Dave Stryker (3/30/57) grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to New York City in 1980. After establishing himself in the local music scene, he joined organist Jack McDuff's group for two years 1984-85. When McDuff wasn't on the road (literally traveling by van all over the country) they worked a steady four-night a week gig at Dude's Lounge in Harlem. His first break, this turned out to be an invaluable experience, paying his dues night after night with the soulful jazz organist. It was at Dude's Lounge that Stryker met tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, who would occasionally sit in. After leaving McDuff, Turrentine asked Stryker to join his quintet. From 1986-1995 he played with the legendary saxophonist at all the major festivals, concert halls, and clubs throughout the world. He is featured on two Turrentine CD's (Stanley recorded Stryker's tune "Sidesteppin"). With Turrentine, Stryker was able to play with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard. The ten years playing alongside the tenor legend helped Stryker realize the importance of having his own sound . (He continues to play with Stanley on occasion.) Stryker recorded his first CD, First Strike(featuring Billy Hart) in 1988. Guitar on Top (featuring Mulgrew Miller and Victor Lewis)reached #13 on the Gavin Radio Chart and received 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat magazine. There have been articles in Downbeat, Guitar Player, Jazz Times, Swing Journal, and Jazz Life on Dave, and he has been awarded three jazz grants from The National Endowment For The Arts.

In 1990 Dave began his association with SteepleChase Music. He has released twelve CDs on the label:

• All The Way- 10/97 - features his take on eight standards with drum-great Bill Stewart and bassist Scott Colley.

• Big Room 10/96 - is an adventuresome all original quartet date with Billy Hart, Rich Perry and Ed Howard.

• Blue to the Bone - 3/96 - spawned his popular eight-piece group; conceived as a vehicle to feature the blues side of Dave's playing backed by a four-piece horn section. The band is Brian Lynch, Rich Perry, Conrad Herwig, Bob Parsons (also co-arranger), Bruce Barth, Jay Anderson, and Billy Drummond.

• The Greeting - 11/95 - a horn-less quintet date featuring a working group of Bruce Barth, Tony Reedus and Scott Colley with the percussion of Daniel Sadownick.

• Nomad - 8/94 - put his guitar in front of the kicking Bill Warfield Big Band expanding his original compositions with guests Randy Brecker and Steve Slagle.

• Stardust - 01/94 - took him back to his organ trio roots with Hammond B3 star Joey DeFrancesco and drummer Adam Nussbaum. Mostly standards.

• Full Moon - 10/93 - was a freer quartet date which included some of Ornette Coleman's music. It featured Steve Slagle, Jay Anderson, and Jeff Hirshfield, who have played together for years.

• Blue Degrees - 4/92 - A mostly original organ-quartet date with Larry Goldings, Rick Margitza and Jeff Hirshfield.

• Passage - 3/91 - A working quintet with Steve Slagle, Joey Calderazzo, Jay Anderson and Adam Nussbaum.

• Strikezone - 10/90 - Stryker's debut on SteepleChase with Slagle, Marc Copland, Ron McClure and Ronnie Burrage.