The biggest drawback with "Suspicious Activity?" is its association with a major label, namely Sony Records. The CD has ridiculous copy-protection that may keep you from enjoying it the way you want to. Don't hold it against the band, but please do write to Sony.
The Bad Plus will be home in New York City to perform 6 shows in 6 nights at the legendary Village Vanguard from September 20 - September 25. Maybe a "Bad Plus Live an the Village Vangaurd" recording will come of it? One can only hope.
Track listing
1. Prehensile Dream (composed by Reid Anderson)
2. Anthem For The Earnest (composed by David King)
3. Let Our Garden Grow (composed by Ethan Iverson)
4. The Empire Strikes Backwards (composed by David King)
5. Knows The Difference (composed by Reid Anderson)
6. Lost Of Love (composed by Reid Anderson)
7. Rhinoceros Is My Profession (composed by Reid Anderson)
8. O. G. (Original Gentleman) (composed by Ethan Iverson)
9. (Theme from) Chariots Of Fire (composed by Papathanassiou Evanghelos)
10. Forces (composed by Reid Anderson)
Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists at the Rhapsody Radish.
Article comments
1 - Nathaniel Winn
"Peak"ed your interest, did it? It certainly piqued mine.
2 - JOHNNY RENTIN
THE BAD PLUS ARE A GREAT GROUP I SAW YOUMAN WILDER IN VANCOUVER AT THE JAZZ FESTIVAL AND WILDER JUST PUT SOME GREAT SHOWS TOGETHER.I DONT THINK I HAVE SEEN A BETTER PERFORMER THAN YOUMAN WILDER. MUCH LOVE FOR THE BAD PLUS ALSO
3 - Robert
Thanks Nathaniel, I was "peakin'"
4 - Mark Sahm
Robert, does the 4th track "The Empire Strikes Backwards" have any Star Wars element to it, or was it just a clever title?
5 - Robert
Mark,
No, "The Empire Strikes Backwards" does not have witty musical references to the movie. The Bad Plus make no bones about their far-left leaning politics. This song is a stab at the US Government. It has an unbelievable meter that at times is countable and other times not.
6 - Mark Sahm
Thanks, Robert. I recall the Cheney Pinata! Great track. But then, 95% of them are.
Are you going to any of the Vanguard shows? I was pondering the idea, but don't know my schedule this week.
7 - Robrt
I wish! It would be impossible for me to make it to NY as my wife is due with our second child on the 19th.
8 - Michael J. West
Awesome review, Robert! I love the Bad Plus; I wasn't as big a fan of Give" despite my abiding love of all things Ornette. But you've got my appetite whetted for the new...
How do you think this one stands up specifically compared to the previous ones?
9 - Robert
Hey Mike, personally my favorite is "Blunt Object Live in Tokyo", after that "These Are The Vistas" is tied with this new release. There is a bit of a new direction here with some straight up rock undercurrents. At first I was not completely ga-ga about it, but it's been sinking it's teeth in further with each listen. All Bad Plus seems to get better with each spin as there is so much to hear though. If you're a fan you won't be dissapointed. I was dissapointed when I heard they were covering "Chariots of Fire", but my God! It rocks!
10 - Robert
The band has quoted this review on their website here
11 - Suzie
LOVED These Are the Vistas and Give. Can't wait for this one. Tuesday's going to be a good day. Remember on Give that one track "Do Your Sums/Die Like a Dog/... something-else-I-don't-remember.."? Favorite. Anything comparable Robert?
And if Chariots of Fire is in even the same league as Smells Like Teen Spirit, I'll go nuts.
12 - Tom Johnson
Damn, that really sucks about the copy protection. Write off yet another release I simply will not buy because I cannot support the label deciding how I should listen to the music I but. If the band quoted this review, I hope they come back and look at the comments and see this.
13 - Robert
Suzie,
You;re gonna love it. The Chariots of Fire Theme is my favorite B+ cover yet. And the rest of the album it still opening up to me even after 20 listens!
14 - Robert
Tom,
I agree with you about the Copy Protection. It' freakin' ridiculous.
