DAVE SLONAKER BIG BAND

SHIFTY PARADIGMS

Origin Records

Years ago, you may have found a young Dave Slonaker hunched over books and piles of music sheets at Pittsburg’s Carnegie Library, researching the nuts and bolts of how big band music is created.  His fascination developed when he was just a teenager and has continued for decades.

Today, Slonaker heads a 15-year-old Grammy nominated ensemble and is a busy orchestrator, arranger and composer for film and television.  This big band features some of the crème de la crème of Los Angeles studio musicians.  This is Slonaker’s third album for Origin Records.

They blast out of my CD player with an opening tune called “Dash Cam” that swings across my listening room with high energy, featuring Ida Meshulam on valve trombone and Tom Luer on tenor saxophone. Dave Slonaker references driving in L.A. as an inspiration for this tune.

“Everyone in L.A. seems to have dash cams. Some like to upload videos of bad drivers on social media. So, imagine that we begin our drive on a Los Angeles freeway … will we make it home safely?” Dave Slonaker questions, weaving LA bumper to bumper traffic into his arrangement.

I haven’t heard the familiar “Bye Bye Blues” in quite a while. The arrangement pleasantly surprised me. Slonaker starts the tune as a jazz waltz to feature Adam Schroeder on baritone saxophone, then pushes the piece forward, into a straight-ahead, up-tempo groove for Ron Stout’s trumpet to dance upon.  Peter Erskine’s drums propel the music forward relentlessly. This is the only ‘cover’ tune on the big band album. Slonaker has composed and arranged all the others.

“We all leave home at some point in our lives to seek adventure. Sometimes we can go home again, but we are not always the same when we return. “Comin’ Home” with changeable, intense grooves and solos by Brian Scanlon and Andy Waddell, explores our journey,” Slonaker writes in his liner notes.

The “Blue Windows” arrangement reflects a thick, dark mood, sounding ominous (like a movie soundtrack) until Bob Sheppard enters on soprano saxophone to brighten the mood. Edwin Livingston’s bass skips and supports the groove in the rhythm section. There is a brief pause of silence, then Livingston takes an impressive bass solo. The title tune transports us to a Latin inspired arrangement. Brian Kilgore’s congas are dominant and enchanting.

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.

DAVE SLONAKER BIG BAND: Ed Czach, piano; Edwin Livingston, basses; Peter Erskine, drums; Brian Kilgore, percussion. REEDS: Bob Sheppard, Brian Scanlong, Rob Lockart, Tom Luer, & Adam Schroeder. TROMBONES: Alex Iles, Charlie Morillas, Ido Meshulam & Bill Reichenbach. TRUMPET/FLUGELHORN; Wayne Bergeron, Dan Fornero, Clay Jenkins & Ron Stout. DAVE SLONAKER, composer/arranger/conductor.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included