Having been recently touring as the opening act for Steely Dan, Dave Stryker (guitar), Jared Gold (organ) and McClenty Hunter (drums), here deliver the first album from Stryker’s touring trio. Given their working relationship, Dave decided to record live in the studio with just one take per song and no overdubbing. We have eight original songs, plus the standard “I Should Care.” We have songs penned for his first boss Jack McDuff (“Captain Jack” and “Dude’s Lounge”) as well as “Mac” for his drummer and the original trio versions of “Hope” and “As We Were” from Stryker’s last album, ‘As We Are’.

While this may not be my own favourite form of jazz, there is no doubt there is a real fluidity with the lead guitar melodies from Dave often taking the part of the “voice”, while there is always something special about a classic Hammond organ in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, and then at the back there is some wonderfully understated drumming which is keeping it all together. There is a lovely use of space within this, but it is never too much, and the music always feels highly linked and together as the musicians bounce off each other. This is music where the listener simply closes their eyes and are transported to wherever these guys want to take them. This is classic old school jazz, recorded in the old school way, by musicians who not only know where they need to be but where everyone else will be as well. Classic, and sheer class.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.davestryker.com/
https://www.strikezonerecords.com/