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Dave Stryker: Baker's Circle

By Jack Bowers
February 11, 2021
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On Baker's Circle, guitarist

Dave Stryker

guitar
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Stryker revisits a format in which he is quite comfortable: an organ-driven rhythm ensemble whose emphasis is on hard-nosed contemporary swing. There is, however, a refreshing exclamation mark this time around in the person of able-bodied tenor saxophonist

Walter Smith III

saxophone, tenor
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Walter Smith III, and one more fringe benefit (on three tracks): percussionist

Mayra Casales

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Mayra Casales, who adds even more energy to an already vigorous session.

Jared Gold

organ, Hammond B3

" data-original-title="" title="">Jared Gold is the soulful organist, with versatile drummer

McClenty Hunter

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">McClenty Hunter making it a quartet most of the way. The album opens with the first three of Stryker's four stalwart compositions before braving Cole Porter's seductive "Everything I Love" and Gold's fast-moving "Rush Hour." Stryker's buoyant "Baker's Circle" is sandwiched between Leon Russell's pensive "Superstar" and

Marvin Gaye

" data-original-title="" title="">Marvin Gaye's gritty "Inner City Blues," which lead to

Ivan Lins

piano and vocals
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Ivan Lins' amorous "Love Dance" and the shuffling "Trouble (No. 2)," first recorded by Stryker's former boss, tenor saxophonist

Stanley Turrentine

saxophone, tenor
1934 - 2000

" data-original-title="" title="">Stanley Turrentine, wherein Smith produces a creditable likeness of Turrentine without ceding his own voice. "Trouble," by the way, whether by design or chance, closely resembles

Peggy Lee

vocals
1920 - 2002

" data-original-title="" title="">Peggy Lee's chart-buster, "Fever." Stryker's other charts—"Tough," "El Camino," "Dreamsong"—are in keeping with the general tenor and purpose of the album.

It speaks well of Stryker that he has chosen such talented and well-spoken colleagues. While Stryker's solos are efficient and dependable, even he must applaud Gold and Smith for their flair and resourcefulness, and Hunter for his unflagging support. Baker's Circle is truly a team effort, which is what raises it above the ordinary. Stryker's admirable arrangements certainly aid the cause, as does Casales' emphatic percussion. This is music with heart and soul, warmly served by artists whose earnest belief in their handiwork is commendable.

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Track Listing

Tough; El Camino; Dreamsong; Everything I Love; Rush Hour; Superstar; Baker��s Circle; Inner City Blues; Love Dance; Trouble (No. 2).

Personnel

Dave Stryker

guitar

Walter Smith III

saxophone, tenor

Jared Gold

organ, Hammond B3

McClenty Hunter

drums

Mayra Casales

percussion

Album information

Title: Baker's Circle | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Strikezone Records

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