Dave Slonaker

“Arranger-composer Dave Slonaker has led his big band in Southern California for 15 years. The 16-17 piece orchestra is filled with major names who are not only impeccable section players but top-notch soloists. But while there is solo space on the eight selections on Shifty Paradigms for all but two of the musicians, it is Slonaker's arrangements that give this big band its own personality. Shifty Paradigms is their third and arguably finest recording." Los Angeles Jazz Scene by Scott Yanow

 

“Shifty Paradigms is Dave Slonaker’s melodically and harmonically imaginative, rhythmically intense and stylistically diverse third album, whose clever title invokes his current musical reality, where there continue to be fresh ways to approach large ensemble jazz.” JW Vibe by Jonathan Widran

 

“What is most striking here is the sense of scale. What might initially be perceived as a big band project gradually reveals itself as something approaching a symphonic orchestra in intent, if not in strict form. This is a testament to Slonaker’s rare command as both composer and arranger.” Paris Move by Thierry de Clemensat

 

“Every original Slonaker tune is a sparkling gem arranged inside this big band’s musical necklace. Every player is excellent and dynamic in their own unique way. Together, they have created an album of great integrity, vibrant energy and beauty.” Making a Scene by Dee Dee McNeil

 

“’Shifty Paradigms’ strikes a good balance between modern and traditional. His harmonies and arrangements are modern cutting edge, but the way his band swings hard is in the best big band tradition. You can tell Dave is a soundtrack composer, his fast-paced music often paints pictures of action and movement. His modern approach often leads to constant changes in rhythm, tempo and mood, you need to pay close attention to grasp it all. For fans of modern big band music that is still rooted in classic big band traditions, “Shifty Paradigms” fits the bill.” Jazz Music Archives by John Sanders

 

“On Shifty Paradigms, his third recording fronting the band, Slonaker guides his peerless eighteen-member ensemble through its paces on a dynamic and always-swinging program that encompasses seven of his stellar original compositions and the venerable standard, "Bye Bye Blues." Anyone who has been waiting for a special new big-band album to arrive on the doorstep should take special note: the Dave Slonaker Big Band delivers the goods big-time.” All About Jazz by Jack Bowers

 

“A richly detailed program forging new musical ground with a sense of narrative flow that keeps the listener absorbed from start to finish.” The Jazz Page by D. Glenn Daniels

 

“Classy modern big band charts are delivered by composer/arranger Dave Slonaker and his team of LA All Stars. The sections are rich and wondrous throughout, hip as all get out.” JazzWeekly by George Harris

 

“Big band jazz, L.A.-style. Orchestrator, arranger and composer Dave Slonaker has now held this Grammy-nominated aggregate together for over 15 years. And it shows. A fun listen.” Downbeat Magazine by John Ephland

 

“The third big band album from Hollywood based composer and arranger Slonaker assembles a collection of first call studio musicians for a recording that swings for today without paying too much attention to the past. Every track stands out - not just for the arrangement which we take for granted will be of the highest order - but for the soloists who deliver the goods that the charts demand.” Bebop Spoken Here by Lance Liddle

“A tribute to the wonderfully creative imagination of Slonaker.” Jersey Jazz by Joe Lang