Dave Stryker with String Quartet - As We Are (January 7, 2022)

“I’ve always loved the way Dave plays guitar. He’s a soulful, blues-oriented player, with a beautiful touch and tone. His originals were fun to play, with plenty of harmonic sophistication, but lyrical, too. He’s the real deal.”

– John Patitucci

“It’s my dream project,”  Dave Stryker repeats several times in a conversation about his 34th release as a leader, As We Are, on which the guitar master addresses one of the few configurations he hasn’t tackled during 40-plus years in the jazz trenches.

 

Stryker, not predisposed to hyperbole, isn’t exaggerating. How else to describe an opportunity to record a suite of new originals with a band propelled by all-world bass-drum partners John Patitucci and Brian Blade, fleshed out by harmonically erudite pianist Julian Shore’s bespoke string quartet arrangements that include room for a couple of soaring violin solos by the luminous Sara Caswell? Stimulated by the chance to make music together after long isolation, all members interact with crackling, pent-up energy.

“I always wanted to do something where strings would really be integrated into the music, not a coloring or sweetening that comes in later,” Stryker says. Shore rises to the occasion, imparting a lush, fulsome sound to the two violins, viola and cello, creating sections that offer texture and contrast.

In keeping with the dream project Stryker reached out to two of the greatest musicians alive today - Patitucci and Blade who happily signed on. Six new Stryker originals, one Shore original and Nick Drake’s River Man are arranged with string quartet by Shore to create one of the most truly beautiful and exciting recordings in recent times.

1 Overture - Dave Stryker / Julian Shore - BMI) 1:10

2 Lanes - Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music - BMI) 6:14

3 River Man - Nick Drake (BMG Rights Management - ASCAP) 9:01

4 Hope - Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music - BMI) 6:24

5 Saudade - Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music - BMI) 5:52

6 One Thing At A Time - Julian Shore (Julian Shore Music - BMI) 7:17

7 As We Were - Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music - BMI) 5:46

8 Dreams Are Real - Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music - BMI) 7:18

9 Soul Friend - Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music - BMI) 6:52

 

Dave Stryker - guitar

Julian Shore - piano

John Patitucci - bass

Brian Blade - drums

String Quartet:

Sara Caswell - violin 1 (solo, tracks 3 and 9)

Monica K.Davis - violin 2

Benni von Gutzeit - viola

Marika Hughes - cello

Music Arranged by Julian Shore

 

Produced by Dave Stryker

Executive Producer - Rick Simpson

Engineered and mixed by Chris Sulit at Trading 8s Studio, Paramus NJ June 2, 10,11, 2021

Mastered by Michael Perez-Cisneros

Photos and Graphic Design by Chris Drukker

Cover photo by Charles F. Scott IV

Liner Notes - Ted Panken

Strikezone Records

Introducing Kendall Carter (2021)

Organist Kendall Carter is an emerging organist, hailing from Louisville, KY. He began playing the piano at age 4 and was drawn to the organ by age 13. Matriculating at the University of Louisville, he graduated with a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Piano Performance and a Masters of Music in Jazz Composition and Arranging.

Kendall is a Hammond Artist and he can be found actively performing throughout the midwest. Kendall has been provided the opportunity to work with many established musicians including NEA Jazz Master Jamey Aebersold, Dave Stryker, Carmen Bradford, Tim Warfield, and many others.

His playing is rooted in the gospel music tradition, but also draws influence from notable organists Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, and Shirley Scott. Combining these influences has allowed Kendall to develop his own philosophy on playing the blues and keeping the groove.

“Introducing Kendall Carter” is his first release as a leader and features veteran guitarist Dave Stryker and Indianapolis drummer Kenny Phelps. This record draws on the organ trio tradition with its blues-tinged renditions of jazz standards and R&B classics.

1. Blame It On The Boogie 04:44

2. Afro Blue 06:02

3. Lovely Day 05:20

4. Short Story 06:19

5. Lawns 05:53

6. Speedball 05:19

7. The Masquerade Is Over 06:03

8. Beatrice 06:19

9. Punjabi Affair 04:45

10. That's All 05:28

11. Blues for Kendall 04:34

Kendall Carter - organ

Dave Stryker - guitar

Kenny Phelps - drums

Produced by Dave Stryker

Arranged by Kendall Carter

Engineered, Mixed, & Mastered by Jozef Caldwell

Pre-order

W W W . K E N D A L L C A R T E R M U S I C . C O M

Dave Stryker - Baker’s Circle (2021)

After last year’s successful big band outing, Blue Soul, guitarist Dave Stryker is back with his hard-driving, deepgrooving B3 organ group on his new recording—Baker’s Circle. With the addition of cutting-edge tenor player Walter Smith III, Baker’s Circle features Stryker’s originals as well as a couple Eight Track gems and a tip of the hat to his former boss Stanley Turrentine. Along with Smith III, this fresh recording features Dave’s working band of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums and adds Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales to three tracks as well.

