The Dave Stryker Trio with Bob Mintzer: Groove Street

The Dave Stryker Trio with tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer is a captivating musical escapade. This collaboration not only showcases the talents of the two principals but also the two accompanying players, organist Jared Gold and drummer McClenty Hunter.

Right from the initial notes of the opening track "Groove Street," a Dave Stryker original, the band sets itself up for success with Gold's classic organ shuffle as the launching pad. Stryker's guitar sizzles and Mintzer weaves a series of expressive saxophone lines that propel the listener into the heart of the jazz tradition. The first of two Mintzer originals entitled "Overlap" follows along in a straight-ahead fashion. Mintzer's playing has a bubbling tone and is filled with slicing swing. Stryker reels off some stirring extemporizing, while Gold and Hunter offer crisp and skillful support.

Another Stryker original offering is "Summit." It is a certified burner filled with molten flow and forceful power. Next up is a tribute to the great tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter with his composition "Infant Eyes." Taken at a loping tempo, Mintzer is first out of the gate to set the pace with his firm, clear tone. As Stryker and Gold chime in, the music is soaked in lovely harmonics.

A touchstone of the American Popular Songbook is the Harry Warren composition " The More I See You." Given a swinging groove, the chart's structure allows each player to highlight the interplay between the instruments. It is a testament to the musicians' intuitive understanding and mutual respect. The closing track is the other Mintzer original, "Straight Ahead," which plays as described.