2006-01-02
Sunnyside Avant garde jazz from this hip three-person ensemble from Minneapolis * saxophone, bass and drums. The name comes from a Fisher-Price baby toy. Drummer David King is also in the same seat for another recent jazz addition to our library, The Bad Plus. Like those "Bad" boys, Happy Apple chooses a minimalist approach to the music, with clever titles to some of the songs (like "See Sun Spot Run"). This is not jazz for those desiring the melodic * and that's typically my style * but there's something interesting about the structure of the longer cuts that had me listening intently. There's method to the madness. At the same time, the short blasts of sound (#1, #3 and #8) are great, too. My favorite of the set is the quiet but meaningful "Ella by Midnight" (#7) * Talk about capturing a mood! If you're frightened from improvisation, stick with the quick cuts. -MJVDALLEN TOUSSAINT
The Bright Mississippi
CLUTCHY HOPKINS (Meets Lord Kenjamin)
Music is My Medicine
MELODY GARDOT
My One and Only Thrill
ROBERTO FONSECA
Akokan
NICHOLAS PAYTON
Bitches
INARA GEORGE WITH VAN DYKE PARKS
An Invitation
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