I don’t think jazz guitar phenom Dave Stryker set out to launch a series when he made his first record of covers of pop songs from his formative years, Eight Track. But good things beget more good things and five years hence we’re looking at the third episode of this inspired idea, Eight Track III.
Stryker himself best states the mission of these records in his liner notes for III: “Playing these classic melodies from the ’70s has been a great way to connect with people and bring more people to the music, whether they remember the songs or are just discovering them.” The “just discovering” is more likely to happen on III than the first two installments, as Stryker chooses less big hits in favor of more minor hits and deep cuts. Everything else in this formula is practically the same: Stryker is joined by McClenty Hunter on drums and Jared Gold on B3 organ. Vibes star Stefon Harris returns after being replaced by Steve Nelson on II and Mayra Casales is on hand to provide percussion on most tracks.
Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” somehow didn’t light up American charts in 1970 but Stryker turns it into a smoldering shuffler and it’s a treat to hear his single guitar lines first trace Mayfield’s lyrics and then stretch out with impeccable soul. But this being an all-star band, there are two sizzling solos following this one.
That song is quickly followed from an RnB single that did take off, the Temptations’ “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” highlighted by lead lines played in unison between Stryker and Harris. The Carpenters’ early hit “We’ve Only Just Begun” is the right opportunity for Stryker to slow it down and offer up a rendition that’s deep into the soul of the song (Gold’s organ accompaniment is key), and the Burt Bachrach tune “This Guy’s In Love With You” is recast with a light swing.
Stevie Wonder is an Eight Track favorite of Stryker’s but this time, Wonder songs appear twice and neither of them were big hits. No matter, “Too High” and “Joy Inside My Tears” are terrific cover material. The latter’s bright, heavenly theme is exploited with blues licks and octaves, while the jazz inclinations built into “Too High” makes this easily adaptable into the steady boppin’ tune that Stryker & Co. made it into.
Since Stryker is most comfortable in the blues and jazz realms, it makes the Steely Dan deep cut classic “Pretzel Logic” a logical choice. Not much alteration wasn’t needed here and Harris’ improvisation feature feels most inspired.
Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” got covered on Eight Track II and he’s given another nod here (“After The Dance”). Harris is fittingly given lots of space to jam on the Roy Ayers signature song “Everybody Love The Sunshine.”
Dave Stryker’s third Baby Boomer covers album is, quite frankly, a can’t-lose proposition. That’s ‘cos the melodies are rich with timeless soul and everyone in the band are veteran masters who can effortlessly kick back and take an easygoing approach that these songs need to make them as engaging in these interpretations as they are with the originals. Just like they did for I and II.
Eight Track III is due out on May 3, 2019 through Stryker’s own Strikezone Records imprint.
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