Steve Slagle - Dedication

Styles: Saxophone, Flute Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:24
Size: 134,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:36)  1. Sun Song
(6:23)  2. Niner
(7:44)  3. Major in Come
(7:06)  4. Triste Beleza (Beautiful Sadness)
(6:45)  5. Opener
(5:59)  6. Watching Over
(4:19)  7. Corazon
(6:23)  8. Sofi
(7:04)  9. Charcoal Blues

Steve Slagle is one of those players that's often overlooked yet hard to forget. Why this sixty-five-year-old saxophonist who's constantly bringing energy and a spirit of exploration to the fore doesn't get the ink or marquees that come to his musical peers ten years his senior or several decades his junior is something of a head-scratcher. If you've seen him as a sideman, encountered him co-leading a band with guitarist Dave Stryker, checked out his duo work with pianist Bill O'Connell on The Power Of Two (Panorama Records, 2015), or heard any of his fine recent leader dates, like Evensong (Panorama Records, 2012) or Alto Manhattan (Panorama Records, 2016), it's fairly likely that you're wondering the same thing. While there's no firm explanation about Slagle's status, other than the fact that many jazz lovers are polarized and look only toward the "new thing" or focus exclusively on extreme longevity, there's no doubt that his name should be high on the list of stellar alto players plying their trade on the scene. This album, referencing both the man's steadfast study of his craft and the dedicatory nature of these songs, is but one more example of his strengths. With a stellar band by his side, Slagle delivers nine numbers that clearly point toward his influences, preferences, and experiences. "Sun Song," a bright and grooving calypso honoring the great Sonny Rollins, leads off the program. 

Then comes "Niner," a hip and angular tune taking its title from a nickname bestowed upon on Slagle by bassist Steve Swallow; "Major Come In," an up-tempo thriller given unto swing itself that works off of major chords in five different keys and runs on Bill Stewart's spang-a-lang ride work and Scott Colley's driving bass lines; "Triste Beleza (Beautiful Sadness)," a breezy bossa nova dedicated to "the great spirit of music from Brazil"; and "Opener," nodding toward saxophonist Jackie McLean, containing one of pianist Lawrence Fields' most memorable solos on the album, and featuring the leader on alto and flute. In all five cases, one thought rings true: Slagle remains consistently inventive as he uses his imagination and skill to color within, right on, and just outside the lines. The back-end of the album proves to be perfectly in line with what precedes it, presenting songs that are both grounded and intriguing. "Watching Over," for Marc Chagall, is straight-eighths and swirling colors, with the appealing Stryker-Slagle partnership in the spotlight. That duo's chemistry is then further highlighted on Stryker's Joe Zawinul dedication, "Corazon," where melodic directness acts as a cornerstone and bass and nylon strong acoustic create a supportive foundation for the alto's melodic musings. 

To finish things off this band delivers "Sofi," a soprano-fronted song in seven dedicated to Slagle's daughter, and Wayne Shorter's "Charcoal Blues," saluting the piece's composer and providing a welcome dose of earthy blowing. There may be saxophonists who've been in the game longer and/or pushed more boundaries, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more dependably "on" player than Steve Slagle. By Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/dedication-steve-slagle-panorama-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Steve Slagle: alto saxophone, flute (5), soprano saxophone (8); Lawrence FIelds: piano; Scott Colley: bass; Bill Stewart: drums; Roman Diaz: congo, percussion (1, 4, 5, 6, 7); Dave Stryker: electric guitar (2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9), nylon string acoustic guitar (4, 7).

Dedication

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Dave Stryker - Eight Track I

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:27
Size: 144,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:54)  1. I'll Be Around
(7:16)  2. Pusherman Superfly
(6:03)  3. Wichita Lineman
(7:17)  4. Aquarius
(6:10)  5. Never My Love
(6:06)  6. Superwoman
(5:49)  7. Never Can Say Goodbye
(5:07)  8. Make It With You
(6:49)  9. Money
(4:51) 10. Thats The Way Of The World

Ah, the eight-track. Is there any music format that's more dated? Vinyl is on its way back, albeit with a select crowd, and the CD is still holding on for dear life, but it's not likely that eight-track tapes will be making a big comeback any time soon. Those audio-delivering relics have been left behind, yet the memories surrounding their existence and the music they helped to usher in remains fixed in the mind for those who came of age in the '70s. Guitarist Dave Stryker is a proud part of that pack. Stryker has been known to throw a '70s pop tune into his sets every now and then, but he goes the whole nine yards on this album; all ten tunes are taken from that glorious-to-some-and-not-so-glorious-to-others musical epoch. Jimmy Webb, Pink Floyd, Curtis Mayfield and many more get the Stryker treatment on Eight Track.

Since this is a different kind of project for Stryker, a slightly different instrumental combination was in order. He turned to his working trio, with underrated organist Jared Gold and up-and-coming drummer McClenty Hunter, and then added celebrated vibraphonist Stefon Harris to the mix to shake things up. Together, these four men manage to remove the layers of schmaltz that rest atop some of these pieces, giving this music a new shine while remaining largely faithful to the originals. Things get underway with a shuffling "I'll Be Around," a "Pusherman/Superfly" that's pleasing but a bit toothless, and a "Wichita Lineman" that's wonderfully buoyant, balancing propulsion with sensitivity along the way. As the program continues, the quartet goes full steam ahead through "Aquarius," takes a reflective look at "Never My Love," simmers on "Money," and has its way with a few other well-known nuggets. No pretense or posturing on this one. Stryker's Eight Track is just straight up fun. ~ Dan Bilawsky   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/eight-track-dave-stryker-self-produced-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php#.U5uDBiioqdk  

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Stefon Harris: vibraphone; Jared Gold: organ; McClenty Hunter: drums.

