Big Band Reviews

                                                                                  REVIEWS  OF Shifty Paradigms 
 
“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

REVIEWS  OF Convergency  

"As the Covid pandemic slowly recedes into America's rear-view mirror, jazz groups of all sizes and shapes have begun performing and recording again, making 2022 a rather good year over-all for fans and reviewers alike. New artists, new sounds and new approaches have combined to lend assurance that jazz remains in good hands and will continue to live long and prosper. Here are some of the best albums we heard and reviewed this year, in no particular order save for the first one, a superlative recording by the Dave Slonaker Big Band.” Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

"For another slice of inventive big band brilliance, take a listen to the new recording from trombonist, composer and arranger Dave Slonaker, and his artful big band, on their CD, Convergency. Fans of big band jazz and swing will soak up this great recording. Its sonics deliver natural images of each player on a wide bandstand with each instrument timbre-clear and harmonically natural. Every glowing and swanking solo is delivered with a crackling, out-front presence that invites you into all the bright and gutsy action. Nelson Brill, Boston Concert Reviews

“An artistic production that celebrates big band beauty in an unforgettable way. Part of the reason for this masterpiece are Dave Slonaker’s compositions and arrangements.  The other part of the brilliance is thanks to the A-list of Southern California jazz cats.  They bring their own mastery to the party, interpreting each of Slonaker’s original songs the way a diamond cutter polishes his stones.”  Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs

“One of the best big band albums I've heard in many a long day's listening. Convergency gives me the same kick that I got from when I first heard the big bands of Boyd Raeburn, Stan Kenton, Dizzy, Woody, Gil, Thad and Mel... Slonaker is up there with them." Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here

“While his charts exemplify the best of contemporary big-band jazz, each one is fresh and sparkling, with more than enough dynamism and ingenuity to capture a listener's interest and hold it from start to finish. When one enters the fray with an album as impressive and well-received as Intrada, it is often difficult to produce a second recording that lives up to that promise. Slonaker has done so with room to spare.” Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

“It is the arrangements of the leader that give his big band its own musical personality. His charts are modern, invigorating, full of variety, and clearly an inspiration for his sidemen. The charts are fairly complex but these top-notch musicians give the impression of playing them effortlessly. Even when they are solid swingers such as “A Curve In The Road,” the music is full of surprises in the writing. One can never quite predict what is going to occur next.” Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene

"His debut release, Intrada (Origin Records, 2014), received a well-earned Grammy nomination, and his sophomore effort is no less accomplished, with the well-designed compositions and outstanding ensemble work that justify all the attention it will no doubt receive. The album features Slonaker's compositions, all of which are fully realized, multifaceted journeys that evolve in intriguing directions. It's a testament to Slonaker and his band's vision and dedication that they were able to pull this off, and with such excellent results to boot.” Troy Dostert, All About Jazz

"Dave Slonaker’s Convergency is just what a Big Band fan would hope to hear from the composer/arranger who gave us Intrada. From hard swings to delicate ballads to glorious romps, Slonaker’s arrangements are amazing… this is a wonderful addition to the world of Big Band jazz.”  Travis Roger's Jr., The Jazz Owl

“His charts are immaculate, the playing impressive and the swing is undoubtable.  Class, classy and classic, this big band date is one for the record books.”  Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“Many of the tunes have an Aaron Copland type of majesty, with rich section work on the swinging “Convergency” or elegiac harmonies on “A Gathering Circle"… a rich mix of familiar thoughts and fresh colors…Impressive ideas!” George Harris, Jazz Weekly

 “Slonaker has a talent for writing attractive melodies and arranging them in a manner that is challenging for the band members, yet nicely accessible to the listeners… This is only the second big band release by Slonaker, the first being Intrada in 2013, and he should receive the same kind of acclaim that he garnered with that initial effort.” Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz

“Dave Slonaker's Big Band is something else. The playing is immaculate, the arrangements, when they are intended to be swinging, swing. When they are intended to be thoughtful, they are thoughtful… an absolute model of what a modern big band can produce.” Richard Salvucci, All About Jazz

 

REVIEWS  OF  Intrada  

"[Slonaker´s] music is contemporary in the best sense of the word, harmonically sophisticated yet always accessible thanks to an unswerving reliance on time-honored melodies and rhythms. In other words, this is big-band jazz that quickens the pulse, swings hard and enhances the tradition." Jack Bowers, All About Jazz 

"The best of big band music incorporates tight harmonies, is propelled by punchy rhythms, and offers lyrical solo beauty, and that´s all to be found in Intrada. No wonder the disc has just been awarded a Grammy nomination as best large jazz ensemble album." Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle 

"A throwback to the glory days of arrangers…A dynamic set with a big band populated by the crème of contemporary jazz, this is one of those sets that looks forward while looking back." Chris Spector, Midwest Review 

"…arranged and conducted by Dave Slonaker it harkens back to the days when the large group was as much an arrangers vehicle…" Larry Hollis, Cadence 

"This is the smoothest orchestra that I´ve heard in years. The arrangements are superb; the solo work, distributed among the cadre of artists, is sensational." Ric Bang, Jazz Scan 

"…all of the performances on Intrada will be enjoyed by fans of modern jazz ensembles…a very impressive debut for the Dave Slonaker Big Band." Scott Yanow, Jazz Inside Magazine 

"Fresh and invigorating, and highly listenable, this is some premium stuff!" George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene