Photo by Chris Drukker
Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker leading his own group (with 33 CD’s as a leader to date), or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and many others, you know why the Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” He was recently voted once again into the 2022 Downbeat Critics and Readers Poll for the 12th time.
…one of the most joyous feels around. –Pat Metheny
DAVE’S NEW CD AS WE ARE IS HERE! NEWSFLASH: AS WE ARE VINYL JUST ARRIVED! (If you have any problems ordering it on the site it is also available as both download and physical CD/LP at Dave’s bandcamp page.)
“With As We Are, the jazz gods have alighted on the guitarist and elevated his playing, his composing, his soloing, and his music. A beautiful, bittersweet concept album, As We Are includes pianist/ arranger Julian Shore, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade, who convey new-found depth and empathy to Stryker’s compositions. A shimmering string quartet led by Sara Caswell enhances some of the finest compositions of his 30-year career….2022 is a great time to be Dave Stryker. And to be a lover of his music, and the gift that is As We Are.” Ken Micallef / Jazz Times Jan 2022
BAKER’S CIRCLE stayed in the Top 10 for 21 weeks (#2 for 3 Weeks) on the JazzWeek Radio Chart, and made several Best of 2021 year-end lists. You can order right here on the site. Dave’s previous CD “Blue Soul” with Bob Mintzer and the WDR Big Band hit #1 for 3 weeks on the JazzWeek Radio chart, and stayed on the charts for 25 weeks in 2020. If you’d like a digital download of Blue Soul or any of Dave’s CD’s please visit his Bandcamp page. Dave’s last CD “Eight Track III” hit #1 for 6 weeks and #3 most played for the year on the JazzWeek Radio chart. It received great reviews including 4 Stars in Downbeat and several best of the year including New York Times and Rolling Stone. “Messin’ with Mister T” is a celebration of the man he worked with for over a decade — Stanley Turrentine, “Mister T” — with ten of the greatest tenor sax players on the scene today. It went to #1 on JazzWeek Radio and stayed in the Top 50 for 20 weeks and received great reviews including 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat magazine. *JUST IN: Dave Stryker’s Jazz Guitar Improvisation Method Vol. 3 book is now available here.
…one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years. –Village Voice
Most recent blog post
- Dave Stryker Quartet at Jazz Forum Sept 2-3, Hampton Jazz Fest Sept 8, OSPAC Sept 17 and Monterey Jazz Fest Sept 24th! – Hello Friends! We had a ball opening for Steely Dan’s Earth After Hours tour this summer. 20 dates! The audiences really gave our trio a lot of love and Donald Fagen and the Steely Dan band and crew couldn’t of been nicer. If anyone would like a commemorative Dave Stryker Trio / Steely Dan Tour T Shirt you can order it here. We have some nice gigs coming up with my Quartet: Sept 2-3 at the Jazz Forum, Sept 8 at the Hampton Jazz Fest, Sept 17 at the OSPAC Jazz Fest and Sept 24th at the Monterey Jazz Festival! Check my itinerary page for more details on all upcoming gigs. We just finished performing the music from As We Are at Birdland in NYC July 5-9 with the whole band from the record: John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Julian Shore and Sara Caswell leading the string quartet. As We Are Vinyl has arrived (!) and you can order it here. More dates have been posted in the itinerary section of this site. As We Are is here. This is a long-time dream project featuring John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and String Quartet arranged by pianist Julian Shore. Here is what Jazz Times has said: “With As We Are, the jazz gods have alighted on the guitarist and elevated his playing, his composing, his soloing, and his music. A beautiful, bittersweet concept album, As We Are includes pianist/ arranger Julian Shore, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade, who convey new-found depth and empathy to Stryker’s compositions. A shimmering string quartet led by Sara Caswell enhances some of the finest compositions of his 30-year career….2022 is a great time to be Dave Stryker. And to be a lover of his music, and the gift that is As We Are.” More gig announcements coming soon… My CD Baker’s Circle stayed on the JazzWeek Radio chart for 21 weeks (#2 for 3 weeks)and was #10 for 2021. It made several best of the year lists. Physical CD’s are available right here on the site. If you’d like to digitally download Baker’s Circle, Blue Soul or any of my albums please visit my Bandcamp page. I hope you enjoy the music! After 2020’s successful big band outing, Blue Soul, I’m back with my organ quartet with the addition of cutting-edge tenor player Walter Smith III. Baker’s Circle features my originals as well as a couple Eight Track gems and a tip of the hat to my former boss Stanley Turrentine. Along with Smith III, this recording features my working band of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums and adds Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales to three tracks as well. I hope you’ll check it out. Some more good news: Blue Soul with Bob Mintzer and the WDR Big Band hit #1 for 3 weeks in June and stayed on the charts for 25 weeks! Please order some CD’s or books if you like! You can also sign up for lessons at my online school at ArtistWorks . I have put a lot of time into this site and look forward to meeting and working with anyone who wants to learn more about jazz – all levels are welcome. Come by and check it out: http://artistworks.com/join#dave-stryker Dave Stryker’s Jazz Improvisation Method Vol III is hot off the press and available right here on this site . Thanks to the readers and writers who voted me once again into the 2020 Downbeat Poll. Much Appreciated! Hope to see you soon and stay safe! Dave Stryker
By Mark Law April 11, 2019 - 6:51 pm
Dave,
Just bought tickets to your May 18th gig at Chris’s Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia. Looking forward to it. Do you plan on having the same quartet as the other gigs in May?
