Dave Stryker – Eight Track III – Strikezone Records 8818 52:31****:
( Dave Stryker – guitar; Stefon Harris – vibraphone; Jared Gold – organ; McClenty Hunter – drums; Myra Casales – congas & percussion #2-3,6-9)
Eight track tapes are in the dustbin of the mainstream recording world, but relics can still be found at rummage sales in church basements, or the vintage section of weekly flea markets. However the melodies that were associated with that particular technology have found a new life in the jazz world of Dave Stryker and his cohorts. In the most recent iteration Eight Track III, Stryker and the band take on some of the lesser classic tunes of the period, to produce a musically satisfying outing.
Dave Stryker’s solid band has been able to dig into all the material in a tough tenacious fashion, starting with the Curtis Mayfield number “Move On Up”. With Stryker’s opening identifiable guitar riffs and smart pacing from drummer Hunter, the group lays down a blanket of rhythm that brings the number to life.
Walter Becker & Donald Fagen better known as Steely Dan wrote “Pretzel Logic” which was the name of the group’s third studio album. The inherent harmony that was a part of Steely Dan’s sound comes across as Stryker ’s interpretation of the number is filled with underlying intensity of the tune.
Stevie Wonder’s prodigious talent is showcased with two of his compositions “Too High” and “Joy Inside My Tears”. The first is an up tempo swinger with a confident strut as Stryker runs the fret board with a series of sharply defined notes. Stefon Harris’ vibes are subtly confident in a brief interlude before the number plays out with frothy exuberance. The second composition is entirely different as it has a bluesy sensitive vibe. The band gives it a sinuous interpretation as they work their way through a thickened mood.
Another standout is the Marvin Gaye & Leon Ware tune “After The Dance”. Fashioned by Gaye as a funky sexy ballad, Stryker and the band capture the essence of the number with some intricate unison playing between Stryker and Harris. With Jared Gold’s B3 organ shimmering in the background, the group keeps up the intensity with each member demonstrating their exciting technique.
The band brings these pop tunes alive with a bristling sparkle.
TrackList: Move On Up; Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone; Pretzel Logic; Too High; We’ve Only Just Begun; This Guy’s In Love With You; Everybody Loves The Sunshine; After The Dance; Joy Inside My Tears
—Pierre Giroux
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