Stryker, Dave & Steve Slagle
Strikezone, 2016, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 22.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Saxophonist Steve Slagle and guitarist Dave Stryker have performed together on many outings and appear on Routes with an expanded ensemble. John Clark (French horn), Gerald Cannon (b) and McClenty Hunter (d) join them to form a powerful quintet. They get help from Billy Drewes (sax, cl), Clark Gayton (tab, tuba) and Bill O’Connell (keyboards) on several selections. The departure from their standard quartet allows greater depth and a new jazz-fusion sound that takes their old groove in a positive direction! Eight of the selections are originals along with a mellow cover of Mingus’ “Self-Portrait In Three Colors”. Other highlights are “Routes”, “Lickity Split Lounge” and “Gardena”. New changes aren’t always good but in this case, the Stryker-Slagle combination has a winner!
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services
