DAVE STRYKER
Whether you've heard guitarist Dave Stryker fronting his group (with 18 CDs as a leader to date), or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and Kevin Mahogany, you know why Gary Giddins in the Village Voice calls him "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years." He was voted one of the Top Ten Guitarists in the 2001 Critics and Readers Poll and a Rising Star in the 2004 Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll. His approach combining the jazz burn with a soulful blues feeling is communicating to new fans wherever he plays. Stryker 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, traveling all over the U.S. for two years (1984-85). From 1986 to 1995, Stryker played with tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, performing at all the major festivals, concert halls, and clubs throughout the world. He is featured on two Turrentine CDs and with Stanley, Stryker was able to play with jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard. Over ten years of playing alongside the tenor legend helped Dave realize the importance of having his sound.