“International Orange is one of the most distinctive, unpredictable instrumental jam bands out there- at any moment they can shift between Afrobeat, old school soul, psychedelic funk, gutbucket organ grooves and Bahamian flavored beats” -
New York Music Daily
In the vast and often overlapping landscape of musical nomenclature, the name "International Orange" presents a curious case. Rather than a singular entity, it serves as a moniker for at least two distinct and stylistically divergent American bands. To the discerning ear, one evokes the freewheeling spirit of improvisational jazz and global rhythms, while the other resonates with the clever, narrative-driven indie rock of the early 2000s.
The Brooklyn-Based World-Jazz Fusionists One incarnation of International Orange is a Brooklyn-based ensemble of seasoned musicians that paints with a broad and vibrant sonic palette. Led by the accomplished drummer and percussionist Todd Isler, whose extensive resume includes collaborations with the likes of Mike Gordon of Phish and jazz luminaries Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman, this group is a testament to musical wanderlust.
Their sound is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of jazz improvisation, the deep grooves of funk and R&B, and a global infusion of African, Indian, and Brazilian rhythms. This is music that breathes, expanding and contracting with a looseness that is the hallmark of the jam band scene, yet grounded in a sophisticated jazz sensibility. Their live performances are reported to be dynamic affairs, a journey through shifting soundscapes where intricate rhythms and soulful melodies coalesce. Their recorded work, including albums like "A Man and His Dog," showcases a mature and technically proficient outfit unafraid to explore the outer reaches of their diverse influences. "A Man and His Dog" also serves as a poignant tribute to their late bassist, Gaku Takanashi, adding an emotional depth to their already compelling instrumental prowess.
The Short-Lived Indie Rock Supergroup
Hailing from North Carolina, the other notable "International Orange" was a short-lived but noteworthy supergroup. This iteration brought together a formidable lineup of talent, including Robert Sledge of Ben Folds Five fame, alongside singer-songwriters Django Haskins, Chris Stephenson, and Snüzz.
Their output, though limited to a series of demos and an EP, captured a particular strain of turn-of-the-millennium indie rock characterized by sharp wit and a distinctly Southern narrative charm. Their music, as evidenced by tracks that would later surface on other projects, possessed a melodic and lyrical cleverness reminiscent of Ben Folds' own work. Their sound was a more structured affair than their jam-band namesakes, built on well-crafted songs with a penchant for storytelling and a sound described as "deceptively loose-limbed" and "consistently sharp-witted." Though their time together was fleeting, this International Orange left behind a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been a significant voice in the indie rock scene.
In conclusion, the name "International Orange" serves as a compelling reminder of the multifaceted nature of musical creativity. Whether through the globally-informed improvisations of a Brooklyn jazz collective or the poignant and clever songcraft of a North Carolina supergroup, the name has been associated with a commitment to artistry and a distinctive musical vision. For the music enthusiast, uncovering which "International Orange" they've encountered is the first step on one of two very different, yet equally rewarding, auditory journeys.