Artist description Composer/Drummer/Percussionist Gary Parra (Cartoon, PFS, Spaceship Eyes) with colleagues Warren Dale on keyboards, woodwinds, co-composition and Chris Smith Guitars, Viola, Violn, Cello weave a blend of Frank Zappa, King Crimson with the essence of Henry Cow. A new music blend of classical meets avant-garde rock.

Music Style Rock in Oposition

Musical Influences Zappa, King Crimson, Henry Cow, Univers Zero

Similar Artists Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Happy the Man, Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer but with a European influence

Artist History Gary Parra started in the 80's with the San Francisco band Cartoon. Cartoon was in the fore-front of the musical style of classical meets rock. This was in parallel with the Rock in Opposition movement in Europe. Cartoon released two LP's "Cartoon" & "Music from Left Field". These were later released on Cuneiform Records as one CD "Sorte". After vast touring in the western U.S. Cartoon embarked on a successful European tour which turned to disaster. The truck with all the equipment was stolen. After returning to the U.S. the guitar play left the band. Cartoon's remaining members formed PFS. PFS released two CD's "Illustrative Problems" & "279". After vast touring in the late 80's and early 90's the PFS members moved on to various projects and I started TRAP. TRAP is meant to have various musicians from other similar musical tastes that contribute to the over-all compositions. This resulted in the first release in 1996 on the french label Musea, TRAP "Beyond the Status Quo" and 2002 TRAP "Insurrection" on nxu Music. This has many musicians from Cartoon, French TV, Absolute Zero, Puppet Show and many more. This gives TRAP a fresh flavor on each project. For more information check out the website: http://members.aol.com/trapsz

Group Members TRAP "Insurrection" core: Chris Smith - Wires, Picks & Bows Warren Dale - Hammers,Winds Gary Parra - Skins, Sticks, Hands

Instruments Grand Piano, Celeste, Accordian, Synthesiers, Saxophones, Clarinets, Tuba, Guitars, Viola, Violin, Cello, Banjo, various ethnic string, wind and percussion instruments, trap kit, concert bass drum, timpani, marimba, vibes, various wood/metal/toys, etc. etc.

Albums Trap - Beyond the Status Quo; Trap - Insurrection; Cartoon - same, Music from Left Field, Sorte; PFS - Illustrative Problems, 279; Spaceship Eyes 1 & 2; Spirts Burning 1 & 2 & 3.

Press Reviews Alan Freeman of Audion No.40 writes "...a lot of references to Cartoon, that schizophrenic hybrid of Egg and Henry Cow stylisms, with flashes of Univers Zero, Present and King Crimson, topped off by some wickedly complex rhythmic structures...as real progresive music gets rarer and rarer these days in favour of MOR easy-listening waffle masquerading as progressive rock, it's nice to hear that the real thing is still around, and still breaking ground too...!" Dean Suzuki says in Progression issue Vol. II No.26 and Wired Dec. 97', "As with Gary's other work, Trap's music contains elements recalling the atmospheres and weirdness factor of "Le Mariage"-era Art Zoyd, the complexity and sophistication of Zappa, and the jagged, peculiar textures and idiosyncratic flavor of the Rock-In-Opposition movement...". Peter Thelen of Expose issue no. 13, "a strange and shimmering gem that defies easy description and categorization...".Dean Suzuki (Expose) "… if you love the edgier, more experimental side of progressive rock, whether Zeuhl, RIO, Canterbury or incursions into avant garde jazz or experimental "classical", Trap does it all with aplomb." Jeff Melton (Expose) "… Parra and cohorts have lived up to their potential with an endearing work that easily stands as one of the most enjoyable releases of the year 2002."

Additional Info This music is cutting edge with musical inventiveness and a wonderful sense of humor. For indepth information: http://members.aol.com/trapsz

Location Oceanside, Ca - USA

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