Bad Luck!

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More About

• Reid Anderson
• Dave King
• The Bad Plus
• Punk Rock
• Musicals

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Despite the attention lavished on the Bad Plus, its surprised members ("shocked," says Anderson; "humbled," says King) aren't exactly in fat city yet, though they might soon be able to find a modest place nearby. The Columbia deal came with a cash advance, but as Iverson puts it, "It wasn't the sort of thing where I started my art collection.

"But we're hopeful," adds the most renowned jazz pianist in Menomonie history. "I do think that we'll be able to make a proper career with this band. Of course that doesn't mean a lot of money, it's not gonna be like rock stars or anything like that." I remember these words as I watch the group pound and even swing through "Teen Spirit." The two Bad Plus recordings of the song failed to win me over. I kept thinking of this weird guy named D.J. Lebowitz who used to play novel solo-piano versions of punk-rock songs such as the Dead Kennedys' "Holiday in Cambodia." At the Chicago Cultural Center, though, the tune is a showstopper, fearsome and ecstatic. No, not like rock stars or anything like that--just a cool variation.