ZOHO Music ZM200509
431 Saw Mill River Road
Millwood, NY 10546
www.zohomusic.com

Guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Steve Slagel have worked together for close to 20 years, producing several recordings. This is their first live CD. Recorded over two nights at the Jazz Standard in New York City, it is mostly original material. The sole standard tune is the George Gershwin classic, "I Loves You Porgy" which opens with Stryker playing a lush chordal intro. Slagel plays the melody as though it was written especially for him. His phrasing and treatment of this beautiful ballad shows his sensitivity to its original intent. Stryker's comping is perfectly matched to Slagel's improvised lines and his chord voicings are impeccable.

The opening track, "Mozone," is a somewhat complex however, an easily followed melody line shows the duo's ability to match articulations perfectly when playing. They solo effortlessly through the changes in a hard bebop style while setting the stage for more to come. "Boogaloo7" is a fun selection played in 7/4 time. Slagel quips that he "can dance to it with his 6 month-old daughter." It has a funky backbeat yet the listener has no idea that a complex rhythm is actually going on. "Doubleblue" opens with a bass intro and is actually a 24-bar blues rather than the standard 12-bar format.

Other titles include "The Great Divide," "Baba Marta," and "The Chaser." Both Stryker and Slagel are indeed gifted performers and composers in their own right. They are equally grounded in traditional styles as well as the more modern approach, the latter being their vehicle of choice. Many contemporary players miss the mark in establishing a recognizable form and substance in their music. This is not the case with these two quality musicians.

The band is completed with two all-star players - bassist Ed Howard and drummer Victor Lewis. Howard appeared with the legendary Roy Haynes for 15 years and has performed on over 50 recordings. Whether providing rock-solid bass lines or impeccable solos, his efforts shine throughout this recording. Lewis has four CDs as a leader and has appeared with, among others, Woody Shaw, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz. His energy and terrific sense of time provides the perfect compliment to the other three players.

Stryker and Slagel have produced a high-quality recording satisfying fans of bop and swing and intriguing those looking for a new musical experience. There is something for everyone on this recording and the intensity of the music is truly infectious.