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 14/8 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 including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Bebop, Jazz On Record 1917-76 and Jazz On Film In 2009 one of the best albums from a local Charlotte act in years slipped under the radar. It was then that the jazz/funk/fusion act Actual Proof released their inspiring effort Paradigm Shift, an eclectic collection of tunes sure to get you groovin’. The album explodes out of the gate with a dizzying riff by Eric Mullis on the vibes which begins in 4/4 but immediately morphs to 7/8 when Scott Brower joins on the drums. Soon we hear the sweet sound and meandering melodies of keys as Silas Aldridge adds his two cents to the mix. Midway through the track the groove shifts as Phillip Berkley lays down a funky bass line, shortly followed by psychedelic keys and the space jam ensues, setting a template followed throughout much of the album. On the second track, entitled “Level it Out” we hear guest performer Clint Presley doing his best Suke Cerulo impersonation as the song exudes a flavor of Schleigho, a fusion act which once frequently stormed through these parts. The following track, “The Ride” begins with some soulful bass reminiscent of Victor Wooten and Stanley Clarke before settling into a nice groove. Other tracks bring a vibe of funk/fusion/party band Topaz which also traveled through Charlotte with some regularity in years past. One of the album’s highlights, “Taboo,” sets a mood and funky groove which conjures images of Chick Corea’s Electric Band. On tracks 8 and 9 we get a cameo from one of Charlotte’s brightest young musicians, Adrian Crutchfield, wailing away on the sax. All in all, this is a collection of tunes not to be missed, and the band’s live shows take things to the next level. ---Christopher Shawn Barker, Charlotte Jazz Examiner