Eight Track

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Dave Stryker - Eight Track II

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:42
Size: 151,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:01)  1. Harvest For The World
(6:11)  2. What's Going On
(7:28)  3. Trouble Man
(5:27)  4. Midnight Cowboy
(5:46)  5. When Doves Cry
(5:02)  6. Send One Your Love
(6:30)  7. I Can't Get Next To You
(7:14)  8. Time Of The Season
(4:52)  9. Signed Sealed
(6:03) 10. One Hundred Ways
(5:04) 11. Sunshine Of Your Love

Sequels are a tricky business, often playing to expectations and hewing close to the formula(s) that helped spawn them in the first place. For many, for those very reasons, they're automatically viewed as a slam dunk, aiding in the creation and extension of a franchise entertainment experience for general audiences that went in hard for the original; for critics, however, they're usually a losing bet. Few who wield the pen or keyboard with a critical gaze look kindly upon these vehicles. But maybe, just maybe, the critics need to loosen up a bit. Good fun packaged to meet expectations needn't be vapid or disposable, and guitarist Dave Stryker says as much with Eight Track II.  Stryker visited the popular music of his youth with Eight Track (Strikezone, 2014), bringing '70s pop, rock, and soul classics into the jazz realm with his trio mates organist Jared Gold and drummer McClenty Hunter and guest vibraphonist Stefon Harris. Not too much has changed for the sequel. He's working with the same trio again, the great Steve Nelson fills the "guest vibraphonist" role to complete the quartet, and a selection of popular songs from the '60s on into the '80s are reworked to fit Stryker's language a swinging, blues-infused, no bullshit argot that has long served him well. If you're looking for something radical or one step beyond, this isn't it. But if you're looking for more of that good-time spirit, with well-played twists on familiar favorites from the radio and the eight-track players of yesteryear, you've come to the right place.

While Stryker and company have no problem making some harmonic or melodic nips and tucks here and there, many of the biggest twists on these tunes are connected to the way the grooves have been altered. When a classic like Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love" is given a shuffling facelift, or when a gem like The Zombies' "Time Of The Season" adopts streamlined swing as its method of transportation, the character of the music is irrevocably altered. Is that a good thing? Who knows?! The one thing that's for certain is that it's the necessary thing in order for Stryker to make his own statement. If you want to hear Ginger Baker's tribal thump on "Sunshine Of Your Love," if you have a strong desire to get sucked into Prince's signature sound(s) on "When Doves Cry," or if you feel a hankering to gyrate along to Stevie Wonder's infectious recording of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," you can still go back to the source and do that. Stryker's not taking that away from anybody or trying to replace what's already been immortalized. He's just putting his own slant on these tunes that we've all come to know and love. Eight Track II finds Dave Stryker dealing in the art of musical recreation, not blatant re-creation. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/eight-track-ii-dave-stryker-strikezone-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php
 

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Steve Nelson: vibraphone; Jared Gold: organ; McClenty Hunter: drums.

Eight Track; II

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Dave Stryker Trio - Groove Street

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2024
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:57
Size: 124,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:14) 1.Groove Street
(6:15) 2 Overlap
(6:27) 3.Summit
(7:26) 4.Infant Eyes
(5:41) 5.Soulstice
(5:00) 6.Cold Duck
(5:44) 7.Cold Blue
(6:40) 8.The More I See You
(5:28) 9.Straight Ahead

Guitarist Dave Stryker's latest album, Groove Street, is in fact "The Dave Stryker Trio with Bob Mintzer," a combination that is a sure bet to enhance its merit and heighten its import a sentiment that is equally true when applied to any album on which the acclaimed tenor saxophonist sits in.

Stryker and Mintzer are longtime friends who somehow never recorded together, although Mintzer furnished the arrangements for Blue Soul, Stryker's splendid album with Germany's WDR Big Band. For this date, he has mapped out a pair of handsome original compositions ("Overlap," "Straight Ahead") to accompany three by Stryker and one each by Wayne Shorter, Eddie Harris and the trio's organist, Jared Gold, to chaperon Mack Gordon and Harry Warren's enduring standard, "The More I See You."

Stryker, Gold and drummer McClenty Hunter comprise the leader's working trio, which means everything on offer is not only engaging but seamless as well. This is as coeval as it gets, even as Mintzer teams up to add a collateral voice. Those familiar with Stryker should know what to expectdancing single-note runs with rare flourishes, always astute and accessible. As for Mintzer, his clean, angular phrases are never less than sharp and meticulous, while his emphatic, broad-shouldered style can be likened to that of Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker and other post-bop masters.

The session's basic mood is upbeat and breezy, best exemplified by Mintzer's twin burners, Stryker's robust "Summit" and hard swinging "Code Blue," and Harris' groovy "Cold Duck Time." Even "The More I See You" is taken at a brisker-than-usual tempo, fitting the ensemble like a proverbial glove. Shorter is represented by the tender "Infant Eyes," and Gold by the even-tempered and aptly named "Soulstice," on which he frames one of his several persuasive solos. Hunter doesn't solo as often, but when he does, he commands everyone's undivided attention.
Stryker's trio is splendid on its own, even better when enhanced by Mintzer's formidable presence all of which makes Groove Street an agreeable avenue whereon to stroll and linger long enough the sample its captivating sounds and charming ambience.By Jack Bowers
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/groove-street-dave-stryker-strikezone-records

Groove Street

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Dave Stryker - Blue Soul (Feat. Bob Mintzer & WDR Big Band)

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2020
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:06
Size: 136,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:40) 1. Trouble Man
(6:07) 2. Aha
(7:20) 3. What's Going On
(6:46) 4. Came To Believe
(6:57) 5. Blues Strut
(6:27) 6. When Doves Cry
(5:31) 7. Wichita Lineman
(6:07) 8. Shadowboxing
(7:06) 9. Stan's Shuffle

