OCTOBER 2009 ONLINE EDITORIALS

Erik Applegate - Red Skies

album cover

By Nathan Harper

Given its timeliness, it’s conceivable that one might mistake Erik Applegate’s “Red Skies” as a concept/tribute album to the recently deceased Patrick Swayze, whose anti-communist action flick “Red Dawn” helped pave the way for the Hollywood legend, but that is not the case. Instead, Applegate’s first release as a composer and band leader is seven competent tracks of unique and enjoyable jazz.
When Miles Davis released a record it was common sense that there’d be plenty of trumpet because that’s what he played and his name was on the cover. Contrastingly, if you listened to “Red Skies” without knowing that Applegate was anchoring all of the songs with his rhythmic, sturdy bass, you would be hard pressed to guess which instrument the titular musician played, such is the cohesiveness of the songs. The few bass solos that are played fit in with the feel of each composition, and are always in time and never forced.
And so, as this is not a showcase for bass skills, a good choice given the talented musicians that flesh out his quartet, the listener is left assessing and, often enjoying Applegate’s skill as a contemporary jazz composer. Joining Applegate are the capable Dana Landry on piano and Fender Rhodes, Steve Kovalcheck on guitars and Jim White on drums. Akin to other timeless American inventions, like blue jeans, Applegate’s jazz goes well with just about anything from island rhythms to rock or boogaloo. Add to this a paucity of Mid-tempo Jazz Syndrome and the listener is left with a well executed mainstream jazz record.
www.erikapplegate.com