The Bad Plus Joshua Redman cover

The Bad Plus Joshua Redman

Joshua Redman · 2015

59 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A dynamic fusion of intricate jazz themes and modern improvisation unfolds in a mesmerizing interplay of saxophone and piano.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beauty Has It Hard — This track exemplifies the album's unique blend of complex rhythms and melodic exploration, featuring an engaging dialogue between saxophone and piano that showcases both artists' improvisational prowess.
  • →
    Silence Is the Question — As the longest track on the album, it allows for expansive improvisation and deeper emotional expression, encapsulating the album's overall theme of introspection and musical conversation.
  • →
    Friend or Foe — This track stands out for its intricate structure and shifting dynamics, reflecting the collaborative synergy between band members while maintaining a sense of narrative throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
68 /100
Alpine
Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and dynamic interplay, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate sudden tempo shifts, creating dynamic contrasts that enhance the improvisational interplay between the musicians.
  • The final track concludes with an extended silence, leaving a lingering effect that invites reflection on the preceding compositions.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate improvisation with rich dynamics
  • long tracks that encourage exploration
  • thoughtful moments of musical conversation
  • reflective listening during quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, upbeat music
  • want straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2015, The Bad Plus Joshua Redman came during a period when Joshua Redman was establishing himself as a significant figure in contemporary jazz, following his acclaimed albums. This collaboration with The Bad Plus marked a notable shift, combining their experimental approach with Redman's virtuosic saxophone skills, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to explore new musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Brad Mehldau· Chris Potter· Kurt Rosenwinkel

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 As This Moment Slips Away 6:52
  • 2 Beauty Has It Hard 7:00
  • 3 County Seat 3:03
  • 4 The Mending 4:10
  • 5 Dirty Blonde 5:32
  • 6 Faith Through Error 3:18
  • 7 Lack the Faith but Not the Wine 7:13
  • 8 Friend or Foe 8:36
  • 9 Silence Is the Question 13:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata