every song and every symbal for that matter. Moreover, the chemistry between the pianist, bassist and drummer feels incredible, whether you' bob your head to the rhythm or shut your eyes and just listen...But that’s not all. Make sure you catch the opener. Jason Moran is a virtuoso on the keys whether it's “Moon River” or his own rendition of Afrika Bombaataa’s “Planet Rock.” Bear witness to these progressive jazz artists at a world renowned venue!