Strykin’ Ahead
Strike Zone, 2017
8/10
If you haven’t been paying attention to Dave Stryker in recent years, you’re missing out, cause the legendary guitarist has been on a tear of fantastic albums. On this 2017 effort he’s aligned with Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter, where 9 tracks comprise this 28th album as leader.
“Shadowboxing” starts the listen with Stryker’s inimitable guitar prowess working together with Gold’s organ skills in the rhythmic, melodic landscape, and “Footprints” follows with a cautious approach where bluesy guitar lines align with Hunter’s proficient drumming.
Close to the middle, “Passion Flower” flows with a reflective quality where much beauty resides in the Billy Strayhorn tune, while “Strykin’ Ahead” displays vibraphone acrobatics from Nelson amid the swift melodies. “Blues Down Deep”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a soulful approach in its timeless, blues nature.
Near the end, “Who Can I Turn To” illustrates dynamic interplay between the 4 musicians as busy moments mesh with calmer ebbs of groove friendly song craft, and “Donna Lee” exits the listen with sublime guitar work from Stryker, though the drumming, organ and vibraphone don’t disappoint either as jazz and blues mix together with funky swing nods, too.
There’s 4 Stryker originals present, though he and his band make each song their own whether it’s a slow burning affair or bebop fun, and it’s all presented with a tremendous amount of skill.
Travels well with: Jared Gold- Emergence; Dave Stryker- Eight Track Christmas