Bob Mintzer had an idea. The renowned tenor saxophonist, who serves as principal conductor of Cologne, Germany's world-class WDR Big Band, had made several appearances as guest artist with guitarist Dave Stryker's New York-based organ trio and was so impressed that he thought it would be a good idea to re-orchestrate some of Stryker's music for big band and invite the guitar maestro to return the favor by traveling to Germany and performing as guest artist with the WDR ensemble, an offer that Stryker accepted without pause. Was Mintzer's idea credible? In a word, yes the evidence of which abounds on the superb album Blue Soul, wherein Stryker, Mintzer and the WDR merge forces to brighten a trio of Stryker's handsome themes and others by Marvin Gaye ("Trouble Man," "What's Going On"), Prince ("When Doves Cry"), Jimmy Webb ("Wichita Lineman"), Stanley Turrentine ("Stan's Shuffle") and Mintzer's breezy "Aha." Stryker solos adroitly on every track, Mintzer on "Aha," "Stan's Shuffle" and Stryker's prancing "Blues Strut," while the WDR does its part to lend warmth and substance to every number. Stryker's other compositions, the cantering "Came to Believe" and assertive "Shadowboxing," stand out among the album's many pleasurable moments.

Stryker and organist Billy Test share blowing space on Gaye's earnest, blues-based "Trouble Man," which raises the curtain and paves the way for "Aha" and the second offering from Gaye, "What's Going On," a carefree showpiece for Stryker, Test and alto Karolina Strassmayer. A second alto, Johan Horlen, sparkles on "Came to Believe" before Stryker and Mintzer take charge on what is arguably the album's piece de resistance, the bright and irrepressible "Blues Strut." Horlen and drummer Hans Dekker undergird Stryker on the fast-paced "When Doves Cry," trombonist Andy Hunter sparkles on "Wichita Lineman," Dekker and tenor Paul Heller on "Shadowboxing," after which Stryker and Mintzer strike the ideal note on an exemplary codicil, the buoyant "Stan's Shuffle." Mintzer's idea, as it turns out, was far better than good; it was brilliant. All hands are resolute and standing firm, and Blue Soul is an appetizing entree that should command pride of place on any big-band enthusiast's menu. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/blue-soul-dave-stryker-with-bob-mintzer-and-the-wdr-big-band-strikezone-records

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Bob Mintzer: saxophone; Wim Both: trumpet; Rob Broynen: trumpet; Andy Haderer: trumpet; : trumpet; Johan Horlen: saxophone, alto; Karolina Strassmayer: saxophone, alto; Olivier Peters: saxophone, tenor; Paul Heller: saxophone, tenor; Jens Neufang: saxophone, baritone; Ludwig Nuss: trombone; Raphael Klemm: trombone; Andy Hunter: trombone; Mattis Cederberg: trombone; Billy Test: piano; John Goldsby: bass; Hans Dekker: drums.

Blue Soul (Feat. Bob Mintzer & WDR Big Band)

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Dave Stryker - Prime

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:57
Size: 134,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:24) 1. Prime
(6:37) 2. Lockdown
(8:14) 3. Captain Jack
(5:20) 4. Hope
(5:25) 5. As We Were
(5:16) 6. Mac
(5:41) 7. I Should Care
(6:36) 8. Deep
(8:21) 9. Dude's Lounge

Guitarist Dave Stryker, a ubiquitous presence on the New York scene (and elsewhere) for more than three decades as a leader or sideman, is also a prolific recording artist with more than 35 albums under his belt (and many more than that as member of various ensembles) in formats ranging from big band to trio. On Prime, he opts for the smaller arrangement, employing his long-time working group (Jared Gold, organ; McClenty Hunter, drums) to perform eight of Stryker's engaging compositions and one standard, the melancholy "I Should Care."

From the opening measures of the album's fast-moving title song, Stryker shows that, at age 65, he is as sharp and nimble- fingered as ever, skipping handily through the lightning-swift changes and setting the stage for vigorous statements by Gold and Hunter. Having made his point, Stryker turns next to the blues, proving on the enchanting "Lockdown" that he is no less comfortable at a more unhurried tempo, as he does again on the shuffling "Captain Jack," which follows.

"Hope" is an unhurried charmer with an earnest Latin beat, "As We Were" an ambrosial ballad on which Gold and Stryker are at their rhapsodic best with McClenty lending sure-handed support on brushes. "Mac," set in a handsome walking groove, leads to the melodious "I Should Care," which is without a doubt one of the session's several highlights, as is the buoyantly rhythmic "Deep," which follows. Stryker saves another surprise for last, as "Dude's Lounge" opens as a seductive ballad before assuming a funkier but no less engaging persona.

As organ trios go, Stryker's is first-class, thanks to his special talents and those of Gold and McClenty. Prime is far more than background music to be played while the mind is otherwise engaged. It is serious jazz, ably performed by three masters of the genre, and deserves to be considered on those terms.By Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/prime-dave-stryker-strikezone-records

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Jared Gold: organ, Hammond B3; McClenty Hunter, Jr.: drums.

Prime

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Dave Stryker - Strike Zone

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:15
Size: 161,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:59)  1. Strike Zone
(8:51)  2. Who Can I Turn To
(8:12)  3. I Wish I Knew
(5:14)  4. Twenty One
(9:02)  5. Undercurrent
(5:14)  6. Evidence
(2:23)  7. Some Other Time
(9:33)  8. Going Home
(8:29)  9. Muddy Waters
(6:15) 10. My Shining Hour

Dave Stryker is undoubtedly one of the most talented of the younger generation of jazz guitarists today. This is the first recording by Stryker on SteepleChase. Born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 30, 1957, Stryker has been playing guitar since he was 10. Unsurprisingly he started out on rock guitar but soon turned to jazz because of George Benson and John Coltrane. Dave moved to New York in 1980 and after a short while established himself in the NY scene as one of the most sought after players playing with among others Lonnie Liston Smith, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie. “… The specific strengths of this album include consistently top-notch performances and a sense of contemporaneity afforded by Stryker’s attractive original compositions enhanced by a willingness to experiment with sound and stylistic approach .” (Cadence)

Personnel: Guitar – Dave Stryker; Bass – Ron McClure;  Drums – Ronnie Burrage;   Piano, Synthesizer [DX-7] – Marc Cohen;  Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Alto Clarinet – Steve Slagle

Strike Zone

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Jared Gold - Out Of Line

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:55
Size: 117,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:32)  1. An Aperitif
(6:20)  2. Preachin'
(4:57)  3. Out Of Line
(4:52)  4. You Haven't Done Nothin'
(5:33)  5. It Is Well
(5:15)  6. Down South
(5:45)  7. The Stone Age
(5:44)  8. La-La (Means I Love You)
(6:52)  9. Skylark

Despite the implications that live within a title like Out Of Line, organist Jared Gold's third Posi-Tone release is rather in tune with the history and vibe of organ groups and all that goes with them. Gold is joined by some top notch east coast talent, in the form of guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Mark Ferber and saxophonist Chris Cheek, and all four musicians seem to gel well from the very start. Gold might have eclectic tastes, with covers ranging from Hank Mobley's "An Aperitif" to Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothin,'" but he covers nearly every style in the organ group playbook as he works his way through this nine-song program. The Mobley tune, originally on the saxophonist's lesser-known Third Season (Blue Note, 1967), starts things off with a bang. Gold and Cheek are as tight as can be, as they work their way through the head on this up-tempo number. 

Funk is a healthy part of any organ group's diet and Gold delivers the goods with "The Stone Age" and "You Haven't Done Nothin,'" the Wonder tune coming across as a looser, riff-based workout, while Gold's original is a bit more substantial. Cheek leads the charge, while the rhythm section has some greasy groove-making going on beneath him; the overall sound like a less aggressive version of Joshua Redman's Elastic Band. "Preachin'" is a superb gospel-soul number which highlights Gold's playing and writing, while "It Is Well" is churchy in a different, more reverent manner. This understated number sounds like a jazz take on a hymn, and it shows off a different side of Gold's personality. While Ferber's drums hint at bossa nova on the title track, nothing else on the disc really speaks of Brazil.  A soothing take on The Delfonics' "La-La (Means I Love You)," and an odd-metered arrangement of "Skylark" close the album. Gold's performance of The Delfonics' megahit reflects the understated quality of their rendition; "Skylark," on the other hand, is reshaped and molded to Gold's liking. Cheek and Gold are both in fine form on this one, and Ferber even gets to solo over an energized vamp, as the album draws to a close. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/out-of-line-jared-gold-posi-tone-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Jared Gold: Hammond B3; Dave Stryker: guitar; Chris Cheek: tenor saxophone; Mark Ferber: drums.

Out Of Line

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Dave Stryker - As We Are

Styles: Guitar Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:55
Size: 130,1 MB
Art: Front

(1:10) 1. Overture
(6:13) 2. Lanes (feat. Brian Blade)
(8:58) 3. River Man (feat. Sara Caswell)
(6:28) 4. Hope (feat. John Patitucci)
(5:52) 5. Saudade (feat. Julian Shore)
(7:17) 6. One Thing at a Time (feat. Julian Shore)
(5:45) 7. As We Were (feat. John Patitucci)
(7:17) 8. Dreams Are Real
(6:52) 9. Soul Friend (feat. Sara Caswell)

Pat Metheny has a section of his website entitled "Pat Recommends," where he discusses jazz guitarists whom he believes are "making the best music of their careers" on their recent recordings. Dave Stryker is one of the musicians Metheny mentions, and this is certainly an accurate assessment. Dave Stryker has established himself as one of the foremost guitarists in jazz, and with As We Are, he adds another important contribution to his discography. Stryker has a phenomenal work ethic. He's been playing professionally since the seventies, and has worked with an impressive list of artists, including Jack McDuff, Stanley Turrentine, Eliane Elias, and many others.

He's also had a successful solo career, including his popular Eight Track (2016) series, Blue Soul (2020) with Bob Mintzer and the WDR Big Band, and Baker's Circle (2021), all on Strikezone Records. Along with these accomplishments, he is an Adjunct Professor of Jazz guitar at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. He is also actively involved in providing online jazz guitar tutorials. As We Are marks Stryker's 34th album as a leader, and it proves that he is a continuously evolving artist whose music just seems to get better with each release. Here he teams up with bassist John Patitucci, pianist Julian Shore, and drummer Brian Blade. Along with these musicians, Stryker has added a string quartet, featuring Sara Caswell and Monica K. Davis on violin, Benni von Gutzeit on viola, and Marika Hughes on cello.

Although primarily recognized as a guitarist, As We Are highlights Stryker's talents in composition as well. Almost all of the selections included are Stryker originals, and they show a slightly different side of his music. While many of his past recordings feature a groove-oriented small group setting, the instrumentation here relies heavily on string arrangements. Obviously, incorporating strings into jazz is nothing new, but Stryker's approach is somewhat different from many traditional string arrangements. As he explains, "I always wanted to do something where strings would really be integrated into the music, not a coloring or sweetening that comes later." The interaction of the string quartet with the traditional group format helps give the album a slight film soundtrack feel, and the artwork seems to reflect its musical narrative. The cover shows what appears to be a series of windows, drawing the eye from one room to another. Each song seems to tell its own story, but they are all connected through a central thread.

The compositions featured on As We Are show a wide range of jazz influences. From the Brazilian flavors of "Hope" or "Saudade" to "One Thing At A Time," with its 60s classic Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter undertones, the album has many effective nuances. Along with these influences, Stryker also includes a beautiful cover of Nick Drake's "River Man." Throughout the album, the level of musicianship is impressive. Each of the players here is in top form. Stryker's guitar technique is excellent as always, and even though the musical style might be a bit different from what some might expect from him, this album is among his finest achievements. As Stryker points out, "it's my dream project," and As We Are is a deeply satisfying album on many levels. This is definitely one of the most thought-provoking and beautifully-crafted albums to come along in recent times.~KYLE SIMPLER https://www.allaboutjazz.com/as-we-are-dave-stryker-strikezone-records

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; John Patitucci: bass, acoustic; Julian Shore: piano; Brian Blade: drums; Sara Caswell: violin; Monica K. Davis: violin; Benni von Gutzeit: viola; Marika Hughes: cello.