1. It doesn't stop those who want to steal music.
2. It makes the pirated versions more appealing to thieves
3. It SUCKS for people who actually BUY the music and can;t play it how they want (for example I can't play it through my SONOS system)
4. It hurts the artist since many (like yourself) won't purchase these copy-protected discs
15 - cam
man this album is mind blowing. It's my favorite...even though "Give" is a classic. The first track, Prehensile Dream, shows what Reid Anderson and his composing powers are all about. It is like the "Dirty Blonde" of this album. And the cover of "Chariots of Fire" is by far my favorite. The bass line is just rediculous. This album is a must have...
16 - Pantagruel
It's great!! Thanks for the heads up!
17 - HARRY GIANTS
Youman Wilder was great when I saw him In Vancouver.He did the 3rd night at Rascals Jazz Club and my goodness what a bundle of energy.If anyone can let me know when he will be in Vancouver again i would love to hear from you.
18 - Melissa
I just saw the band in Boston (Bahhhstan) this past weekend and they were tremendous. Suspicious Activity is a great album, and indeed a great follow up from Give. The only bad thing is that the Live album is no longer available. it is not in print.
19 - Gahlord Dewald
My wife bought me this for my birthday. I'll be returning it due to the copy protection. Maybe I'll just catch the band live next time they come near.
Life's too short to have Sony tell me when and where and how I can listen to music.
And I do hold it against the band. If, on their blog, they can glibly talk about few CDs in their van because of their being 4 iPods ... well... It's either brain-dead stupidity or maliciousness. Neither of which I have time to support.
You can click through a link from Sony and if you give them all your information they'll email you info on how to import the disk... But I don't like having to give away personal information just to get to listen to an album that was paid for...
I'll be taking this CD back to the store, and buying the version that's in iTunes. Who needs plastic disks anyway.
20 - gahlord Dewald
Oh, and the live album is still available, it's in iTunes. ;)
g
21 - Jazz In Music
Youman Wilder And Weird Stories Bring Soul And Serious Swagger To Ct
Reviewd by: Michelle Charles
If I hear any more complaints about how Soul and R&B music is dead, I am gonna just scream!!!! And scream is what I and about 700 loyal followers of serious Soul Music did this past weekend at Connecticut's Powerhouse Performing Arts Center In New Canaan.
Youman Wilder/featuring Weird Stories were relentless in a show that was all about the soul. Starting the evening off with the original song "The World Is A Ghetto" and settling In with the groove infectious "Joy" followed by the bands staple song "A Little Closer".
Wilder who placed more emphasis on the higher register along with the Gospel side of his voice seemed too be sticking it to the weak male
Pop singers we see parading around as talent. The band was tight and from the first note of the evening you knew SOUL was in the house.
The band featured new pianist Xavier Paul, Curtis Heyward (bass) Orlando Watson (Tenor Sax) Markel Dupree (drums) Rickey King Electric Guitar, Rhonda Jacobs Flute.
Paul who is a young sensational pianist from New Orleans,brings a whole different energy to this unit. Like his predecessor Nelson Bainbridge, Paul is an amazing talent, his 23 year old youthful yet polished playing has a quality of his idol the great Herbie Hancock.
Orlando Watson is playing the best Tenor Sax in the world at this minute? Rhonda Jacobs has finally found her own footing in this band, and Rickey King and Markel Dupree make up,what the Village Voice called one of the best bands working today.
But it is still Youman Wilder and his soaring vocals and inspiring writing that makes this band a must see in concert. This outfit is Jazz, yet they play the blues, they are funk yet they play the most intimate and gorgeous ballads, like the gospel flavored "You Can Talk About Me Now that I am Gone" and the beautiful "Harlem Rain" took the night into over drive.
Wilder and The Storie are a band with a knack to throw daggers at the powerful while fighting for the powerless.
The provocative "Fatherless, Motherless and Homeless In America" talked about the problems of families living in they're cars after losing they're homes.
Wilder also showed a nice pace of dance material as well. "One Stop Away From Brooklyn" and "We Cant Go Back To That Love "put the band into a 70's type of Rufus/Chaka Khan feel.
Then it was time for church as Wilder put his foot in the self penned song "If I Could Fly"(Can I Testify) this was the church boy coming out.
