" ... we've been sharpening our sense of dynamics as a band. We've learned to lay back and keep things uncluttered, instead of just pounding your face into the ground the whole time. I don't know how describe it, but we've truly developed our own sound. ... That kind of thing only happens for a group after it's been playing together for a long time, and we're now entering that realm". - Erik Fratzke in a recent AAJ interview A Happy Apple  © Howard A. Gitelson "There's a small subgenre of bands right now that are making a tricky but inevitable connection: the combustible energy, sardonic attitudes and harsh, crackling timbres of indie rock and the musicianship, improvisational logic and humanism of jazz. ... [ The Peace Between Our Companies (2005)] comes in like a lion with 'Starchild Cranium,' but that full-on clank has nothing to do with the serenity of the winding ballad 'Ella by Nightlight,' near the end. It's nice to hear a band with such radically different dispositions". - New York Times
Erik Fratzke is not only a bassist, he plays guitar in the experimental band, The Gang Font, feat. Interloper with Dave King, Craig Taborn and Greg Norton (founding bassist the punk band, Husker Du). He also plays guitar in the prog-metal band, Zebulon Pike which appeared at the "Best New Bands of 2003" showcase at Minneapolis' famed First Avenue nightclub in early 2004. The band was also named "Best New Band of 2004" by the twin cities news and arts weekly "City Pages" in April 2004.
 Michael Lewis © Howard A. Gitelson
Mike Lewis is an gifted saxophonist whose playing is the melodic voice of Happy Apple. Lewis is a master of his craft with 'big ears'. He also performs with the passion and enthusiasm of a bull moose in rutting season. Lewis also performs with jazz trio Fat Kid Wednesdays, the electronic collective "T", the rock groups Redstart and Fog, Bill Carrothers' "The Electric Bill", Starry Eyed Lovelies, and the double-trio Science Vs. Flame. Lewis is also featured in may musical collaborations at the Annual Minnesota Sur Seine festival.
 Dave King © Andrea Canter
Happy Apple CD's :- Blown Shockwaves & Crash Flow (1997) with Cully Swansen on upright bass and Anton Denner on saxophone and flute
- Part of the Solutionproblem (1998) with Bill Carrothers on Rhodes piano and Greg Lewis on pocket trumpet
- Body Popping Moon Walking Top Rocking (1999)
- Please Refrain From Fronting (2001)
- Youth Oriented (2003)
- The Peace Between Our Companies (2005)
- Happy Apple Back On Top (2007)
Happy Apple is a very popular group in town, so if you're picky about your seat, plan to show up early. The Artists' Quarter is located in the historic Hamm Building in Downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, ( 408 St. Peter) near the corner of St. Peter and 7th Place. (651) 292-1359. Visit www.artistsquarter.com for directions and more details.
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Twin Cities, MN 
Friday, 03 July 2009
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