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Actual Proof

A REVIEW OF OUR DEBUT CD, "PARADIGM SHIFT"

"Actual Proof, a quartet based in Charlotte, North Carolina, consists of vibraphonist Eric Mullis, keyboardist Silas Aldridge, electric bassist Phillip W. Berkley III. and drummer-percussionist Scott Brower. Paradigm Shift is their first full-length CD and it is a very impressive effort.

On Paradigm Shift, Actual Proof revitalizes jazz fusion. Their music is always funky (with powerful bass playing by Berkley), and utilizes the sound of rock, particularly on numbers where guitarist Clint Presley is a guest. But the jazz quotient is also quite high for the band constantly improvises, tugging at and stretching the boundaries of funky fusion, bringing in the best qualities of electric jazz and rock.

The ten group originals set specific moods but are also often episodic with surprises heard along the way, especially the switch to double-time on “Mongo.” Among the other memorable aspects of this well-rounded program are the melody (in 7/4 time) of “The Ion,” the early 1970s groove of “Level It Out,” the way that “Island” develops from a two-chord vamp into a sophisticated song, the otherworldly ensemble sounds on “Future Time,” the infectious funk groove of “Taboo,” and the bluesy ballad “It's Not Goodbye.”

While each of the musicians in Actual Proof are excellent soloists, it is the distinctive ensemble sound that really sticks in one's mind. The prominence of vibraphonist Eric Mullis helps to give the group its own musical personality. With excellent guest appearances from guitarist Clint Presley and altoist Adrian Crutchfield (who sometimes recalls Grover Washington Jr.), Paradigm Shift contains more than its share of variety, danceable grooves and bright moments, showing that there is still plenty of life to be found in creative fusion."

--Scott Yanow, author of ten books on jazz including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Bebop, Jazz On Record 1917-76 and Jazz On Film


To preview and download FREE recordings of our live-set, check out the Carolina Live Music Society Website:
http://carolinalivemusic.net/forums/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;id=376

Gear

Musser Vibes, Alternate Mode Malletkat, Gretsch Drums, Korg Keys, Ibanez basses, Hartke and Roland Amps.


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Take Five With...

Take Five With Actual Proof

Read "Take Five With Actual Proof" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Actual Proof:Actual Proof is a fusion quartet based in Charlotte NC. Main Instruments are vibes and malletkat. The group draws on jazz, funk, and world-beat to create a unique approach to jazz-fusion.

Instrument(s):Vibes, keys, drums, bass.Teachers and/or influences?Gary Burton, Joe Locke, Steve Smith.I knew I wanted to be a musician when...I listened to some early Pink Floyd, ("Echoes," I think) and got very ...

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Technology

Actual Proof Featured on the Alternatemode Website

Actual Proof Featured on the Alternatemode Website

Source: Michael Ricci


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Recording

Actual Proof's "Paradigm Shift" Now Available on CD Baby

Actual Proof's "Paradigm Shift" Now Available on CD Baby

Source: Michael Ricci

Actual Proof's full-length debut CD is now available for download on CDBaby. Individual tracks, the entire album, or a hardcopy of the album can be ordered through the site.

About Actual Proof

Actual Proof is a unique jazz-fusion/funk quartet that utilizes mallet percussion (xylophone, vibraphone, marimba), keyboards, electric bass, electronic and acoustic drums. The group's music is groove-oriented and draws on many traditions including Jazz, Funk, Afro-Cuban, and World-Beat. The group is inspired by artists such as Herbie Hancock, Galactic, ...

"Have you ever seen someone rock the hell out of a xylophone/vibraphone? Eric Mullis easily gets into the groove and hammers away on that thing as he's joined by an amazing cast of musicians. Phillip W. Berkley III brings the right amount of funky bass to the instrumental jazz fusion outfit. They're always entertaining and consistently getting the crowd moving." Jeff Hahne, Music Editor, "Creative Loafing" (Charlotte)

Actual Proof's debut CD "Paradigm Shift" is imaginative, playful, lively and inventive."... "Edgy opener 'The Ion' sets the pace, while 'Mongo' surprises with changing tempos and Latinesque tone

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