The Bad Plus sounds like an ‘80s No Wave band name. Sure, there’s a little rock and artsy grit in the New York quartet’s fusion stew. The horns and exploratory temperament of the music, though, pull it back into the jazz spectrum. The leading saxophone motif of our highlighted track “Motivations II” will remind you of everything you love about Lower East side experimentalism. Serene contemplation mixed with confidence, courage, and chutzpah. Shout out to the gorgeous green vinyl of their lower-case, self-titled release the bad plus.

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