Melvin Henderson/Guitar
Gerry Youngman/Organ
Sean Jefferson/Drums
We remember when jazz was dangerous. disruptive. alive.
In the early 90s, Paradigm Shift was born in Rochester, NY to bring spirit back to neo-jazz with organic, funky grooves and street-level ambiance. Bandleader Melvin Henderson and co-founder Gerry Youngman grew up in the golden age of jazz clubs: simmering hotbeds of grit and soul. In an era of turmoil and enormous social change, Henderson and Youngman spent their formative years watching and listening to the great jazz legends. After attending Berklee School of Music, Youngman toured with classic R&B icons like The Drifters, The Platters, Martha Reeves, and St. Louis soul legend Walter Scott. Also out of Berklee, Henderson has recorded and shared the stage with Al Jarrreau, Roy Ayers, Cheryl Lynn, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and legendary organists Jack McDuff and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
In the mid-2000s, Drummer-composer Sean Jefferson was added to the mix, completing the trio with an orchestral sensibility and fresh perspective. Jefferson has also performed alongside prominent musicians such as Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Jeff Tyzik, Marcus Printup, Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, and Bobby Militello.
After almost thirty years, Paradigm Shift's seasoned performers still keep it raw and vibrant in an ever relevant and evolving art form.
*Mel plays Godin Guitars & Seymour Duncan Amps | *Gerry plays UHL Organs & Motion Sound Amps | *Sean plays Bosphorus Cymbals & DW Drums
Gary Gratzer, PShift Tech