As We Are

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Steve Slagle - Plays Monk

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:42
Size: 139,6 MB
Art: Front

( 6:45)  1. Think Of One
(11:20)  2. Worry Later
( 7:12)  3. Ugly Beauty
( 5:23)  4. Criss Cross
( 7:58)  5. Jackie-Ing
( 4:52)  6. Monk
( 4:33)  7. Light Blue
( 6:02)  8. Bemsha Swing
( 6:33)  9. Epistophy

Well, let's admit it; the whole idea of doing tribute albums has really gotten out of hand recently. But if you're going to do this type of thing, then saxophonist Steve Slagle and his talented crew have the right idea. For starters, a piano is nowhere to be heard from, with the chameleon-like guitar of Dave Stryker taking on the chordal functions. Right there we avoid any inclinations to produce a mere clone of the original. And instead of delivering the umpteenth version of "Round Midnight" or "Straight, No Chaser," Slagle has opted for a more intelligent selection of Monk charts while including one original of his own (this simply-titled affair, "Monk," also happens to be one of the highlights of the entire disc).  While it would have seemed logical for Slagle to pursue perhaps a tribute to Mingus, owing to his time currently spent with the Mingus big band, the Monk concept actually fits him quite well. His pungent alto, along with Stryker's biting tone, gives this music a contemporary edge that offers a new stance without sacrificing integrity. As an added bonus, Slagle pulls out his alto clarinet on "Jackie-ing" to great effect, at times suggesting the collective attack of Don Byron's work with Bill Frisell. Throughout, bassist Anderson and drummer Nussbaum are supportive and interactive, with Stryker's voicings often suggesting a larger front line than what we have in reality. In the final analysis, what a breath of fresh air it is to find a tribute album that manages to tip a hat to its honoree while also maintaining an identity and integrity of its own. And for anyone out there still ill at ease regarding the future survival of jazz, the sounds of Slagle and Stryker, both as a pair and separately, are just a few of the many coming from committed players who are proving you don't have to reject tradition in order to innovate. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/steve-slagle-plays-monk-steve-slagle-steeplechase-records-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Steve Slagle- alto saxophone & alto clarinet (track 5 only), Dave Stryker- guitar, Jay Anderson- bass, Adam Nussbaum- drums

Plays Monk

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Dave Stryker - Changing Times

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:29
Size: 146,2 MB
Art: Front

(9:31)  1. Changing times
(5:38)  2. Big mouth
(7:39)  3. Different worlds
(9:38)  4. Capetwon
(5:52)  5. Julia
(8:51)  6. Circular scene
(8:31)  7. Invocation
(7:45)  8. Rhythm method

Guitarist Dave Stryker recorded a string of albums for Steeplechase throughout the 1990s. This rewarding session kicks off his second decade with the Danish label. Like many of Stryker's previous outings, Changing Times features his regular partner Steve Slagle on alto sax, along with Bill Moring on bass, Tim Horner on drums, and Manolo Badrena on percussion. As the title suggests, there's an emphasis on odd or shifting time signatures. The multi-metric waltz "Different Worlds," the grooving 7/4 "Circular Scene," and the brisk 5/4 piece "Big Mouth" are among the highlights. Stryker's imaginative reading of "Julia," by John Lennon, is the one non-original cut. Slagle contributes the best track: "Invocation," inspired by the Dalai Lama, begins with a soaring rubato passage and then breaks into a beautiful harmonized line over an urgent 12/8 tempo. Slagle also penned the closing rhythm changes, "Rhythm Method." These two Slagle compositions feature some of Stryker's very best playing. ~ David R.Adler https://www.allmusic.com/album/changing-times-mw0000331065

Personnel:  Guitar – Dave Stryker; Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Steve Slagle; Bass – Bill Moring; Drums – Tim Horner

Changing Times

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Dave Stryker - Keystone

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:58
Size: 161,0 MB
Art: Front

( 8:26) 1. Keystone
( 8:49) 2. Can't Buy Me Love
( 8:31) 3. Sentinelese
( 5:25) 4. Lady Sings The Blues
( 6:43) 5. The Rose
( 9:20) 6. First Strike
(10:01) 7. Tenderly
(12:38) 8. Watch What Happens

Since earning his spurs playing with Jack McDuff during the 1980s, guitarist Dave Stryker has recorded frequently and effectively as a leader in the decades that followed. Keystone is a solid session with tenor saxophonist Stephen Riley, drummer Quincy Davis, plus up-and-coming organist Jared Gold. Stryker touches many familiar bases, including a driving, funky setting of the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" and a lush ballad setting of "Lady Sings the Blues" (penned by the neglected pianist Herbie Nichols with lyric by Billie Holiday), the latter showcasing Riley's whispering vibrato-laden sax. The standard "Tenderly" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians. This easygoing midtempo rendition features Riley with a breezy background, though it changes to a strutting flavor once Stryker steps into the spotlight. The guitarist has his band stretch out in their performance of "Watch What Happens," giving everyone a taste in a snappy arrangement that never loses steam. The leader's originals also command attention. "Keystone" evolves from a simple riff into a breezy, infectious blues. "The Rose," written for a friend who died far too young, gently sways with tenor and guitar in unison, followed by Stryker's introspective solo. This is yet another outstanding CD in Dave Stryker's vast discography.~Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/keystone-mw0002062826

Personnel: Guitar – Dave Stryker; Drums – Quincy Davis; Organ [Hammond B3 Organ] – Jared Gold; Tenor Saxophone – Stephen Riley

Keystone

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Dave Stryker - Baker's Circle

