Serious

The Bad Plus detonate musical genres and expand all expectations of what an apparently standard jazz piano trio can achieve. With an egalitarian approach that transcends category, they de-construct and re-construct a century of sound that takes them from Black Sabbath to Stravinsky to Queen to jazz standards, as well as devastatingly original new compositions - music that derives its energy and attitude from the diverse talents of three master improvisers - pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King.

Following last year's landmark residency with Italian pianist Stefano Bollani, the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3 returns to Kings Place with three days that celebrate the 10th birthday of The Bad Plus, and tell the story of one of the most distinctive and engaging groups in today's jazz.

"....about as badass as highbrow gets..." Rolling Stone

Tonight alt-rock singer Wendy Lewis swings by from Minneapolis to join the Plus in a re-enactment of the music from the 2009 CD that adds a voice that brings "intense compressed energy" to augment the group’s sonic arsenal, in a set list that encompasses Nirvana, the Bee Gees, Pink Floyd, Ligeti and Milton Babbitt, but remains devastatingly original in concept and style.

Listen to the Kings Place podcast with an exclusive interview with The Bad Plus. Available on Soundcloud and iTunes.

Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3