By Dave May 3, 2019 - 4:36 pm
HI MARK
I will have Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter and Warren Wolf with me at Chris’….please say hello!
Dave
By Pedro Millan December 24, 2018 - 1:01 pm
Hello Dave,
This is Pedro Millan, your Master’s saxophone student from Groningen.
First off I wanted to say that I arrived in back home in Miami and I’m currently spending time with my family, as expected.
I just wanted to thank you for being so cool ever since I met you. Helping my combo, being able to play with you and learn from your expertise.
You being at Prins Claus has been one of the best aspects I’ve encountered at the conservatory so far!
You’re the best and I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours!
Until the next time.
Con Sabor,
Pedro
By Dave February 16, 2019 - 4:42 pm
Hi Pedro – always great to see you and work with you. You are sounding better every time I hear you! keep up the good work- Dave
By Emil Paska November 25, 2018 - 9:19 pm
Dave, I have the Open Road CD you signed for me at Music on the Green at the Joslyn in 2001. I recently heard Blues Down Deep with Jared on the B3 on Sirius Real Jazz. I was happy to hear you and more happy you are on Sirius. I would like to give Strykin’ Ahead as 3 Christmas presents. One to my b-in-law who plays B3 and refurbs them. He just did one for Marty Sammon. I can send you the pic is you’d like to see it.. The second to Joan Gand,(google her) another B3 player, who with husband Gary, has The Gand Band. And 3rd one for me. Would it be too much to ask you to autograph them?
Thanks.
By Dave December 18, 2018 - 10:42 pm
Hi Emil…CD’s are on the way. Happy Holidays! Dave
By Lyle Yates November 12, 2018 - 12:50 pm
Trying to pay for Strykin’ Ahead picked up 11/9/18 in Omaha from Dave!
By Dave November 12, 2018 - 5:32 pm
hi Lyle just order the cd and since I already gave to you, I won’t need to send to you. If that doesn’t work let me know.
thanks and great to see you Dave
By Steph April 29, 2018 - 3:20 am
Dave – a super evening at Chez Hanny in SF Friday night! Thanks to you all!
I’m the guy that asked about Billy Rogers – it’s because of you that I know about Billy and listening to both pf you made a better musician of me. It was that fine album you did for him that introduced me to you! so what can I say? I’ve been a fan of both of you ever since! Too bad he couldn’t stay among us longer, but what a gift you gave us! Thank you and keep smokin’ like you do!
By Dave May 1, 2018 - 5:24 pm
Hi Stephen! thanks and good to meet you in SF. Billy was truly one of the greats, and always good to meet someone who knows about him. all the best DS
By Dave July 15, 2018 - 4:49 pm
Thanks Steph! Billy was one of a kind for sure
By Rocky March 22, 2018 - 8:17 am
Hello, I’ve been trying to figure out when Dave’s Artistworks school will open. I have written Artistworks more than once about this, and they don’t even respond. I appreciate any information so I can plan/schedule. Thank you.
By Dave March 25, 2018 - 11:49 pm
Hi Rocky- My Artistworks school opens this Tuesday Mar 27th. Look forward to meeting you there at http://www.artistworks.com
thanks!
Dave
By Dave April 2, 2018 - 5:26 pm
Here is the link to my new online Jazz Guitar School at Artistworks:
http://artistworks.com/join#dave-stryker
By Dave April 2, 2018 - 5:26 pm
Here you go:
http://artistworks.com/join#dave-stryker
By Cameron Beattie March 21, 2018 - 2:51 pm
Hey Dave,
Have recently come to your music through our jazz station here in Denver, KUVO – and can’t express how much enjoyment I have found in your playing. Ive collected many recordings, and scene/heard many great musicians in this music, but somehow missed you over the years. Just shows you that there is always something unique and wonderful to find, either old that is new, or new that is old,
Have gotten the your recordings, but will be working my way back into the discography. Optimism unbound!
