Activate Infinity

Album review

It's not generally a good sign when the central figure in a group jumps overboard but the ship keeps sailing on. But the departure of pianist Ethan Iverson from The Bad Plus didn't stop his bandmates Reid Anderson and David King from continuing their own adventure. Since 2018, the double bassist and drummer have been teamed up with Orrin Evans. At 44 years old, this former student of Kenny Barron and Joanne Brackeen (and frontman on over 20 albums) is no novice – although his fame only extends within a select circle. The piano-based identity of this Philadelphia musician is so strong that he feels no need to "replace" Iverson, but rather to write a new chapter with Anderson and King. The Bad Plus, version 2.0, have made a groundbreaking new album with the UK label Edition Records. Throughout Activate Infinity, Orrin Evans brings a new roundedness, different from that of his predecessor; but in a fraction of a second he can also dive into more avant-garde improvisations. Above all, he has found the balance between remaining himself and blending in with the rhythms of Reid Anderson and David King. In short: the saga continues… © Marc Zisman/Qobuz