Baker’s Circle starts with three Stryker originals. The hard-hitting “Tough” leads off with exciting solos by the whole band. Casales’ congas join in on the latin groove of “El Camino” followed by the bluesy 7/4 of “Dreamsong.” Cole Porter’s “Everything I Love” is a medium swinger after which Gold’s burning “Rush Hour” shows why Walter Smith III is considered one of the best of his generation. And Dave adds his Eight Track fingerprint to Leon Russell’s “Superstar” and Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues.”

Says Stryker: “Composer and educator David Baker was in my corner from the time I met him at a jazz camp when I was 17 till he hired me to take over as guitar professor at Indiana University a few years ago. I used to see him standing outside the Music School on a circular drive waiting for is wife Lida to pick him up. I named the song ‘Baker’s Circle, in his memory.”

Baker’s Circle closes with “Trouble (No. 2),” a grooving shuffle originally recorded by Stryker’s former boss, the great Stanley Turrentine. This caps a diverse program that showcases Stryker at his best—modern playing with the groove and soul that comes from years of experience.

1. Tough – Dave Stryker 7:27

2. El Camino – Dave Stryker 7:39

3. Dreamsong – Dave Stryker 5:24

4. Everything I Love - Cole Porter 6:11

5. Rush Hour – Jared Gold 4:59

6. Superstar – Leon Russell, Bonnie Bramlett, & Delaney Bramlett 3:40

7. Baker’s Circle – Dave Stryker 4:18

8. Inner City Blues – Marvin Gaye & James Nyx Jr. 5:45

9. Love Dance – Ivan Lins, Gilson Peranzzetta, & Paul Williams 5:19

10. Trouble (No. 2) – Harold Logan & Lloyd Price 6:38

Dave Stryker - guitar

Walter Smith III - tenor sax

Jared Gold - organ

McClenty Hunter - drums

Mayra Casales - percussion (#2, 7, 8)

Produced and arranged by Dave Stryker

Executive Producer - Rick Simpson

Recorded January 11, 2019 by Chris Sulit at Trading 8s Studio, Paramus NJ

Mastered by Ed Littman

Pre-order

Jared Gold “Reemergence” CD Release Show Saturday, October 27th 8pm @ Trumpets

Jared Gold

“Reemergence”

CD Release Show 

Jared Gold – organ 

Dave Stryker – guitar 

Ralph Bowen - sax

Billy Hart – drums

Saturday, October 27th

6 Depot Square

Montclair, NJ 07042

(973) 744-2600

www.trumpetsjazz.com

Jared Gold - Reemergence

More info...

Pianist Alberto Pibiri New CD and Upcoming Live Appearances

A superb young jazz pianist, Alberto Pibiri builds upon

the inspiration of Oscar Peterson on his new Jazz Legacy release.

Pibiri also emerges as an important new songwriter, debuting ten originals with his trio, Adrian Cunningham on reeds, and several guests including veteran singers Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton.

Alberto Pibiri is a very impressive up-and-coming jazz pianist and songwriter. His playing is inspired by Oscar Peterson (whose virtuosic style he can duplicate) but he also displays his own musical personality throughout Jazz Legacy along with a real skill for creating fresh new melodies.

On Jazz Legacy, Pibiri is featured in a trio with bassist Paul Gill and drummer Paul Wells that is sometimes expanded by the inclusion of the skilled tenor-saxophonist and clarinetist Adrian Cunningham. The great singers Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton perform together on “For Sure,” Ms. Jordan is featured on “Be Free,” and the soulful “Oh Yeah” has fine vocalizing from Miriam Waks along with a guitar solo by guest Dave Stryker.


The memorable program begins with “For Oscar,” a tribute to Oscar Peterson that sounds like the type of joyful song that the immortal pianist could have written. Pibiri shows what he learned from studying Peterson’s many recordings. “Walkin’” (no relation to the jazz standard) has a laid back and playful melody that inspires a fine solo from Cunningham on clarinet. The beautiful ballad “My Sunshine,” the catchy and likable “New Bossa” (with Cunningham on tenor) and the relaxed “A Blues” could each become standards in the future due to their strong themes and the excellent playing by the musicians.

The blazing tempo of “Kiss Kiss” is easily essayed by the quartet with impressive improvisations by clarinetist Cunningham and Pibiri. Sheila Jordan gives the ballad “Be Free” a heartfelt treatment and interacts happily with Jay Clayton on the scat-filled “For Sure.” “Oh Yeah,” which has lyrics and singing by Miriam Waks in addition to a fine spot for Dave Stryker, has Cunningham recalling Stanley Turrentinewith his soulful tenor playing. The impressive program concludes with the pianist all alone on “It’s Me,” swinging his way through another classic theme.

Alberto Pibiri was born and raised in Italy where he studied classical music and jazz. He was so inspired by the recordings of Oscar Peterson that in his early years his trio often featured Peterson’s music at concerts and festivals in Italy and France. He met Sheila Jordan at one of her workshops in France and she was so impressed with Pibirí’s musical talents that she not only became his main mentor but sponsored his artist visa so he could move and perform in the United States. 

