The “new” Bad Plus with charter members Reid Anderson and Dave King as well drummer continues to sound fresh and rejuvenated with the new blood. With Ethan Iverson moving on to other musical lands, Evans is able to continue the swinging quirkiness of the band’s original intent, but with a more pulsating feel at his digital disposal. Likewise, King’s drums are more pushed back from being in your face, so his business on pieces like the upbeat “Avail” and the rapid dig in with Anderson on “Dovetail Nicely” sizzle more than stomp while his pattern for “Undersea Reflections” is more of a melody than a bumpy road. The three continue to create clever sounds, as Evans and Anderson converse well on the rich and romantic “Looking In Your Eyes” and intertwine well on the lyrical “Slow Reactors.” More plus and minimal bad on this one!
Pianist Andres Vial creates a formidable team with drummer Eric McPherson and bassist Dezron Douglas for nine originals. Like The Bad Plus, Andres focuses on group cohesion and communication, bouncing through a post-bopper of Atonggaga Blues” or waltzing through an American traditional feel on “Ferguson.” The rhythm section sashays well on the “Samba Fantisma’ and gives a faithful gospel beat on the chiming “Cascades” with Vial getting lyrical on “Matigne” and full-fisted for “Put Your Spikes On.” A strand of three chords is not easily broken.