Styles: Guitar
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:21
Size: 132,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:27) 1. Tough
(7:39) 2. El Camino
(5:25) 3. Dreamsong
(6:11) 4. Everything I Love
(4:59) 5. Rush Hour
(3:40) 6. Superstar
(4:18) 7. Baker's Circle
(5:46) 8. Inner City Blues
(5:20) 9. Love Dance
(6:32) 10. Trouble (No. 2)

After last years successful big band outing, Blue Soul, guitarist Dave Stryker is back with his hard-driving, deep- grooving B3 organ group on his new recording Baker s Circle. With the addition of cutting-edge tenor player Walter Smith III, Baker s Circle features Stryker s originals as well as a couple Eight Track gems and a tip of the hat to his former boss Stanley Turrentine. Along with Smith III, this fresh recording features Dave s working band of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums and adds Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales to three tracks as well.~ Opiniones Editoriales https://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Circle-Dave-Stryker/dp/B08SYW33Z3

Personnel: Dave Stryker - guitar; Walter Smith III - tenor sax; Jared Gold - organ; McClenty Hunter - drums; Mayra Casales - percussion (2,7,8)

Baker's Circle

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Dave Stryker - Nomad

Styles: Guitar Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:52
Size: 141,1 MB
Art: Front

( 7:12)  1. Blues for brother Jack
(10:03)  2. Nomad
( 7:27)  3. Matthew's waltz
( 7:22)  4. Victor strikes
( 7:02)  5. Listen to your heart
( 9:53)  6. 24 for Elvin
( 5:32)  7. Dangerous
( 6:17)  8. First strike

Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker leading his own group (with 30 CD’s as a leader to date),  or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and many others, you know why the Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” Hot House magazine awarded him Best Guitarist Fans Decision for 2017.  He was recently voted once again as one of the top Jazz Guitarists in the 2019 Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls for the 10th time. Dave’s CD “Eight Track III” stayed at #1 on JazzWeek Radio chart for 6 straight weeks. “Strykin’ Ahead” featured the same lineup as “Eight Track II”- Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter, and received great reviews. “Messin’ with Mister T”, is a celebration of the man he worked with for over a decade  Stanley Turrentine, “Mister T” with ten of the greatest tenor sax players on the scene today. It went to #1 on JazzWeek Radio and stayed in the Top 50 for 20 weeks and has received great reviews including 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat magazine. Dave’s last CD “Eight Track” was #9 for 2014 on the Jazz Week Radio Charts where it stayed for 20 weeks topping off at #3 for 3 weeks. Downbeat magazine picked it as one of the Top CD’s of 2014, and ran a feature article in the June 2014 issue on Dave.

Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker leading his own group (with 30 CD’s as a leader to date),  or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and many others, you know why the Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” Hot House magazine awarded him Best Guitarist Fans Decision for 2017.  He was recently voted once again as one of the top Jazz Guitarists in the 2019 Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls for the 10th time. Dave’s CD “Eight Track III” stayed at #1 on JazzWeek Radio chart for 6 straight weeks. “Strykin’ Ahead” featured the same lineup as “Eight Track II”- Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter, and received great reviews. “Messin’ with Mister T”, is a celebration of the man he worked with for over a decade Stanley Turrentine, “Mister T”with ten of the greatest tenor sax players on the scene today. It went to #1 on JazzWeek Radio and stayed in the Top 50 for 20 weeks and has received great reviews including 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat magazine. Dave’s last CD “Eight Track” was #9 for 2014 on the Jazz Week Radio Charts where it stayed for 20 weeks topping off at #3 for 3 weeks. Downbeat magazine picked it as one of the Top CD’s of 2014, and ran a feature article in the June 2014 issue on Dave. https://www.davestryker.com/wp/biography/

Personnel: Dave Stryker withThe Bill Warfield Big Band featuring Randy Brecker – trumpet

Nomad

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Dave Stryker Quintet - Passage

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:21
Size: 131,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. In The Now
(6:23)  2. Kalahari
(6:48)  3. Passage
(7:27)  4. It's You Or No One
(7:06)  5. Jungle
(5:16)  6. Violation
(3:02)  7. I Fall In Love Too Easily
(5:58)  8. Minor Jones
(7:49)  9. Pursuit

An adept jazz guitarist with a strong blues- and soul-influenced sound, Dave Stryker has worked as both a sideman and bandleader. Born in 1957 in Omaha, Nebraska, Stryker first began playing guitar at age 10. He initially learned to play from listening to records by the Beatles, Cream, and Johnny Winter. Soon, however, he was investigating the music of influential blues artists like Freddie King, as well as more heady jazz improvisers like Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and Miles Davis. By his teens, he was gigging regularly around Omaha, and in 1978, he moved to Los Angeles where he studied for a time with guitarist Billy Rogers and first befriended Hammond B-3 organist Brother Jack McDuff. After moving to New York City in the '80s, he toured for several years with McDuff's soul-jazz outfit. In 1986, he met Stanley Turrentine, and spent the next decade touring with the saxophonist, during which time he developed significantly, coming into his own as a guitarist. As a solo artist, Stryker debuted in 1991 with Passages on SteepleChase, which also featured Joey Calderazzo, Adam Nussbaum, and others. From there, he delivered a steady stream of well-regarded albums for SteepleChase, including 1993's Full Moon, 1994's Nomad, and 1996's Big Room.

