Here we find guitarist Dave Stryker and his trio of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums, recording at Rudy Van Gelder’s famous studio (Van Gelder recorded almost every session on Blue Note Records from 1953 to 1967, participating in literally thousands of sessions, including such important albums as Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme’, Davis’ ‘Walkin’’, Hancock’s ‘Maiden Voyage’, Rollins’ ‘Saxophone Colossus’, and Silver’s ‘Song for My Father‘). On July 14th last year the guys settled in to record nine numbers which included four originals and covers such as The Beatles’ “Fool on The Hill” and Charlie Parker’s “Dexterity”.
I have reviewed quite a few of Stryker’s albums in recent years, and there is no doubt he is a fine jazz guitarist, but I do wish he would take more risks and adventure more. Take ‘Fool on the Hill” for example, it is a very clever interpretation, but it never moves too far away from the original, and the most intriguing part of it are the runs from Gold whose presence is huge as he provides both bass line and melody. Styker’s jazz is often very easy listening as opposed to exciting and I can certainly imagine this being played in small jazz clubs in America kas it is totally inoffensive and pleasant, which is quite different to most of the jazz I listen to out of choice. There are plenty of jazz lovers who will really enjoy this, but it is too middle of the road for me.
Rating: 6/10
Links:
https://davestryker.com/