Based in New York ever since, Piberi has worked with a variety of top musicians including Ms. Jordan, Dave Stryker, Harry Allen, Essiet Essiet and Les DeMerle. He made his recording debut as a leader with 2011’s NYC (in a quartet with Stryker) and recently toured Australia with Adrian Cunningham, recording Swing It Out for the Arbors label with Professor Cunningham And His Old School. In 2017 Pibiri, who has played at many jazz venues including Smalls, Fat Cat. Blue Note, Trumpets and Shanghai Jazz as both a leader and a sideman, performed at Carnegie Hall.

Jazz Legacy, which is being released by SRI, a label directed by the legendary Shelley Leibowitz, gives listeners the opportunity to hear Alberto Pibiri, a rapidly developing talent, early in his career, performing his memorable songs with top-notch players.

Alberto Pibiri  Jazz Legacy

(APM 1001)

Street Date: September 7, 2018

ALBERTO PIBIRI: piano

PAUL GILL: bass

PAUL WELLS: drums

ADRIAN CUNNINGHAM: tenor saxophone & clarinet

DAVE STRYKER: guitar (track 9)

SHEILA JORDAN: vocal (tracks 7 & 8)

JAY CLAYTON: vocal (track 8)

MIRIAM WAKS: vocal (track 9)

Available From: •Amazon •iTunes

www.pibirialberto.com

Alberto Pibiri Upcoming Shows

Aug 22

Alberto Pibiri trio

Shanghai Jazz 7 -1030 pm  

1818 24 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940 

www.shanghaijazz.com

Sep 16

Alberto Pibiri trio 

Long Beach Jazz Festival

longbeachjazzfestival.com

Media Contact

JIM EIGO

jim@jazzpromoservices.com • www.jazzpromoservices.com

“Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events"

Rachel Caswell "We’re All in The Dance" CD Release Jazz at Kitano: Saturday, September 15, 2018

Rachel Caswell

CD Release Concert

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Set Times: 8pm & 10pm

Jazz at Kitano

66 Park Ave. @ E. 38th St.,

New York, NY 10016

Reservations (212) 885-7119

www.kitano.com

Featuring

Rachel Caswell - vocals

Sara Caswell - violin

Dave Stryker - guitar

Glenn Zaleski - piano

Matt Aronoff - bass

Johnathan Blake - drums

There’s no mistaking the message of “We’re All in The Dance,” the title track of singer Rachel Caswell’s latest album. It’s a lovely waltz that pairs the dance of life with the dance of music and somehow, through her purity of tone, intelligent phrasing, and flowing time feel, Caswell—cosigned by an ascendant solo by her younger sister, Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell—navigates an alternate, bespoke pathway through a song whose simplicity and elegance pose a challenge to a singer steeped in the complexities of jazz expression.

She addresses the subject of love head-on throughout the proceedings, comprising ten songs culled from a long timeline and a panoply of stylistic genres. Caswell tells each story with equivalent levels of individualism and interpretive mojo, imparting a continuity and identity from the first track (an inflamed, incantatory reading of Sting’s “Fragile”) to the last (a mesmerizing meditation on Jon Hendricks’ bittersweet-yet-optimistic lyric to Thelonious Monk’s “Reflections”).

Along the way, Caswell puts deep blues inflections on “Drown in My Own Tears,” the Ray Charles classic, followed by a soulful guitar declamation by master blues practitioner—and album producer—Dave Stryker. She channels her inner Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan on “A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening,” eschewing a balladic approach for a well-wrought, lightly swinging delivery of the lyric. She renders the late Bob Dorough’s “Devil May Care” with apropos vertiginous flair, developing her rhythmic ideas on an instrument-like improvisation. She applies a spacious Latin feel to Henry Mancini’s “Two for The Road,” and showcases her broad registral range and deep pocket in conveying Tom Lellis’ evocative lyrics to Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me A Bedtime Story.” Dave Stryker’s arrangement of Rodgers & Hart’s American Songbook classic “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” plays on the title, shifting odd meters with finger-popping swing. And Rachel scats the melody of Charlie Parker’s “Dexterity” with an idiomatic bebop feel, giving her A-list partners full autonomy to play it in their manner and responding to their postulations with a pithy scat.

Another of the record’s great pleasures is an opportunity to hear how deftly each world-class member of the kinetic rhythm section locks into their task of reimagining and reconfiguring “standards.” Hopefully, Stryker’s imprimatur and this cutting-edge band will induce gatekeepers from radio and the press to listen closely to this superb album. If they do, and respond accordingly, Caswell may be moving to another level of visibility in the not so distant future.


Edited from liner notes by Ted Panken

“Rachel Caswell is that rara avis who is truly a jazz vocalist. Her intonation is impeccable, her diction precise, her jazz sensibilities above reproach, and she swings like mad!... Few improvisers – vocal or instrumental – have better ears than she possesses and she has an exceptional instrument that is immediately identifiable among a sea of other vocalists.”