Wilder who always seems to pay homage to the soul pioneers devoted a medley to the great Teddy Pendergrass. Starting off with "Close The Door" "Love TKO" and ending with a song that I had not heard in over 15 years the beautiful Pendergrass classic "Latest Greatest Inspiration"
Wilder and the Storie finished off the evening with the a song by Prince, "Dear Mr Man" which they played for about 10 minutes with half the audience onstage dancing around the band.
This current unit is a hot mix of vibrant and extremely talented musicians, and as always Wilder as the front man shows impeccable vocal chops and a self assured swagger as a singer and a songwriter.
The addition of Xavier Paul is a welcome addition to a band that is simply one of the best touring Jazz/Funk/Soul Bands working.
Youman Wilder and Weird Stories will tour this April out west, with stops in LA, San Diego and San Francisco, as well as Portland, Seattle and Arizona.
The bands website WWW.MYSPACE/YOUMANWILDER GIVES ALL TOUR DATES. Do your self a favor and hear this band if they come to your town.
22 - Jazz In Music
Youman Wilder Puts It All Together In The Vancouver Concert for The Children of Darfur
This Was a Benefit Waiting to Happen
Concert Review by: Herman Rawlings
Venue: The Vogue Theater (Vancouver British Columbia)
April 22nd,2007
Individuals who adopt worthy causes in support of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised people in society have a very difficult endeavor, especially when attempting to rise above other organizations trying to achieve the same objectives. Often times, the overall approach becomes easier when a celebrity or person of note becomes involved to garner support for a given charity.
That is exactly what happened when Singing Great Youman Wilder and some of his friends put on a special benefit performance for The Children Of Darfur Concert, his mission is to achieve “Awareness for Children and Victims of Darfur” There is an ongoing war in this Sudanese Country as well, one that bodes well with assistance and empowerment in order to obtain the best possible results for families and children of this Inhuman and illegal war against the Christian and darker skinned Darfarians. Because the cause is such an important one in the mind of soul singer Youman Wilder, he has adopted The Darfurian's to draw attention too.
For the second time in as many years,Youman invited some musicians from around the world to help elevate the consciousness of the atrocities that are taking place in the Sudan.
With that in mind, singers Iris Campbell, Jeannette' Bowman, Louise Charles along with stellar musicians Nelson Bainbridge (piano) Curtis Heyward (bass) Orlando Watson (Tenor Sax)
Markel Dupree (drums) Rickey King Electric Guitar,Paquito De Carlos Guzman Percussion's
(Luiz Carlos) Na Baixa do Sapateiro (Jamil Joanes) (Barroso - Oberdan) (Cláudio Stevenson - Cristóvão Bastos) Luiz Gonzaga - Humberto Teixeira) (Edu Lobo) (Oberdan)
All of these talented performers all came together to perform in a very special concert to highlight the
Save Darfur.Org goals and objectives. As a stand alone singer,Youman Wilder is one of the most complete performers of his generation.
He has the ability to transcend the confines of most artists by achieving considerable acclaim in all aspects of contemporary and modern R&B and Neo Soul Jazz.
His skilled approach to both jazz and gospel has not often been recognized in the minds of some, yet he remains one of the most creative minds in jazz,funk,blues and r&b.
As a supporter of Save Darfur.Org,Youman has the clout to pull off one of the most dynamic concerts of its kind, especially in a city where jazz is a dominant source of entertainment.
Collectively speaking, this event was well-suited towards pushing the organization into the forefront of community support.
One of the most unique aspects associated with this event is Youman Wilder the singer. Anyone who has ever experienced him in a live setting will acknowledge his considerable talent. He is energetic and pushes the envelope of perfection in whatever his musical endeavor, whether it be performing or recording.
His performance on the evening of April 22nd was not any different when it comes to examining Youman’s unique approach to his craft.
His performance was a funk-filled groove that was augmented by melodic nuances and compelling harmonies,Youman blew the roof of the great Vogue Theater ,The tenor was a tornado the powerhouse vocals on "Harlem Rain" was glorious,And the salute to the Darfur victims with the Stevie Wonder penned "Shelter In The Rain" showed the strong gospel influence of Youman.