More albums followed in the 2000s, like 2001's Changing Times and 2005's Big City, which showcased his eclectic brand of guitar-based blues, swing, New Orleans funk, soul-jazz, and rock. During this period, he also made appearances on albums by Kevin Mahogany, James Williams, and Royce Campbell, and co-led several dates with saxophonist Steve Slagle. In 2010, he paid homage to longtime bandmate, drummer Tony Reedus (who died from a pulmonary embolism in 2008) with the organ-steeped One for Reedus. Another organ quintet session, Blue Strike, followed a year later.  In 2014, Stryker launched his own Strykezone Records imprint, kicking things off with Eight Track, featuring Stefon Harris, Jared Gold, and McClenty Hunter. Messin' with Mister T followed a year later, and included guest spots from Eric Alexander, Jimmy Heath, Chris Potter, and many more. After a follow-up to his first Eight Track effort (Eight Track, Vol. 2), he released the 2017 quartet session Strykin' Ahead. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dave-stryker-mn0000575988/biography

Personnel: Dave Stryker - guitar, composer; Steve Slagle - alto saxophone, composer;  Joey Calderazzo - piano; Jay Anderson - bass;  Adam Nussbaum - drums

Passage

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The Stryker, Slagle Band - The Scene

Styles: Guitar, Saxophone And Flute Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:22
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:38)  1. Skee
(6:18)  2. The Scene
(7:08)  3. Six For Teo
(6:55)  4. Two Sense
(5:25)  5. Kindred Spirits
(5:43)  6. Hopewell's Last
(7:48)  7. Brighter Days
(3:43)  8. Fingers In The Wind
(5:42)  9. Strikology

Consummate professionals, guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Steve Slagle continue to raise the bar of instrumental interplay with The Scene. This pair eschews gimmickry for chops and produces some of the best post-bop anywhere. Joe Lovano, himself one of the busiest and best tenor saxophonists around, joins them again, as he did on their previous release, Latest Outlook (Zoho, 2007).  Along with this powerful frontline, a rhythm section of bassist Jay Anderson and Victor Lewis on drums and the music's compositional strength turns what would otherwise be a good collaboration into a great one. Take, for example, the opening "Skee" dedicated to the late bassist Dennis Irwin on which Lovano and Slagle blend beautifully against a hypnotic rhythm, or Slagle's tribute to his late brother, "Hopewell's Last," a gorgeous soprano (Slagle)/tenor (Lovano) showcase.  The aptly titled "Kindred Spirits" finds Stryker breaking out his acoustic to dovetail with Slagle's alto and Lewis' superb cymbal work, while Roland Kirk's "Fingers In The Wind" pairs an understated acoustic guitar with flute for an arrestingly melodic interlude. "Strikology," with bop chops emerging fore and aft, closes out another strong effort from the Stryker/Slagle Band.~ Elliott Simon https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-scene-stryker-slagle-band-zoho-music-review-by-elliott-simon.php

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Steve Slagle: alto and soprano sax, flute; Jay Anderson: bass; Victor Lewis: drums; Joe Lovano: tenor sax (1, 3, 6, 7).

The Scene

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Steve Slagle Quartet - Our Sound

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:24
Size: 144,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:42)  1. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(6:15)  2. Eve
(6:20)  3. Little Rootie Tootie
(6:01)  4. Theme For Ernie
(8:13)  5. Crazy She Calls Me
(6:55)  6. Haitian Fight Song
(4:45)  7. Lush Life
(8:45)  8. All Or Nothing At All
(8:24)  9. Beautiful Friendship

Steve Slagle is an American jazz saxophonist, flautist, and composer. Slagle was born in Los Angeles and grew up in suburban Philadelphia. He received a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music and received a master's degree in Music From Manhattan School of Music.. He came to New York in 1976, first working with Machito and his Afro-Cuban orchestra, and then toured and recorded with Ray Barretto, Steve Kuhn, Lionel Hampton, Brother Jack McDuff, and Carla Bley. He also performed and traveled with Woody Herman and Cab Calloway. In the mid-1980s, he began leading his own combos, first with Mike Stern and then with Dave Stryker; the combo is currently the main focus of Slagle's music. He has also played frequently with Joe Lovano and has featured on several of Lovano's albums, including the Grammy-winning 52nd Street Themes.

In the mid-1980s, global and especially Latin influences began to inflect Slagle's work, and he appeared on albums by Milton Nascimento and recorded Rio Highlife in Brazil. He toured frequently worldwide during the 1990s and 2000s, especially in Western Europe, Japan, South America and, latterly, Russia and Bulgaria. During the 1990s, he was a leading figure in the Charles Mingus Big Band. Ever since the late 1990s, Slagle has co-led a band with guitarist Dave Stryker. New New York, his 2000 release, has been seen as an evocation of the city's mood on the verge of 9/11 and an expression of Slagle's love for the city he has made his home. He has played with such diverse artists as Milton Nascimento, St. Vincent, Elvis Costello, the Beastie Boys, and Mac Rebennack (aka Dr. John). Slagle has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, Rutgers, The New School, NYU, and clinics through the Thelonious Monk Institute as well as the Mingus Jazz Workshop and master classes and clinics worldwide.

In 2015, his duo recording with pianist Bill O'Connell, a tribute album to Kenny Drew Jr. was released as The Power of Two. In February 2016, Routes (by the Stryker/Slagle Band-Expanded) was released. It was produced by Rick Simpson, with 4-horn arrangements by Steve Slagle. With much critical acclaim, Routes reached #2 on the national radio charts. Slagle plays and endorses Yanagisawa saxophones  the WO-10 alto saxophone and S9930 soprano saxophone. Steve has also been a long time player of Haynes flutes. On tenor sax, Steve plays a mid-60's Selmer Mark VI, and on baritone sax, a 1947 Silver Conn. In 2011, Slagle published a composition and improvisation workbook for the creative musician, and stories about his life in "Scenes, Songs and Solos" (Schaffner Press). His many original compositions are published with Slagle Music, BMI. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Slagle

Our Sound

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Dave Stryker - Blue To The Bone IV

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:44
Size: 141,8 MB
Art: Front

(8:32)  1. Blues Strut
(8:33)  2. Workin'
(5:25)  3. For The Love Of You
(5:43)  4. Come On In My Kitchen
(7:41)  5. Big Foot
(7:20)  6. Blues For Brother Jack
(8:00)  7. Shades Ahead
(7:09)  8. Fun
(3:16)  9. Soul Power

Dave Stryker s music is deeply rooted in blues, having performed with Jack McDuff in the 80s and Stanley Turrentine in the 90s. Dave s special blend of jazz and blues culminated first time in 1996 in the form of Blue To The Bone I (SCCD 31400). Since then the project has become a popular on-going series. The fourth addition features Stryker s regular organ trio (Jared Gold on B-3 and McClenty Hunter on drums). There are solid solos from all hands throughout the album .... 

