The Bad Plus, the leaderless trio comprised of bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King, have a well-deserved reputation for arresting and mischievous readings of rock, pop, and classical pieces ranging from Aphex Twin to Gyorgy Ligeti to the Flaming Lips. As a result, their own fine compositions have often been -- unfairly -- overlooked. Never Stop, the Bad Plus' eighth recording, is their first of completely original material. In a decade-long career filled with curve balls (the last being 2009 ...
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The Bad Plus, the leaderless trio comprised of bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King, have a well-deserved reputation for arresting and mischievous readings of rock, pop, and classical pieces ranging from Aphex Twin to Gyorgy Ligeti to the Flaming Lips. As a result, their own fine compositions have often been -- unfairly -- overlooked. Never Stop, the Bad Plus' eighth recording, is their first of completely original material. In a decade-long career filled with curve balls (the last being 2009's For All I Care, their first set of all cover material and the first to feature a vocalist), Never Stop pushes their margin and extends their reach far past canonical definitions of the "jazz piano trio." "The Radio Tower Has a Beating Heart" feels like a nearly six-minute classical intro, full of complex harmonics, roiling kit drums, and a near pastoral theme that is interspersed with angular yet lyric, swinging post-bop improvisation. The title track is nearly an uptempo pop song, set to a near marching tempo. Irony abounds in "My Friend Metatron," with its relatively brief schematic theme that gives way to shimmering crescendos and codas, Latin tinges, and multiple time signatures. "Beryl Loves to Dance" feels more like a sprinting scherzo before it settles down into a funky groove with some knotty harmonic twists adding more irony -- not gimmickry -- to the mix. "Snowball" is a brief, lilting, skeletal ballad, imbued with near impressionistic piano nuances before Anderson takes the melody and asserts it with restraint and taste. "2 P.M." works through a particularly intense jazz improvisation while keeping a taut focus on modern classical composition as a methodology. The two longest pieces are the elegant "People Like You," where Iverson touches on Vince Guaraldi and Bill Evans, and "Bill Hickman at Home," a haunting naturally flowing jazz ballad with added quirkiness because it is played on a slightly out of tune piano, allowing for some compelling inside-out improvisation with a nearly cinematic flourish. The set closes with handclaps on the joyous gospelized blues "Super America." The Bad Plus' originals have always been provocative, but being parceled between covers, their impact was unduly blunted. Hearing an entire program of them on Never Stop offers listeners a full appreciation of just how innovative and creative -- and yet accessible -- they are, even as they redefine and expand the role of the piano trio in jazz. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
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Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $2.91, good condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $3.91, good condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
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Good. Disc(s) have been resurfaced using a professional-grade machine. Case shows moderate wear and tear. All items include the original case and artwork. All items ship Mon-Fri.
Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $3.92, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $3.98, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
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Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $4.10, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $19.95, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
Add this copy of Never Stop to cart. $23.75, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by E1 Entertainment.
