West Orange Guitarist Dave Stryker Shows Another Side Of His Artistry
We’ve thrilled to West Orange guitarist-composer-educator Dave Stryker before…but not like this. His opening sets for Steely Dan last year proved his funky versatility. His set at Sculler’s in Boston blew the roof off the joint. His Prime album was a deeeep groove. Now, though, he’s in a subservient role, yet his artistry is still in full flower, blossoming when called upon to add subtle layers of sophistication to Brian Landrus Plays Ellington & Strayhorn on Palmetto Records.
Landrus is amazing. On this record, he plays baritone sax, bass sax, bass clarinet, contra alto clarinet, piccolo, C-flute, alto flute and bass flute. Plus, we just found out he moved to Roxbury in Morris County. Stryker, on “Star Crossed Lovers,” is so eloquent in his lyricism, it takes your breath away. On “Warm Valley,” Stryker’s chords are like waves gently cascading upon the shore. His “Lotus Blossom” duet with Landrus stands out from the more orchestral tracks as a stark example of tender artistry. And his opening salvo to “Prelude To A Kiss” is alone worth the price of admission. Ellingtonia hasn’t sounded this good in years.
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