Youth Oriented

by Happy Apple

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	01/21/2003
Label:	Sunnyside Communications
UPC:	0016728300629
Rank:	153142

Tracks

1. Youth Oriented
2. Green Grass Stains on Wrangler Jeans
3. The Landfall Planetarium
4. Salmon Jump Suit
5. Drama Section
6. The Treetops of a Bad Neighbourhood
7. It Will Be
8. Cr¿¿me de Menthe Quasar
9. Youth Oriented

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Happy Apple   Primary Artist
Michael Lewis   Sax (Tenor),Sax (Alto),Sax (Soprano),Double Bass
Dave King   Toy Instruments,Waterphone,Drums,Megaphone,Mellotron
Erik Fratzke   Guitar,Bass

Technical Credits

Michael Lewis   Composer
Jean Rochard   Producer
Jason Orris   Engineer,Mixing
Sara Remke   Production Assistant
Damien de Clerck   Coordination
Nicolas Malherbe   Design
Guy Lequerrec   Photography
David Gardner   Mastering
Daniel Richard   Executive Producer
Erik Fratzke   Composer
James Diers   Coordination,Assistant
Francois Zalacain   Writer
Dave King   Composer