An Evening with Happy Apple

As Ben Ratliff, writing in the New York Times earlier this year, describes the band "David King, the drummer of the trio Happy Apple, is a heavy-gauge clown, honest, graceful and intuitive. He looks as if he’s constantly subverting his own nature around the drums. His body language says he’s going to cream them, really boss them around, but at the last instant he hesitates, hitting lightly or leaving a blank. Meanwhile the long-haired saxophonist Michael Lewis just blows and blows, a jazz musician in love with long-form improvising and the infinitely changeable melody. Erik Fratzke plays an electric bass, walking and chording, laying out theme and variations with a shortened, muffled tone. But he assumes rock poses and looks like an actor from “CHiPs,” with mutton-chop sideburns and aviator glasses. Is he serious?"

Read the rest of the article, or better yet, get your tickets now for this special Thanksgiving Eve show at The Cedar by Happy Apple, and remember, they are Back on Top!

 Dave King's work with the Bad Plus might be earning him greater attention, but the drummers other trio, the 11-year-old Happy Apple, presents a fuller picture of his brainy composing skills as well as his drum chops. Saxophonist Michael Lewis and bassist Erik Fratzke also contribute tunes to the album. Together, the group has come up with 11 tracks that give Lewis a chance to unleash what seems like an unending stream of melodic ideas on his tenor (and alto and soprano on one song each), with the rhythm section setting a backdrop or pushing him as required. (Jazz Times, November 2007)

Razor sharp soloing, whirlwind intensity and bountiful storylines. (All About Jazz on Happy Apple)

Tickets are on sale now from Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), Cedar outlets, and online at Ticketweb.