Hope you can make the stop to perform in Denver this year and will keep an eye out for any listings.
Travel well while touring in California,
Sincerely,
Cameron Beattie
By Dave March 25, 2018 - 11:51 pm
Thanks so much Cameron. It means a lot that you like my music. I look forward to meeting you next time I play in the Denver area! Dave Stryker
By Dave April 2, 2018 - 5:27 pm
Thanks so much Cameron! Look forward to meeting you in Denver one of these days. All the best
Dave Stryker
By Graham Snell March 11, 2018 - 4:19 pm
Hi Dave, is there anyway someone from the UK can get a copy of the Billy Rogers cd anywhere?
Cheers
By Dave March 25, 2018 - 11:52 pm
HI Graham
Sure you can order the Billy Rogers CD on the website just go to the CD page you’ll see it there. Billy was one of the greats! thanks Dave
By Graham Snell April 23, 2018 - 3:13 am
Got the CD Dave, sounds great, thanks for making this available.
By Dave May 1, 2018 - 5:24 pm
Hi Graham
Thanks and glad you like it! DS
By Jim Josselyn December 15, 2017 - 10:02 am
hey Dave – heard you last night in New Brunswick. It was great to see and hear you again. Man you guys were smokin’ hot. AND doing Bread tunes? I was thinking maybe after the holidays we could get together for a lesson…I mean you giving me a lesson 🙂 Jim Josselyn
By Dave December 22, 2017 - 3:14 pm
Hi Jim
Great to see you in New Brunswick! let’s keep in touch
Dave
By Ron Vitarelli November 15, 2017 - 4:00 pm
Dave,
Grkeetings.
I caught your show at the Palace in Waterbury—very fine. You were suffering with a damaged leg; hope you’re better.
If you send out announcements to folks, please add me to your mailing list. I’d like to hear you when you come to CT.
Ron
By Dave November 26, 2017 - 8:28 pm
HI Ron -thanks I’m doing better. I will add you to the mailing list. I will be at the Sidedoor Lounge in Old Lyme CT on sat sept 16. all the best – DS
By Ed Hyde September 16, 2017 - 9:14 pm
Dave,
This is Ed Hyde (from the Aebersold workshop-didn’t make it this year.)
I’m in Niwot, CO- stayed over from a business trip to Denver to come hear you.
Listening to the “Dave Stryker Tribute Band instead.
So sorry to hear about your accident. I am disappointed, though.
Hope to be back in L’ville next July.
When I get home to Medford I’m going to place an order for the new CD
Take care.
By Dave October 14, 2017 - 10:53 am
sorry I missed you in Niwot Ed…next year! all the best Dave
By Louie Medina September 16, 2017 - 9:05 pm
Hey Dave this is Louie from Colorado sitting here in Niwot listening to the Dave Stryker Trio without Dave Stryker. Sorry you couldn’t make it but the Dave Stryker tribute band is doing a great job!! Maybe next time…see you next summer at the Aebersold workshop. Take care of yourself.
Louie Medina
By Dave October 15, 2017 - 12:52 am
sorry Louie! injured my leg and in rehab for another month at least. See you next year!
By Vaughan Redfern July 13, 2017 - 11:44 am
Saw Charenee Wade’s set at Love Supreme – excellent. Perhaps you could be there next year?
By Dave July 17, 2017 - 9:54 pm
Hi Vaughan – I would love to come. Charenee is great, and I love her record, and was happy to be a part of it. Put in a word for my band! thanks
Dave Stryker
By eddy determeyer October 12, 2016 - 2:00 pm
Dave Stryker – Eight Track II – Strikezone 8814
Harvest For The World / What’s Going On / Trouble Man / Midnight Cowboy / When Doves Cry / Send One Your Love / I Can’t Get Next To You / Time Of The Season / Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours / One Hundred Ways / Sunshine Of Your Love
Bezetting: Dave Stryker (g), Steve Nelson (vb), Jared Gold (org), McClenty Hunter (d)
Opgenomen: 27 juli 2016 in Paramus, N.J. (Tpt: 65’50”)
Gitarist Dave Stryker (1957) draait al vele jaren mee, maar of hij voldoende bekend is? Hij maakte zijn eerste plaat in 1989, er volgden meer, meestal voor het Deense Steeplechase, vaak in het gezelschap van organisten. In de rubriek The Questionnaire voor het blad Cadence was de laatste standaardvraag: “What would you like the public to most understand about you?” Hij antwoordde daarop: “That I’m sincere about my music and am trying to make a personal statement, that I’d like to have an identifiable sound.” Hij heeft een aangename, gearticuleerde toon, maar of hij zich een persoonlijk geluid heeft toegeëigend, is maar de vraag.
