Photo - Mike DvorakAs a former jazz musician, it is slightly embarrassing to admit I’ve only seen ten or so live professional jazz performances. Thankfully, I can still tell the difference between average jazz and brilliant jazz.
The Bad Plus is brilliant jazz. Formed in 2000, this American group has risen to the top of the contemporary jazz world.
An acoustic jazz trio comprised of bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson and drummer David King, the band mix elements of non jazz music into their work creating a diverse and interesting performance.
The trio was having fun, and their passion for music is evident in their playing style. The Beck's Music Box is a perfect venue for them, with the balmy summers evening inviting the audience to relax and enjoy. And enjoy they did. It was a standard two set piece of 45 mins, and the standing ovation at the end of it brought the trio back for another 10 minute encore.
My eyes were often drawn to King as he had the most exuberant style of the three, thrashing the drums at times, then bringing it back down to the lightest touch. Iverson, with his back to the audience, often seemed to be in a world of his own, whilst Anderson in the middle looked intent, calm, and serene.
King was the spokesperson for the night, and admitted towards the end that jet lag was affecting them all. He made the audience laugh repeatedly at his bad attempts at dry humour, but injected the human element into a night which could have easily been impersonal. He would chat to the audience, telling us about the pieces, who composed them and what they were about.
There are some great reasons why people compose pieces. We heard ‘Dirty Blond’ written in praise of “That wonderful hair colour” and ‘1972 Bronze Medal’ in recognition that getting bronze is still pretty hard. There were some powerful solos, including one in ‘Old Money’ (composed by Iverson), that had a haunting, melodic solo by Anderson. It had me mesmerized.
It became evident that as composers, each musician has different styles. King and Iverson leant more towards the improvisation jazz style, with elements of atonal and collective improvisation. Anderson’s style was mellower, especially in the case of ‘Giant’. I enjoyed Anderson’s pieces the most, with his simple, recurring melody and straight cool jazz. I can imagine his music being used as a film soundtrack, with long journeys through vast and epic vistas. Then, during the last piece ‘Physical Cities’, I had visions of a Bond chase, as the trio gave it their all in one last frenetic, cacophonic fusion of sound.
One thing that makes The Bad Plus unique is their covers of songs from different music styles. Interspersed with the bands original pieces the audience was treated to jazzed up versions of ‘Everybody wants to rule the world’ (Tears for Fears), ‘Life on Mars’ (David Bowie) and the theme from Chariots of Fire.
The Bad Plus website talks about the trios ‘precision timing’ which sounded like excessive marketing speak. It is however, absolutely correct. The second piece ‘Mint’ by Iverson was the first of many to use sharp, staccato beats It is a testament to their ability to meld to each other, that it was so tight I heard silence between the notes.
Although people towards the front said the sound was tinny, I had no complaints. Even the lighting was interesting if a little bit cheesy, modulating as the band played, with some sharp changes as the trio ramped up the tempo.
Visually, the Beck’s Music Box is stunning, and if you arrive early enough you can lounge on the comfy couches. We didn’t, and so sat on the stadium seating towards the back which provides an uninterrupted view of the stage and the city at night. If you find your mind wandering, there is always something to look at.
It is a pity that The Bad Plus could only perform for one night in Perth, and that they weren’t able to visit other Australian cities. They were vibrant, versatile and brilliant and I hope they return soon.
The Bad Plus
Venue: Beck’s Music Box
Date/Time: Tuesday 26th February @ 8:30pm
Bookings: (08) 9484 1133
For further information: www.perthfestival.com.au