Based on the personnel and the feeling of these performances, I'd like to catch this group live . (Owen Cordle JazzTimes on Blue To The Bone III SCCD 31465) As great as the first set was, it's without hesitation that I deem this new one a valiant leap forward. .....They, along with the charts and an elation that the blues almost paradoxically provide, make for an end product that is indeed greater than the sum of the parts (C. Andrew Hovan-AAJ on Blue To The Bone II SCCD 31524) ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Bone-IV-Dave-Stryker/dp/B00AZAJXDU

Personnel:  Dave Stryker – guitar; Freddie Hendrix – trumpet; Steve Slagle – alto sax; Vincent Gardner – trombone; Gary Smulyan – bari sax; Jared Gold – Hammond B3 organ; McClenty Hunter – drums

Blue To The Bone IV

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Dave Stryker - Blue to the Bone III

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:41
Size: 167,9 MB
Art: Front

( 7:57)  1. Stan's Shuffle
( 8:31)  2. Complicity
( 5:21)  3. Crazy House
( 6:05)  4. If 6 Was 9
(11:09)  5. For Jack & T
(11:20)  6. Going Home
(10:01)  7. So Long Eric
(10:43)  8. Soulful Mr. Timmons
( 1:29)  9. Doin' the Bone

Dave Stryker’s Blue to the Bone Band, ongoing since ’96, features the guitarist with three other rhythm players and four horns. Established to showcase his blues side, it covers the jazzier realm of the blues as opposed to primitive, gutbucket territory. The horn section (alto saxophonist Steve Slagle, baritone saxophonist and chief arranger Bob Parsons, trumpeter Brian Lynch, and trombonist Clark Gayton) functions as an extension of Stryker’s guitar sound, and the rhythm section (pianist James Williams, bassist Anderson and drummer Tim Horner) keeps the blues feeling true underneath. Stryker’s “For Jack and T” salutes the late organist Jack McDuff and tenorman Stanley Turrentine, two of the guitarist’s former employers. “Doin’ the Bone” is a short, funky cut with Tower of Power-style horns. Slagle arranged Charles Mingus’ “So Long, Eric,” and Williams and Parsons arranged the pianist’s “Soulful Mr. Timmons,” in which the composer takes a stomping, most satisfying solo. There are solid solos from all hands throughout the album, with the lesser-known Gayton taking honors here and there with his triphammer tonguing. Based on the personnel and the feeling of these performances, I’d like to catch this group live. ~ By Owen Cordle https://jazztimes.com/archives/dave-stryker-blue-to-the-bone-iii/

Personnel: Alto Saxophone – Steve Slagle; Baritone Saxophone – Bob Parsons ; Bass – Jay Anderson; Drums – Tim Horner; Guitar, Liner Notes – Dave Stryker; Piano, Organ – James Williams ; Trombone – Clark Gayton; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Brian Lynch

Blue to the Bone III

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Dave Stryker - Blue To The Bone II

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:13
Size: 143,3 MB
Art: Front

( 4:27)  1. Rockin' in rhythm
( 1:32)  2. Goin' to New Orleans - introduction
( 8:07)  3. Goin' to new Orleans
( 5:43)  4. Sittin' on top of the world
(11:22)  5. 24 for Elvin
( 6:40)  6. Mystery street
( 5:18)  7. The squeeze
( 8:28)  8. Mood
(10:33)  9. Mug shot

Considering that forty-something guitarist Dave Stryker has made over a dozen albums under his own name, leads a sharp quartet with Steve Slagle, and is in constant demand as a sideman working in the past with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, Javon Jackson, and Kevin Mahogany, you'd think he'd be practically a household name. Unfortunately that's not the case, but his first Blue to the Bone project from a few years back did seem to attract some critical plaudits and bring into the circle some added new fans. And now that the second offering in this series has just made its debut here in America, one can only hope that the good vibes just keep building. As great as the first set was, it's without hesitation that I deem this new one a valiant leap forward. For the neophyte, the concept is really quite simple- get together a modest-sized horn section, bring a B-3 along, and write some charts that accent a "blue" point of view. But while the prior record leaned a bit more on the classic 12-bar blues form, this set offers up a colorful diversity in terms of song structure. Of course, Stryker can get down with his bad self, as he more than adequately proves on a cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Sittin' On the Top of the World." Somehow the spicy gumbo of the Crescent City proves to be a perfect adjunct to the blues in Stryker's mind, with both originals "Mystery Street" and "Goin' To New Orleans" spurred on by Adam Nussbaum's "second line" drumming and the guitarist's processed tone, akin to a slide-steel at times. 

His solo spot on the former makes potent use of distortion and note bending. Balanced by an Ellington gem and a Steve Slagle original, a few tunes that have been previously recorded get a facelift too, including "Mood" and "24 For Elvin," an extended form with a modal quality to it that does indeed suggest Elvin Jones' work with the classic John Coltrane quartet. Sharing the solo honors with Stryker and equally beguiling in the long run are trumpeter Brian Lynch, alto saxophonist Steve Slagle, pianist Bruce Barth, and drummer Adam Nussbaum. They, along with the charts and an elation that the blues almost paradoxically provide, make for an end product that is indeed greater than the sum of the parts. Now, here's waiting with baited breath for the release of Stryker's latest project inspired by Miles Davis' Bitches Brew period. Bring it on SteepleChase! 

~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/blue-to-the-bone-ii-dave-stryker-steeplechase-records-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Dave Stryker- guitar, Brian Lynch- trumpet, Steve Slagle- alto sax & flute, Clark Gayton- trombone, Bob Parsons- baritone saxophone, Bruce Barth- piano & organ, Jay Anderson- bass, Adam Nussbaum- drums

Blue To The Bone II

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