The Bad Plus: Heart of Glass
Track
Heart of Glass
Group
The Bad Plus
CD
These Are the Vistas (Columbia 59850)
Musicians:
Ethan Iverson (piano),
Reid Anderson (bass), David King (drums)
.Composed by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein
.Recorded: Box, Wiltshire, England, September 30-October 5, 2002
Rating: 97/100 (learn more)
The Bad Plus has garnered much attention for their unpredictable covers, though too often because critics unfortunately see them as "shticky" and tongue in cheek. Nothing could be farther from the truth. These tunes are chosen out of the group's respect and love for great pop compositions, and none may be finer than their deconstructed version of Blondie's 1979 dance-pop hit "Heart of Glass." The trio swings jubilantly through the melody, highlighted by Iverson's fascinating left-hand counterpoint. Order is created out of chaos and beauty from noise as their wild, free improvisation frantically teeters on the brink of brilliant insanity and complete annihilation of the tune. Following a rumbling piano sounding not unlike the aftermath of an atomic detonation, Iverson's most literal interpretation of the melody creeps out amidst the rubble. Nodding to Studio 54-era dance floors, the tune rides out on King's nu-school disco beat—in seven!!
Reviewer: Matt Leskovic
Tags: 2000s jazz · piano trio
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