David Baker, NEA Jazz Master & jazz education pioneer

1. Fragile – Sting – 7:05

2. A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening – Harold Adamson/Jimmy McHugh – 5:16

3. We’re All in The Dance – Will Jennings/Christophe Monthieux – 5:11

4. Devil May Care – Bob Dorough/Terrell P. Kirk Jr. – 6:46

5. Two for The Road – Leslie Bricusse/Henry Mancini – 5:42

6. Drown in My Own Tears – Henry Glover – 4:58

7. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was – Lorenz Hart/Richard Rodgers – 6:06

8. Tell Me A Bedtime Story – Tom Lellis/Herbie Hancock – 6:05

9. Dexterity – Charlie Parker – 6:01

10. Reflections (Looking Back) – Jon Hendricks/Thelonious Monk – 5:16

Rachel Caswell, vocals

Sara Caswell, violin

Dave Stryker, guitar

Fabian Almazan, piano & fender rhodes

Linda May Han Oh, bass

Johnathan Blake, drums

rachelcaswell.com

NATIONAL PRESS CAMPAIGN

JIM EIGO, JAZZ PROMO SERVICES

jim@jazzpromoservices.com • www.jazzpromoservices.com

“Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

Jared Gold - Reemergence (STRIKEZONE RECORDS 2018) + CD Release Shows

CD Release Shows

Jared Gold – organ 

Dave Stryker - guitar

Billy Hart - drums

Joel Frahm - tenor sax

Friday & Saturday August 24-25

Smalls

83 W 10th St

New York, NY 10014

www.smallslive.com

Most jazz fans have encountered the unfortunate scenario of being thrilled by the names on an album cover but then being disappointed by the music. That is definitely not the case with the new leader project from Jared Gold, which showcases the versatile organist and his all-star band: guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Billy Hart and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. Stryker, who also produced the album, has a 14-year history with Gold, and his simpatico rapport with the organist spices up the proceedings, as each musician frequently adds clever coloration when the other is unleashing a sturdy solo. Hart—whose subtle brushwork is just as mesmerizing as his powerful stick-work in this program—demonstrates the mastery that has made him a legend. Pelt, who adds potent brass to three tracks, elevates this disc: Without him, these sessions might have yielded a memorable trio disc, but with him on board, the result is one of the strongest straightahead discs of the year thus far.

This band certainly can burn, as evidenced by the title track (which was penned by the leader), but a poignant reading of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” reflects Gold’s ability to tug at the listener’s heartstrings with a melancholy mood. Gold has curated a wonderful, eclectic program that features two Gershwin tunes (“It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “How Long Has This Been Going On”), Ornette Coleman’s “Blues Connotation,” Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love” (from 1972’s Talking Book) and “One For John A,” a swinging, original tribute to the late guitar icon John Abercrombie, with whom the organist worked for years. Gold and Stryker can ignite fireworks at will, but on this rendition of “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” both musicians coax a vocal timbre out of their respective axes. Nicely done, gentlemen. (Bobby Reed DownBeat Magazine Editor's Pick)

...one of the year’s strongest titles to date and upon repeated listening  gets so much more enjoyable. (CJ Shearn Jazz Views)

...this is a CD that will be loved by Hammond fans, and highlights Gold’s talents as both a creative organist as well as arranger. His talents have matured and hopefully we’ll see more exploratory efforts from Jared well into the future. (Jeff Know Audiophile Audition)

Billy Hart, on drums, fuels the first and title tune, “Reemergence” composed by the featured artist, Jared Gold. Gold is a fresh, jazz -organ, recording artist making waves on the East Coast. This is his eighth recording, and he’s surrounded himself with a group of excellent musicians to support his musical concepts. Dave Stryker is not only a proficient guitarist, but a record producer with his own label, a composer and a very busy New York musician. Drummer, Billy Hart, is legendary and was once the drummer of choice with the great Jimmy Smith. Trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt, is a refreshing addition to the organ trio. The first thing that stands out about Jared Gold is his ability to take familiar songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love’ or the Lennon/McCartney standard, “She’s Leaving Home” and turn them into harmonically fresh works of art. Gold’s creativity with harmonics is formidable. Gold started out as a piano player, but quickly found his expressive niche on the organ. He was born in Englewood, New Jersey February 27, 1980 and has worked extensively with Oliver Lake and John Abercrombie. This ninth album as a leader solidifies his unique approach to his instrument and his excursions into arrangements that are unique, like the title tune that roots itself in an unusual fourteen-bar blues pattern. On the tune, “Sweet Sweet Spirit” he takes us to church. Songs like “Ornette Coleman’s Blues Connotations” show the listener that he can groove with the best of them and also gives Hart an opportunity to break free and exuberantly solo on the drums. Jared Gold comes into sight and prominence once more, just like the title of this CD proclaims. (Dee Dee McNeil LA Jazz Musical Memoirs)

Recently voted the Top Rising Star on organ in an annual Downbeat poll, NYC based B-3 visionary Jared Gold fashions a dynamic through line to the generation of jazz organ that inhabits his muse by including, on his Strikezone debut Reemergence, legendary drummer Billy Hart, who got his start in the 60s with Jimmy Smith.

