Guitarist Dave Stryker returns with another session featuring the band he worked with on Eight Track II in 2016. The band includes Steve Nelson on vibes, Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums. They are all in fine form here on Strykin' Ahead due out September 1 on Strikezone Records.
The music is Stryker's trademark exploration of blues, bop & ballads from originals to reinterpreting standards and breathing new life into them in the process. His original, 'Shadowboxing", a blues, leads off the set with the band cooking at a quick tempo. They give Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower" a Brazilian bossa treatment. And Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" wraps up the set with everyone soloing on this bop standard given a fresh, modern sound.
Strykin' Ahead is Dave Stryker's 28th recording as a leader and he once again demonstrates his talent for delivering a satisfying listening experience with a creativity and sense of adventure that is second to none.