Dat deze plaat een Romeinse twee achter de titel heeft staan, wijst op een eerdere productie met een eendere opzet. Het betrof een repertoire van songs die in de jaren zeventig in de popwereld bekend zijn geworden en waarmee hij blijkbaar succes gehad heeft. Het zijn allemaal liedjes die niets om het lijf hebben en waar muzikaal weinig valt uit te halen. De arrangementen zijn eenvoudig gehouden, hier en daar is er een poging om wat afwisseling te brengen, bijvoorbeeld door het laten wegvallen van de beat, maar daarna vervalt men weer een fantasieloze, lichte afterbeat. Midnight cowboy bijvoorbeeld is zo dood als een pier. Het is lounge muziek op een zacht pitje. De solisten doen hun best maar roepen nauwelijks spanning op. Een uitschieter is een stuwende gitaarsolo van de leider in het snelle When doves cry. In het laatste nummer bespeuren we iets van opwinding; misschien omdat het een blues is? (Jan J. Mulder)
By Dave October 24, 2016 - 2:31 pm
thanks eddy!
By Dave October 29, 2016 - 11:20 am
no sure they liked the record (a little trouble with the translation ha!) but I’ll pretend they did…thanks Eddy!
By Faunee August 17, 2016 - 2:16 pm
Last week I pulled out Eight Track ’cause I had a need to here some jazzed R&B. Now ET 2 will be out in a couple weeks. Waahoo! Yippee! So glad you took notes while with Stanley. Unfortunately there isn’t much R&B to choose from there days. Hard to believe these will be someone elses’ good ‘ol days soon.
By Dave September 5, 2016 - 11:33 pm
hi faunee! thanks and hope you dig the new one! all the best -DS
By Marc Fromm August 6, 2016 - 9:41 am
Hi Dave,
I was just blown away by you’re playing on “I Got Rhythm” from an old cd of yours. Can you tell me, were you primarily playing out of one mode on the A part (I-VI-ii- V)? Was it by chance F dorian or something close to that?
Thanks.
By Dave August 11, 2016 - 8:28 pm
probably a combination of Bb7 altered and bebop rhythm changes – in and out
By Van Young May 13, 2016 - 9:33 am
Dave….I see you’re working a gig in early June with five other guitarists, including Bucky P and Ed Laub. They’ll be in Elkhart when you are along with Martin P on bass and Gene Bertoncini….threesome! I’m excied about seeing your trio for the Wes Montgomery tribute.
I’m on the EJF board…and I’m a jazz dj…but I have no Dave Stryker to play for the public befofre the fest. If you want to send me your new cd, I’ll certainly plug it. Send it to 306 E. Medusa St #1 Syracuse, In 46567 cell 574 529 1455 U jbiw very little about the two folks playing in the tribute but I’ll check them out. Van
By Dave June 11, 2016 - 4:48 pm
hello van…did you receive my cd? let me know
thanks ds
btw pat bianchi who is playing in the trio is a fine organist who plays with pat martino and has his own record out
By Eddy Determeyer April 24, 2016 - 9:36 am
hello Mr. Stryker,
I think my readers will be interested to hear Routes. Kindly send a review copy to
Doctor Jazz Magazine
Eddy Determeyer, the editor
Celebesstraat 44B
9715 JH G R O N I N G E N
The Netherlands
By Dave May 1, 2016 - 4:59 pm
hello Eddy – I will have them send you a copy
all the best – DS
By Tim Dowty April 17, 2016 - 2:44 pm
Hi Dave:
I’m going to buy an ES-347 in the next couple of weeks. Any years to avoid or other tips you can pass along?
Thanks,
Tim
By Dave April 18, 2016 - 6:09 pm
Hi Tim
my main ES 347 is a sunburst 1980. They were originally made from 78-81 then they made them again in 86. I also have a 86 black one I use.
They both sound good and a little different. The split-coil switch is much better on the earlier ones…good luck! DS
By Mike Meyers March 23, 2016 - 8:27 pm
Hey Dave, it’s Mike Meyers…your old buddy from Omaha. Sounds like you’re still making amazing music. I have a friend in Chicago with a talented son who wants to grow up to be just like you. Would you be willing to chat with him? Peace, Mike
By Dave April 14, 2016 - 12:56 pm
Hi Mike hope all is well with you great to hear from you. Of course you can send me an email here all the best DS