Ensembling again with guitarist Dave Stryker (who also produced), and adding trumpeter Jeremy Pelt to the fold, Gold creates an explosive melodic and rhythmic master class on the organ’s wide-ranging possibilities. He re-imagines Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Gershwin, an Ornette Coleman blues classic and a renowned church song – but saves his most imaginative expressions for his easy swinging tribute to John Abercrombie (who he played with for a few years) and Stryker’s adventurous closer “Nomad.” (Jonathan Widran JWVIBE)

Jared Gold is one of the most harmonically creative and grooving of the new generation of organists working today. Although influenced by the greats of the past, Jared is taking the organ into the future with his own sound. With his latest project Reemergence, Jared returns with new compositions, ideas and arrangements since his last recording Metropolitan Rhythm for Posi-Tone Records three years ago. Joining Jared are drum legend Billy Hart, (who started with Jimmy Smith in the 60 s) guitarist Dave Stryker and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. This is a working trio with many gigs under their belts, and the communication is strong. Adding Jeremy Pelt, one of the finest of the new trumpeters, was an inspiring choice.

Dave Stryker: I first met Jared at Cecil s Jazz Club in 2004, and having played with many of the great organists myself, I immediately heard that this was a young man who was already establishing his own original voice. He has been a member of my trio ever since.

Born in Englewood, New Jersey on Feb. 27th, 1980, he attended William Paterson University studying piano before switching exclusively to organ. He is a big part of the New York scene and has worked with many of the greats including Oliver Lake and John Abercrombie. He has recorded 8 CDs as a leader, is a sidemen on many more and recently won Top Rising Star Organist in Downbeat magazine.

As always, Jared puts his own individual stamp on the music. His originals have unique harmonic twists and turns. Reemergence is a burning line that leads into a 14 bar blues form. One for John A. is dedicated to the late, great guitarist, whom Jared worked with for several years. Gold s skills as an arranger are evident on his treatment of Stevie Wonder s Looking for Another True Love (putting a classic groove on it that would make Jack McDuff proud) and the Beatles ballad She s Leaving Home, along with the standards It Ain t Necessarily So, and How Long Has This Been Going On. No organ trio record would be complete without a blues and Ornette Coleman s Blues Connotation is a piece that Jared first played with Abercrombie. Jared s church gigs inspired his gospel arrangement of Sweet Sweet Spirit, and he closes the set with Nomad, a Dave Stryker original Billy puts his inimitable signature on as he did on Stryker s first record First Strike in 1988. On Reemergence Jared Gold shows once again why he is one of the new greats of the organ.

1. Reemergence

2. It Ain't Necessarily So

3. Lookin' For Another Pure Love

4. She's Leaving Home

5. One For John A

6. How Long Has this Been Going On

7. Blues Connotation

8. Sweet Sweet Spirit

9. Nomad

Jared Gold - Hammond B3 organ

Dave Stryker - guitar

Jeremy Pelt - trumpet, flugelhorn

Billy Hart - drums

Media Contact

Jim Eigo

Jazz Promo Services

272 State Route 94 South #1

Warwick, NY 10990-3363

Ph: 845-986-1677 

Cell / text: 917-755-8960

Skype: jazzpromo

jim@jazzpromoservices.com

www.jazzpromoservices.com

"Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

Jared Gold - Reemergence (STRIKEZONE RECORDS 2018) + CD Release Shows

CD Release Shows

Wednesday, June 20th 8:00pm-11:00pm 

Tavern on George

361 George St

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

www.tavernongeorge.com

Jared Gold – organ 

Dave Stryker - guitar

Billy Hart - drums

Joel Frahm - tenor sax

Friday & Saturday August 24-25

Smalls

83 W 10th St

New York, NY 10014

www.smallslive.com

Most jazz fans have encountered the unfortunate scenario of being thrilled by the names on an album cover but then being disappointed by the music. That is definitely not the case with the new leader project from Jared Gold, which showcases the versatile organist and his all-star band: guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Billy Hart and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. Stryker, who also produced the album, has a 14-year history with Gold, and his simpatico rapport with the organist spices up the proceedings, as each musician frequently adds clever coloration when the other is unleashing a sturdy solo. Hart—whose subtle brushwork is just as mesmerizing as his powerful stick-work in this program—demonstrates the mastery that has made him a legend. Pelt, who adds potent brass to three tracks, elevates this disc: Without him, these sessions might have yielded a memorable trio disc, but with him on board, the result is one of the strongest straightahead discs of the year thus far.

