Shifty Paradigms

An orchestrator, arranger and composer, Dave Slonaker is well versed in Big Band sounds, and this 3rd album with the Origin label finds him in great company for 8 rhythmic and harmonic tracks.

The animated "Dash Cam" opens with Peter Erskine's frisky drums and the rich horns drawing us in, and "Bye Bye Blues" follows with Edwin Livingston's lively bass that aligns with the soulful horns via a bright delivery.

The middle songs bring us "Blue Windows" and the title track. The former is strong on ambience thanks to the meticulous reeds, while the latter emits an infectious energy due to Brian Kilgore's glowing percussion and plenty of cultured playfulness.

Residing late, "Cathedrals" builds into a layered album highlight of colorful brass and winds, and "Roundabout" exits with Ed Czach's well timed keys that complements the reeds, trumpets and trombone's meticulous dynamics.

Slonaker composed 7 of the 8 tracks here, and his lengthy resume has him versed in sounds from the '50s and on, which is evident across this swingin' great time.