My favorite song from Youman's set was the funked up version of Prince's "Dear Mr Man" while also drawing energy from Nelson,Markell, and Rickey King. Individually, each musician in his own right proved beyond the shadow of any doubt that they too were highly stylized dynamos.One of the highlight's of the show was Orlando Watson’s passionate embrace of Marvin Gaye’s tune “What's Going On,” which received a rousing response from the audience. Bainbridge’s highly emotional and eclectic interpretation was passionate and very enlightening.
Iris Campbell,Jeannette Bowman’s tribute to the late Luther Vandross was filled with nostalgia and appreciation for a singer whose influence on music is without question.
Bassist Curtis Heyward was another intrepid highlight during the concert with his superb bass licks. He exhibited a three minute course on the art of funk and all the percussive elements surrounding his talent.
Wilder then blazed into some original songs "Motherless,Fatherless and Homeless Child Of America"
"Repping The Ghetto" and 'She Love's Me' and the stoic but inspirational 'In My Life' bought the SRO to it's feet.
Campbell, Bowman and Louise Charles Joined Wilder In a Gospel medley, that showed cased some of the best singing I have heard in a long while.
Starting off with "How I Got Over' and then singing 'Restoration' by the great family group 'The Winans'
Wilder bent and ripped every note, Wilder and Charles dueted on the lovely "I.O.U.ME' and then had the sold out crowd up in a frenzy with the soul stirring 'Jesus Is Love'
Wilder then performed John Legend's 'So High' and may have taken this Legend song and made it his very own.
The audience were particularly thrilled with the spiritual aspects of his performance. With Youman Wilder at the helm, the force was definitely upon the crowd of fans and supporters, where music and social awareness were elevated to new heights.
There were no fire works or exploding dancer's with no clothes on, just Youman Wilder and some incredible friends who showed the City Of Vancouver great music for an even greater cause.
In addition, it stands to reason why Youman was able to pull all of his resources together to make “Youman Wilder & Friends The Concert for Darfur” come together.
The Save Darfur.Org is a worth while organization that has a definite goal and purpose in the support of the children of Darfur, please help us end these atrocities
23 - Roger Fachini
Charity Music Inc is a 501(c)(3) ALL VOLUNTEER nonprofit public service organization whose mission is to provide musical instruments, at no charge, to individuals wishing to explore their hidden musical talents.
We are currently working on a Charity Music Concert series entitled "Jazz for Jazz'z Sake",
and are hoping to get The Bad Plus, and other concerned Jazz Artist to assist with the project.
Thanks in advance to anyone interested in helping us put it all together.
Roger Fachini, President
Charity Music Inc.
24 - Jazz In Music
Youman Wilder and Weird Stories Cancel All shows to South Carolina,over Confederate Flag Flap
InfoPlease.com
Written By
Harvey Treemount
Apollo Theater Standout Youman Wilder and Weird Stories have cancelled all shows in South Carolina this upcoming Summer,due to the fact that the South Carolina States Representatives still fly the Confederate flag,
All shows in Columbia, Anderson and Myrtle Beach have been cancelled.
Wilder has been a vocal opponent as well on the Situation In Darfur Sudan, and was arrested 10 times last year for protesting at the United Nations In New York.
As we went to press the Political Soul Singer stated that it's really easy to rid the state of the
Controversial Flag.
Wilder stated that if African American Athletes decided to boycott the University Of South Carolina where the Football,Basketball and Track programs make the University over 60 million dollars a year, with the sweat and talents of the African-American athletes, he stated that the Legislators would have a great change of mind.
Here we are the people who allow a racist symbol of oppression fly in all it's glory at home football games, while the stars of those programs are largely African-American who are bringing in the bulk of the monies to the Athletic Department, and Universities.
Wilder stated that he is amazed that Black Parents allow they're children to attend these
South Carolina Colleges to help continue the farther racial intolerance of Southern Universities that allow a flag that greeted Blacks with hatred and bigotry.
Black men and women were hung,raped and robbed under the symbol of that so called flag.
We as a African People have got to start flexing our financial muscle to eliminate this flag,it's as simple,as that.
No blacks on your football teams or basketball teams and you will get the message once you are not at Bowl games or NCAA's basketball final fours,which make these Universities Millions of Dollars
.
The singer instead will perform in Montreal and Quebec.