This band certainly can burn, as evidenced by the title track (which was penned by the leader), but a poignant reading of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” reflects Gold’s ability to tug at the listener’s heartstrings with a melancholy mood. Gold has curated a wonderful, eclectic program that features two Gershwin tunes (“It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “How Long Has This Been Going On”), Ornette Coleman’s “Blues Connotation,” Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love” (from 1972’s Talking Book) and “One For John A,” a swinging, original tribute to the late guitar icon John Abercrombie, with whom the organist worked for years. Gold and Stryker can ignite fireworks at will, but on this rendition of “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” both musicians coax a vocal timbre out of their respective axes. Nicely done, gentlemen. (Bobby Reed DownBeat Magazine Editor's Pick)

...one of the year’s strongest titles to date and upon repeated listening  gets so much more enjoyable. (CJ Shearn Jazz Views)

...this is a CD that will be loved by Hammond fans, and highlights Gold’s talents as both a creative organist as well as arranger. His talents have matured and hopefully we’ll see more exploratory efforts from Jared well into the future. (Jeff Know Audiophile Audition)

Billy Hart, on drums, fuels the first and title tune, “Reemergence” composed by the featured artist, Jared Gold. Gold is a fresh, jazz -organ, recording artist making waves on the East Coast. This is his eighth recording, and he’s surrounded himself with a group of excellent musicians to support his musical concepts. Dave Stryker is not only a proficient guitarist, but a record producer with his own label, a composer and a very busy New York musician. Drummer, Billy Hart, is legendary and was once the drummer of choice with the great Jimmy Smith. Trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt, is a refreshing addition to the organ trio. The first thing that stands out about Jared Gold is his ability to take familiar songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love’ or the Lennon/McCartney standard, “She’s Leaving Home” and turn them into harmonically fresh works of art. Gold’s creativity with harmonics is formidable. Gold started out as a piano player, but quickly found his expressive niche on the organ. He was born in Englewood, New Jersey February 27, 1980 and has worked extensively with Oliver Lake and John Abercrombie. This ninth album as a leader solidifies his unique approach to his instrument and his excursions into arrangements that are unique, like the title tune that roots itself in an unusual fourteen-bar blues pattern. On the tune, “Sweet Sweet Spirit” he takes us to church. Songs like “Ornette Coleman’s Blues Connotations” show the listener that he can groove with the best of them and also gives Hart an opportunity to break free and exuberantly solo on the drums. Jared Gold comes into sight and prominence once more, just like the title of this CD proclaims. (Dee Dee McNeil LA Jazz Musical Memoirs)

Recently voted the Top Rising Star on organ in an annual Downbeat poll, NYC based B-3 visionary Jared Gold fashions a dynamic through line to the generation of jazz organ that inhabits his muse by including, on his Strikezone debut Reemergence, legendary drummer Billy Hart, who got his start in the 60s with Jimmy Smith.

Ensembling again with guitarist Dave Stryker (who also produced), and adding trumpeter Jeremy Pelt to the fold, Gold creates an explosive melodic and rhythmic master class on the organ’s wide-ranging possibilities. He re-imagines Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Gershwin, an Ornette Coleman blues classic and a renowned church song – but saves his most imaginative expressions for his easy swinging tribute to John Abercrombie (who he played with for a few years) and Stryker’s adventurous closer “Nomad.” (Jonathan Widran JWVIBE)

Jared Gold is one of the most harmonically creative and grooving of the new generation of organists working today. Although influenced by the greats of the past, Jared is taking the organ into the future with his own sound. With his latest project Reemergence, Jared returns with new compositions, ideas and arrangements since his last recording Metropolitan Rhythm for Posi-Tone Records three years ago. Joining Jared are drum legend Billy Hart, (who started with Jimmy Smith in the 60 s) guitarist Dave Stryker and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. This is a working trio with many gigs under their belts, and the communication is strong. Adding Jeremy Pelt, one of the finest of the new trumpeters, was an inspiring choice.

Dave Stryker: I first met Jared at Cecil s Jazz Club in 2004, and having played with many of the great organists myself, I immediately heard that this was a young man who was already establishing his own original voice. He has been a member of my trio ever since.

Born in Englewood, New Jersey on Feb. 27th, 1980, he attended William Paterson University studying piano before switching exclusively to organ. He is a big part of the New York scene and has worked with many of the greats including Oliver Lake and John Abercrombie. He has recorded 8 CDs as a leader, is a sidemen on many more and recently won Top Rising Star Organist in Downbeat magazine.

As always, Jared puts his own individual stamp on the music. His originals have unique harmonic twists and turns. Reemergence is a burning line that leads into a 14 bar blues form. One for John A. is dedicated to the late, great guitarist, whom Jared worked with for several years. Gold s skills as an arranger are evident on his treatment of Stevie Wonder s Looking for Another True Love (putting a classic groove on it that would make Jack McDuff proud) and the Beatles ballad She s Leaving Home, along with the standards It Ain t Necessarily So, and How Long Has This Been Going On. No organ trio record would be complete without a blues and Ornette Coleman s Blues Connotation is a piece that Jared first played with Abercrombie. Jared s church gigs inspired his gospel arrangement of Sweet Sweet Spirit, and he closes the set with Nomad, a Dave Stryker original Billy puts his inimitable signature on as he did on Stryker s first record First Strike in 1988. On Reemergence Jared Gold shows once again why he is one of the new greats of the organ.

