DAVE SLONAKER BIG BAND, Shifty Paradigms

The opening line of Grammy winning composer/arranger Dave Slonaker’s liner notes for Shifty Paradigms, his melodically and harmonically imaginative, rhythmically intense and stylistically diverse third album, says it all about his lifelong devotion to the realm: “Since my middle school days, the sound of big band has intrigued me."

One of Hollywood’s most in demand arrangers and orchestrators for more than 30 years, his diversity is rooted in complementary passions for Jazz Messenger groups and Blue Note recordings from the 50’s-70’s to Thad Jones and Bill Holman, Yellowjackets and Pat Metheny. He brings all that inspirational firepower to bear on the new continuously mood shifting, emotionally resonant eight- piece album, whose clever title invokes his current musical reality, where there continue to be fresh ways to approach large ensemble jazz.

Considering his proverbial vast rolodex, it’s not surprising that he collaborates on his latest adventures and craft paradigm shifts with 18 of the top “who’s who” of Tinseltown session players – and gives prominent solo spotlights to many of these cats. These include baritone saxophonist Adam Schroeder and trumpeter Ron Stout on the spirited, easy swinging waltz spin on the classic “Bye Bye Blues”; bass trumpeter Bill Reichenbach, soprano saxman Bob Sheppard and Brian Kilgore keeping the groove on congas on the peppy, whimsical Latin jazz title track romp; and Stout, saxophonist Rob Lockhart, drum great Peter Erskine and the whole sizzling brass section on the snazzy, high octane, delightfully dancing closing samba “Roundabout.”

Not that casual big band fans and non-musicians will necessarily notice or appreciate his cleverness, but Slonaker titles the fast paced, improv-filled “3^rd and Four” after his exploration of motives and melodies built on the intervals of 3rds and 4ths. Balancing all the intense grooves and horn energy is the gracefully soulful meditation on “Cathedrals,” inspired by the ancient structures he has visited in Europe that finds him thinking about and exploring the value of what we leave behind for future generations.