THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Bad Plus have taken a bold step forward with Complex Emotions, their second album as a quartet.
After 21 years of redefining their sound, founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) retooled the group by dispensing with piano and enlisting guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed. This fresh lineup has unlocked new creative possibilities that are fully explored in Complex Emotions. The album’s title, drawn from a phrase long used by Anderson and King, reflects the wide-ranging explorations that have defined the band’s journey.
For nearly 25 years, The Bad Plus have reinvented the concept of instrumental music in mainstream culture, receiving praise from rock / indie audiences and classical / jazz critics. On the coattails of their highly successful 2022 self-titled album, the band continue to focus on original composition on their 16th studio recording. The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. Since Day 1, they have played with spirit and adventure, made their own rules and done so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad Plus have won critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide with their unique sound and flair for live performance.”
