This morning, award-winning master guitarist, former member of the Stanley Turrentine Quintet, and ArtistWorks jazz guitar instructor, Dave Stryker, released his 35th recording as a bandleader, and first with his current working trio, in the form of a brand new album entitled Prime.

Featuring critically acclaimed organist, Jared Gold, Grammy-nominated drummer, McClenty Hunter, and, of course, Dave on the guitar, The Dave Stryker Trio showcases eight of Dave’s new original compositions on the new album, as well as a modern rendition of the traditional jazz standard, “I Should Care.” Fresh off their 2022 summer stint opening for world-renowned fusion act, Steely Dan, The Dave Stryker Trio demonstrates their decade of road-tested precision through the tasteful grooves of Prime.

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“In October of 2020, my long-standing trio featuring organist Jared Gold and drummer McClenty Hunter was booked to play a concert out of town. Due to the pandemic, we weren’t able to perform in front of a live audience, and, instead, were given the opportunity to tape a show that could be streamed by the venue,” Dave explains. “Inspired by the chance to play together again after eight months in lockdown, and knowing we would be capturing this live performance in the studio, I was motivated to write an album of new music—my first featuring this trio exclusively.”

From Prime’s burning title track to songs penned for Dave’s first musical boss, Jack McDuff (“Captain Jack” and “Dude’s Lounge”), Dave showcases his prowess as a composer, and the trio illustrates their ability to create a beautifully progressive, yet simultaneously nostalgic, sound that’s both amazingly unique and comfortingly familiar. In addition to Dave’s brand new compositions, Prime features trio versions of “Hope” and “As We Were” from Stryker’s 2022 album release, As We Are.

“I decided we would record the album live in the studio, with just one take per song and no overdubbing,” explains Dave. “The connection, interplay, and fire of the group were captured on that day, and we’re happy to now share with you the music of our trio in its Prime.”

The Dave Stryker Trio - “Prime” (Live in the Studio):

To purchase or download your copy of Prime, head to Dave’s brand new website here, his Bandcamp page here, or listen on any of your favorite streaming platforms.

LEARN MORE:

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Dave’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner guitar to advanced performance techniques, classic jazz standards, improvisation, music theory, and beyond. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as jazz guitarists and musicians.

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