1. Reemergence

2. It Ain't Necessarily So

3. Lookin' For Another Pure Love

4. She's Leaving Home

5. One For John A

6. How Long Has this Been Going On

7. Blues Connotation

8. Sweet Sweet Spirit

9. Nomad

Jared Gold - Hammond B3 organ

Dave Stryker - guitar

Jeremy Pelt - trumpet, flugelhorn

Billy Hart - drums

Media Contact

Jim Eigo

Jazz Promo Services

272 State Route 94 South #1

Warwick, NY 10990-3363

Ph: 845-986-1677 

Cell / text: 917-755-8960

Skype: jazzpromo

jim@jazzpromoservices.com

www.jazzpromoservices.com

"Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

McClenty Hunter Jr. - The Groove Hunter (STRIKEZONE RECORDS May 4, 2018)

McClenty Hunter Jr s groove has been a big part of the New York scene for the last ten years. He began his career in Maryland playing gospel under Darin Atwater of Soulful Symphony. He attended Howard University (studying under drum great Grady Tate), and went on to earn his Masters at Juilliard (under Carl Allen). McClenty was a member of Kenny Garrett s Grammy nominated Quintet for three years, while performing with Lou Donaldson, Eric Reed, Curtis Fuller, and Javon Jackson, among many others.

Producer/Guitarist Dave Stryker: From my own perspective, from the first gig we played together, no matter what the groove, Mac has always made it feel good, and he s been rock-solid driving my trio for 8 years now. He s one of the best drummers on the scene.

With The Groove Hunter , McClenty emerges as a leader of his own date, featuring a heavy cast which includes Eddie Henderson, Donald Harrison, Stacy Dillard, Eric Reed, Christian Sands, Dave Stryker, Corcoran Holt, and Eric Wheeler. Besides his great playing throughout, which brings out the best in everyone, McClenty s composing skills are featured on the various moods of Autumn, My Love, I Remember When and Give Thanks. He also puts his stamp on Herbie Nichol s Blue Chopsticks , Wayne Shorter s The Big Push, and a burning version of John Coltrane s Countdown featuring Donald Harrison. McClenty has one of the best shuffle grooves out there, as he shows on Stevie Wonder s That Girl. Hunter s tribute to his mentor Grady Tate, Sack Full of Dreams (a hit for Grady as vocalist) features his signature brush pocket..

With his debut recording, McClenty Hunter Jr., has shown what most of us have realized for a long time, that he is The Groove Hunter . Along with his composing and musical vision only great things lie ahead.

1. Blue Chopsticks

2. The Big Push

3. Autumn

4. That Girl

5. My Love

6. Sack Full of Dreams

7. I Remember When

8. Countdown

9. Give Thanks

McClenty Hunter Jr. - drums

Eddie Henderson - trumpet (2)

Donald Harrison - alto sax (2,8)

Stacy Dillard - tenor sax (2,3,5,9)

Eric Reed - piano (1,2,3,5,8,9)

Christian Sands - piano, fender rhodes (4,6,7)

Dave Stryker - guitar (4,6)

Corcoran Holt - bass (1,2,3,5,8,9)

Eric Wheeler -bass (4,6,7)

Media Contact

Jim Eigo

Jazz Promo Services

272 State Route 94 South #1

Warwick, NY 10990-3363

Ph: 845-986-1677 

Cell / text: 917-755-8960

Skype: jazzpromo

jim@jazzpromoservices.com

www.jazzpromoservices.com

"Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

Dave Stryker CD Release Tour for Strykin' Ahead

Dave Stryker

CD Release Tour For

Strykin' Ahead

(Strikezone 8815)

Street Date: September 1, 2017

Dave Stryker Strykin' Ahead

Available From 

www.davestryker.com

Upcoming Live Appearances

AUG 25 (FRI) - NORTHWEST JAZZ FESTIVAL - LEWISTON, NY 

w/ Eric Alexander, Steve Nelson, Jared Gold, Byron Landham 8pm

AUG 26 (SAT) - NIGHTTOWN - CLEVELAND, OH 

w/ Mike Lee, Jared Gold, Byron Landham 8:30pm

SEPT 1-2 (FRI & SAT) - JAZZ FORUM - TARRYTOWN, NY 

w/ Monte Croft, Jared Gold, Mark Whitfeld Jr 7/9pm

SEPT 3 (SUN) - THE FALCON - MARLBORO, NY 

w/ Joe Doubleday, Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter 7pm

SEPT 9 (SAT) - TRUMPETS - MONTCLAIR, NJ 

w/ Monte Croft, Jared Gold, Mark Whitfeld Jr. 8/10pm

SEPT 16 (SAT) - JAZZ ON 2ND AVE - NIWOT, CO 

w/ Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter 8pm

SEPT 23 (SAT) - THE SIDEDOOR - OLD LYME, CT 

w/ Monte Croft, Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter 8:30pm

SEPT 28 (THURS) - JAZZ AT THE HYATT - NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 

