DAVE STRYKER - As We Are (2022) [Hi-Res]

"“It’s my dream project,” Dave Stryker repeats several times in a conversation about his 34th release as a leader, As We Are, on which the guitar master addresses one of the few configurations he hasn’t tackled during 40-plus years in the jazz trenches. Stryker, not predisposed to hyperbole, isn’t exaggerating. How else to describe an opportunity to record a suite of new originals with a band propelled by all-world bass-drum partners John Patitucci and Brian Blade, fleshed out by harmonically erudite pianist Julian Shore’s bespoke string quartet arrangements that include room for a couple of soaring violin solos by the luminous Sara Caswell? Stimulated by the chance to make music together after long isolation, all members interact with crackling, pent-up energy.

Dave Stryker - guitar
Julian Shore - piano
John Patitucci - bass
Brian Blade - drums

String Quartet:
Sara Caswell - violin 1 (solo, tracks 3 and 9)
Monica K.Davis - violin 2
Benni von Gutzeit - viola
Marika Hughes - cello