Groove Street
Strikezone, 2024
9/10
The guitar giant Dave Stryker is surrounded by some incredible players here, where Bob Mintzer, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter accompany him for these 9 modern jazz tunes.
The aptly named title track opens the listen with Hunter’s playful drums and Mintzer’s animated sax complementing Stryker’s fluid guitar lines, and “Overlap” follows with Gold’s meticulous organ prowess adding much warmth to the melodic landscape.
In the middle, the intimate “Infant Eyes” finds itself in dreamy territory thanks to the rich brass, while “Soulstice” bops and shakes with a frisky energy via the crisp drums and firm keys.
Close to the end, “Code Blue”, the album’s best, is a lively and charming jazz rocker that spotlights Mintzer’s incredible sax playing, and “Straight Ahead” exits with a punchy and harmonic appeal that will be forever timeless.
A highly appropriately titled listen, Stryker never misses, and the excellent help at his side makes Groove Street another must have record for the jazz fanatic.
Travels well with: Bob Mintzer- Soundscapes; Dave Stryker- Prime