Uncensored Actual Proof review, 3rd sentence under "The Good"!

CD Review: Actual Proof: “Paradigm Shift”
Release Date: July 31, 2009

The Deal:
Intense, quietly persuasive philosophy professor forms a nimble jazz band and quietly, subtly, rocks out. With vibes in the lead, Dr. Eric Mullis (yes, he has a doctorate) and Actual Proof perform as a quartet; drums, electric bass and
keyboards.

The Good:
Though not cutting edge, the music is nevertheless imaginative, playful, lively and inventive. “Paradigm Shift” is a clean, nicely recorded disk, taped nearby in Gastonia. The band is Charlotte based and leader, Eric Mullis teaches in Charlotte at a small, local college. The entire recording is listenable and likeable and there’s not one cut that makes you want to skip tracks, lose breakfast or slash wrists. Edgy opener “The Ion” sets the pace, while “Mongo” surprises with changing tempos and Latinesque tone. There’s piano playing elegance on “Island” while there’s even a Grover Washington soundalike on “The Ride.”

The Bad:
To me, vibist Lionel Hampton’s a bore and even Gary Burton is a yawner. But catching a live Actual Proof set at Pura Vida, I became a properly appreciative, supportive and learned to love the vibraphone.

The Verdict:
Not jazz fusion, not excessively smooth, this is a disk worthy of attention. It’s got its own direction, style and identity. It’s as close to as you’ll get to real jazz in Charlotte, a notorious cemetery for aspiring jazzbos - complete with improv breaks and tight, spontaneous, musicianship. This is as good as the genre gets.

Actual Loaf review:
http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/cd_review_actual_proof_s_paradigm_shift/Content?oid=696988