“Seven-Minute Mind”
Following its all-covers vocal album in 2008, jazz-rock trio The Bad Plus has made a point to remind fans just how unique and dynamic its original material is. Of course, that material always was a majority and a focal point, but certain albums (such as 2007 release Prog) skewed the “cover ratio” and featured more pop interpretations.
Made Possible is another nearly all-original effort (with one cover of jazz great Paul Motian). But this time, synthesizers and electronics provide surprising new accents to the band’s sound, whether in the form of buzzing harmonies, dense electronic beats, or squiggly and staticky effects.
Drummer David King again infuses the rhythms with rock energy, while pianist Ethan Iverson and bassist Reid Anderson provide the usual melodic complexity. Together, the three continue traversing territory that’s all their own.