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Dave Stryker: Messin' with Mister T

By Ernest Barteldes
April 19, 2015
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On this tribute to his former employer

Stanley Turrentine

saxophone, tenor
1934 - 2000

" data-original-title="" title="">Stanley Turrentine, guitarist/bandleader Dave Stryker recruits his trio with Hammond B-3 organist

Jared Gold

organ, Hammond B3

" data-original-title="" title="">Jared Gold and drummer

McClenty Hunter

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">McClenty Hunter, augmented here by guest percussionist

" data-original-title="" title="">Mayra Casales. Messin' with Mister T also features a series of contemporary tenor players taking on some of the late saxophonist's classic recordings.

The set opens with a swinging "La Place Street," featuring a nice exchange between Stryker and

Houston Person

saxophone, tenor
b.1934

" data-original-title="" title="">Houston Person, who breaks into an extended solo with stellar backing from the trio.

Don Braden

saxophone, tenor
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Braden takes over the title track, switching between bluesier and more straight-ahead approaches without missing a beat. The chemistry between Stryker and

Steve Slagle

saxophone, alto
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Slagle, undeniable the result of many years together in the Stryker/Slagle band, is evident on their funky treatment of "Side Steppin'"; clearly these two musicians know exactly how to respond to one another. Considering there is no bassist on the record, Gold delivers particularly amazing bass lines here.

One of the album's best moments is

Milton Nascimento

guitar and vocals
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Milton Nascimento's "Salt Song," which begins with a flurry of drums and percussion before seamlessly transitioning into an easygoing bossa nova—except for the bridge, with its more intricate changes. The soloist here is

Eric Alexander

saxophone, tenor
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Alexander and his creativity is brilliant, playing with great passion on a song that is not exactly a commonly covered member of the jazz songbook.

But Messin' With Mister T is not just a tribute; rather, it suggests how Turrentine's music might have sounded today. With clear respect to the master, Stryker clearly has the ability—along with the help of some other great maestros in their own right—to revive this music for a new audience.

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Track Listing

La Place Street; Pieces of Dreams; Don��t Mess with Mister T; In a Sentimental Mood; Impressions; Gibraltar; Salt Song; Sugar; Side Steppin��; Let It Go.

Personnel

Dave Stryker

guitar

Dave Stryker: guitar; Jared Gold: Hammond B3 organ; McLenty Hunter: drums; Mayra Casales: percussion (2, 6-10). Special guests �C Houston Person: tenor sax (1); Mike Lee: tenor sax (2); Don Braden: tenor sax (3); Jimmy Heath: tenor sax (4); Chris Potter: tenor sax (5); Bob Mintzer: tenor sax (6); Eric Alexander: tenor sax (7); Javon Jackson: tenor sax (8); Steve Slagle: tenor sax (9); Tivon Pennicott: tenor sax (10).

Album information

Title: Messin' with Mister T | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Strikezone Records

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