Paradigm Shift consists of organist
Gerry Youngman, guitarist
Melvin Henderson, and drummer
Ted Poor. Their debut recording adds several American guests used in various combinations.
Clifford Brown's "Sandu" is reworked into a funky soul-jazz setting, utilizing expressive solos by trombonist
Wycliffe Gordon and trumpeter
Marcus Printup, and adding a tasty
George Benson-like solo by
Henderson. Virtuoso vibraphonist
Joe Locke is at the forefront of the light but breezy take of "Yesterdays," with the trio coolly percolating behind him.
Youngman's "Half a World Away" is lightly swaggering funk, showcasing
Printup (on both open and muted horn) and
Henderson.
Stevie Wonder's "Big Brother" is adapted successfully into a jazz-funk, featuring
Locke and
Gordon in a very accessible adaptation. The trio finally saves a pair of originals just for themselves, including "Simplistic Blues" (which is more engaging than its title makes it sound), though the rather pedestrian drumming in "Why Not Scrambled" gives it a cheesy flavor. Overall, this is a good start to a promising jazz band. ~ Ken Dryden