Name: Youth Oriented
Brand: Sunnyside
SKU: 66579
Price: 19.75 GBP
Availability: InStock

Performer Notes

Happy Apple: Michael Lewis (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass); David King (Mellotron, drums, sound effects); Erik Fratzke (guitar, bass).
Recorded at The Terrarium, Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2002.
Personnel: Erik Fratzke (guitar); Michael Lewis (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, double bass); Dave King (Mellotron, drums, waterphone).
Audio Mixer: Jason Orris.
Recording information: Terrarium, Minneapolis, MN.
Photographer: Guy Lequerrec.
Unknown Contributor Role: Val‚rie Crini‚re.
The Minneapolis, MN-based trio's fifth outing features more of the musicians' playful, rebellious spirit and enterprising methodologies, as the Youth Oriented motif is depicted in cartoonish fashion within the CD booklet. In addition, the artists' unique sound, consisting of alternative jazz-rock musings, has already spawned a rash of imitators within the modern jazz circuit. Nevertheless, the trio surges onward with more power-packed rock beats and flashy time changes. Notions of a Sonic Youth-type jazz outfit come to mind. Here, multi-reedman Michael Lewis solos above electric bassist Erik Fratzke's booming yet noticeably limber patterns and drummer David King's brawny rhythmic endeavors. The band tempers the flow on pieces such as "The Landfall Planetarium," where King injects some hazy Mellotron voicings into the mix, translating into a slightly humorous effect. But they frequently up the ante, due to their gritty discourses amid elements of soul and chutzpah. Many of these works feature gradually climactic opuses and searing exchanges. Hence, a charismatic lot, with a nouveau approach to jazz music in general as this band traverses the road less traveled. Recommended. ~ Glenn Astarita

Professional Reviews

JazzTimes (05/03, pp.128-30) - "...Joyousness is the most striking quality one gets from initially hearing Happy Apple's music....There's a free-wheeling, frenzied sensibility that makes these songs engaging and frequently enjoyable..."

Album: Youth Oriented
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Youth Oriented
2)	Green Grass Stains on Wrangler Jeans
3)	Landfall Planetarium, The
4)	Salmon Jump Suit
5)	Drama Section
6)	Treetops of a Bad Neighbourhood, The
7)	It Will Be
8)	CrŠme de Menthe Quasar
9)	Youth Oriented

Album: Youth Oriented
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Youth Oriented
2)	Green Grass Stains on Wrangler Jeans
3)	Landfall Planetarium, The
4)	Salmon Jump Suit
5)	Drama Section
6)	Treetops of a Bad Neighbourhood, The
7)	It Will Be
8)	CrŠme de Menthe Quasar
9)	Youth Oriented