w/ Steve Nelson, Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter 8pm

OCT 5 (THURS) - BEARS PLACE - BLOOMINGTON, IN 

w/ Walter Smith III, Kendall Carter, Steve Houghton 5:30pm

OCT 6 (FRI) - THE JAZZ KITCHEN - INDIANAPOLIS, IN 

w/ Rob Dixon, Kendall Carter, Steve Houghton 7pm

OCT 7 (SAT) - SMALLS - NYC

w/ Monte Croft, Jared Gold, Mark Whitfeld Jr 7:30pm

OCT 13 (FRI) - SO JERSEY JAZZ AND BLUES - MEDFORD LAKES, NJ

w/ Jared Gold, Byron Landham 7:30

OCT 27 (FRI) - PALACE THEATRE - WATERBURY, CT

w/ Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter 7pm 

Dave Stryker is a 2017 DownBeat Critics Poll Finalist

Advance Praise For Strykin' Ahead

A mainstream record of undeniable beauty

- Vittorio Lo Conte /  Music Zoom Italy

If you have chops like Dave’s; his musical sensibilities; his uncanny ability to put together interesting instrumentations; his skill at selecting just the right band mates to make Jazz with; wouldn’t you want to work all the time, too?

It becomes like anything you’re good at; you want to do it as often as possible but occasionally vary the context to keep it from getting stale.

- Steven Cerra Jazz Profiles

A real burner of a set, it feels like an artifact from the past, unreleased from Bluenote/Verve, but it’s modern, contemporary touches are well evident showing how a cat that’s been hitting all the right notes for all these years can’t make a false step now.

- CHRIS SPECTOR, Midwest Record Editor and Publisher 

I give Dave and his talented crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this one… and keep in mind that you heard it here first… this one is BOUND for the awards.

- Dick Metcalf Improvijazzation Nation

About The New CD

Artist: Dave Stryker

Title: Strykin’ Ahead

Label: Strikezone Records 8815

Artists Website: www.davestryker.com

Release Date: September 1, 2017

UPC Code: 88829560583 

Track listing, track times:

1 SHADOWBOXING Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music BMI) 5:59

2 FOOTPRINTS Wayne Shorter (Miyako Music BMI) 6:39

3 NEW YOU Dave Stryker (D.Strike Music BMI) 5:50

4 PASSION FLOWER Billy Strayhorn (Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc ASCAP)

5:33 5 STRYKIN’ AHEAD Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music BMI) 6:12

6 BLUES DOWN DEEP Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music BMI) 7:15

7 JOY SPRING Clifford Brown (Second Floor Music BMI) 8:12

8 WHO CAN I TURN TO Newley/ Bricusse (Musical Comedy Prod Inc BMI) 7:32

9 DONNA LEE Charlie Parker (Atlantic Music Corp BMI) 6:27

DAVE STRYKER - guitar

STEVE NELSON - vibraphone

JARED GOLD - organ

McCLENTY HUNTER - drums

The notion of moving forward by triangulating a space between creative and pragmatic imperatives is a consistent thread throughout Dave Stryker’s four decades in the jazz business, not least on Strykin’ Ahead, his 28th CD as a leader. Stryker augments his working trio of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums with vibraphone player Steve Nelson, all on-board for a second go-round after their stellar contri- butions to last year’s Eight-Track II. Like the leader, Nelson is a preternaturally flexible and in-the-moment improviser with deep roots in the tradition who knows how to push the envelope without damaging the contents. Stryker internalized those imperatives on a 1984-1986 run with Brother Jack McDuff, and he received further invaluable training in the art of musical communication during a decade on the road with Stanley Turrentine, to whom he paid homage on the 2015 release Don’t Mess With Mister T.

In contrast to his Eight Track II conception of putting his spin on pop hits of his formative years, Stryker returns to his long-standing practice of presenting originals and reharmonized standards from the jazz and show music songbooks. "Shadowboxing" is a burning 14-bar minor blues; his well-considered chordal variations on Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" proceed to a simmering 5/4 figure. Next is "New You" (a stimulating Stryker contrafact of the oft-played "There Will Never Be Another You"). He personalizes Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower," set to Hunter's insinuating bossa-funk groove. The title track “Strykin’ Ahead” has a Cadillac-racing-down-the-freeway-feel; he imbues the lovely melody of "Who Can I Turn To" with the full measure of his plush, inviting tone.

That Stryker knows his Albert King is evident on the slow-drag “Blues Down Deep,” which evokes wee-hours third sets in the inner city grills and lounges of Stryker’s apprentice years. He knows his bebop, too. On Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring,” the solo flights over Stryker’s “modernized” progressions transpire over Hunter’s drum-bass beats and crisp, medium-up four-on-the cymbal; on the chopbusting “Donna Lee,” all members springboard off a churchy vamp and Hunter’s funk-infused swing.

“I’ve always wanted to write vehicles that are fun and interesting to blow over,” Stryker says. “Trying to come up with a beautiful melody that lasts is very fulfilling. Writing is a big part of my voice in this music.” Stryker is too modest to say that his voice is also a big part of jazz, to which he’s devoted a career marked by consistent application of the values that he espouses. But that’s all right—I’ll say it for him. (Edited liner notes from Ted Panken)

Produced by Dave Stryker

Executive Producer - Rick Simpson

Engineered and Mixed by Chris Sulit at Trading 8’s Studio, Paramus NJ on June 28, 2016 

www.davestryker.com

National Press Campaing

Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services

Ph: 845-986-1677 / jim@jazzpromoservices.com

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