Baker’s Circle
Strikezone, 2021
8/10
Dave Stryker sure has been prolific in recent years, and here he’s back with his esteemed band for 10 tracks of both originals and covers, where his inimitable guitar playing is just as impressive as ever.
The frisky and luminous “Tough” starts the listen with plenty of solos from all the players on hand, and “El Camino” follows with some Latin flavor entering the conga friendly setting thanks to Mayra Casales.
At the midpoint, Jared Gold’s “Rush Hour” is indeed a swift tune full of Walter Smith III’s sax acrobatics and furious drumming from McClenty Hunter, while “Superstar” trims the volume back for a warm and intimate display of Stryker’s sublime guitar work. “Baker’s Circle”, an album highlight, then brings Casales back on percussion as Gold’s organ prowess impresses alongside Smith’s brass skills.
Close to the end, “Love Dance” is especially pretty, even romantic, in its cautious delivery, and “Trouble (No. 2)” exits the listen with a solid groove and plenty of soul that you won’t forget anytime soon.
An artist with 20+ albums in his catalog, Stryker’s jazz guitar skills are never short on creativity and always executed flawlessly, and Baker’s Circle is certainly another exceptional record you’ll be glad you spent time with.
Travels well with: Jared Gold- Reemergence; Dave Stryker- Eight Track Christmas