You can just get excited about The Bad Plus' twelfth album just by studying the cover. This American power jazz trio became known for their idiosyncratic adaptations of rock songs such as Smells Like Teen Spirit ( ) and Money, Money Money ( ). In recent years, however, they have devoted themselves more to their own compositions (such as on the strong album from 2014) or the raw and monumental
… performance of 's Rites Of Spring (2014). It's Hard again contains a collection of rock covers that make you curious, such as Games Without Frontiers ( ), The Beautiful Ones ( ) and The Robots ( ). And yes, in the end they sound like you expected in advance: a little bit opposite to the originals, robust and of course jazzy. When you have heard everything, you will understand why The Bad Plus had to throw itself into that own repertoire at some point. It's Hard sounds fun but predictable and is actually a step back for this gifted trio. (MR)more
