The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. For the past two decades they have played with spirit and adventure, made their own rules and done so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad Plus has won critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide with their unique sound and flair for live performance.

Now in their 21st year, The Bad Plus continues to push boundaries as founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) embark on a new piano-less incarnation of the band with Ben Monder (guitar) and Chris Speed (tenor saxophone) – instigating a new wave of excitement and anticipation within the band that is re-energizing their sound and inspiration. The Bad Plus have constantly searched to bridge genres and techniques while exploring the infinite possibilities of exceptional musicians working in perfect sync.

2018 sees the release of a new, politically charged Ceramic Dog album: YRU Still Here? (Northern Spy), the long awaited third album from Ribot’s post-rock/noise trio Ceramic Dog. Marc Ribot, who the New York Times describes as “a deceptively articulate artist who uses inarticulateness as an expressive device,” has released over 20 albums under his own name over a 30-year career, exploring everything from the pioneering jazz of Albert Ayler to the Cuban son of Arsenio Rodríguez. Thanks in no small part to the fire, brimstone, and dextrous facility summoned by kindred spirits Shahzad Ismaily ( Secret Chiefs 3, Will Oldham) on bass and drummer Ches Smith ( Xiu Xiu, Secret Chiefs 3, Trevor Dunn’s Trio Convulsant), YRU Still Here? comes to the table armed with more than just sloganeering rhetoric.

As much as it is a rallying cry, though, YRU Still Here? also further consecrates Ribot’s 10 years of music making with Ismaily and Smith. Referring to them as his “musical conscience” and to the band as a “family…although not always in a good wa.” Ribot comments wryly: “Even after all the playing I’ve done, there’s something about this group that still manages to shock me.”