Dave Stryker

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Dave Stryker
Born
David Michael Stryker

(1957-03-30) March 30, 1957 (age 68)
GenresJazz
OccupationMusician
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1988–present
Labels
Websitewww.davestryker.com

Dave Stryker (born March 30, 1957) is an American jazz guitarist. He has recorded over thirty-five albums as a leader and has been a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and Kevin Mahogany.

Career

[edit]

Stryker grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. When he was ten years old, he was inspired by The Beatles to start playing guitar. His interest was rock and roll until he heard the albums My Favorite Things by John Coltrane and Beyond the Blue Horizon by George Benson. By seventeen, he was a jazz guitarist in Omaha. In 1978 he moved to Los Angeles where he took lessons from another Omaha native, Billy Rogers, and met organist Jack McDuff. After moving to New York City, he toured with McDuff in 1984–1985, then spent ten years with saxophonist Stanley Turrentine.[1]

Stryker formed a band with saxophonist Steve Slagle and a trio with organist Jared Gold and drummer Tony Reedus (later McClenty Hunter and Billy Hart).[1] He worked with Kevin Mahogany as sideman, composer, and arranger, appeared with him at Carnegie Hall, and toured with him in Europe and Japan.[2] He has also worked with Eliane Elias, Javon Jackson, and Andy LaVerne.[1]

He has taught jazz guitar at Indiana University[2] and Montclair State University and at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop, the Litchfield Jazz Camp, and the Veneto/New School Workshop in Italy.

In 2018, Stryker began teaching jazz guitar online through the ArtistWorks music education website.[3]

Stryker is the a member of the jazz faculty at William Paterson University,[4] Rutgers University,[5] and Montclair State University.[6]

Awards and honors

[edit]
  • Top Ten Guitarists, DownBeat magazine Readers and Critics' Poll, 2001–2025
  • Rising Star, DownBeat magazine Critics' Poll
  • Hot House magazine Jazz Award – Best Guitar Fans' Decision 2017

Discography

[edit]

As leader

[edit]
Year recordedTitleLabelPersonnel/Notes
1988First StrikeSomeday of Mugen MusicWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax) Marc Cohen (piano), Ron McClure (bass), Billy Hart (drums)
1990Strike ZoneSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax, alto clarinet) Marc Cohen (piano), Ron McClure (bass), Ronnie Burrage (drums)
1991PassageSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax, alto clarinet), Joey Calderazzo (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
1991Guitar On TopKen MusicWith Mulgrew Miller (piano), Robert Hurst (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)
1992Blue DegreesSteepleChaseWith Rick Margitza (tenor sax), Larry Goldings (organ), Jeff Hirshfield (drums)
1993Full MoonSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, flute), Jay Anderson (bass), Jeff Hirshfield (drums)
1994Dave Stryker With The Bill Warfield Big BandSteepleChaseWith Bill Warfield Big Band
1994StardustSteepleChaseWith Joey DeFrancesco (organ), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
1995The GreetingSteepleChaseWith Bruce Barth (piano), Scott Colley (bass), Tony Reedus (drums)
1996Blue To The BoneSteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch (trumpet), Rich Perry (tenor sax), Bob Parsons (baritone sax), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Bruce Barth (piano, organ), Jay Anderson (bass), Billy Drummond (drums)
1996Big RoomSteepleChaseWith Rich Perry (tenor sax), Ed Howard (bass), Billy Hart (drums)
1996Six String SantaStrikezone RecordsSolo Guitar
1997All The WaySteepleChaseWith Scott Colley (bass), Bill Stewart (drums)
1998Blue To The Bone IISteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch(trumpet), Steve Slagle (alto sax, flute), Bob Parsons (baritone sax), Clack Gayton (trombone, bass trombone) Bruce Barth (piano, organ), Jay Anderson (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
1998Shades Of MilesSteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch (trumpet), Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax), Billy Drewes (soprano sax, tenor sax, bass clarinet), Larry Goldings (electric piano, organ), Marc Copland (electric piano) Terry Burns (bass), Billy Hart (drums), Manolo Badrena (percussion)
1999Changing TimesSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax), Bill Moring (bass), Tim Horner (drums), Manolo Badrena (percussion)
2001Blue To The Bone IIISteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch(trumpet) Steve Slagle (alto sax), Bob Parsons (baritone sax), Clack Gayton (trombone, bass trombone) James Williams (piano, organ), Jay Anderson (bass), Tim Horner (drums)
2001Shades BeyondSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax, alto clarinet), David Berkman (electric piano, organ), Terry Burns (bass), Lenny White (drums)
2003Strike Up The BandSteepleChaseWith Xavier Davis (piano), Andy McKee (bass), Billy Hart (drums)
2004Big CityMel BayWith David Kikoski (piano), Ed Howard (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)
2005The ChaserMel BayWith Jared Gold (organ), Tony Reedus (drums)
2008One For ReedusSteepleChaseWith Jared Gold (organ), Steve Williams (drums)
2009KeystoneSteepleChaseWith Stephen Riley (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), Quincy Davis (drums)
2010Blue StrikeSteepleChaseWith Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Stephen Riley (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), Billy Hart (drums)
2011Blue To The Bone IVSteepleChaseWith Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Steve Slagle (alto sax), Gary Smulyan (baritone sax) Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
2013Eight TrackStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
2014Messin With Mister T Strikezone RecordsWith Houston Person, Mike Lee, Don Braden, Jimmy Heath, Chris Potter, Bob Mintzer, Eric Alexander Javon Jackson, Steve Slagle, Tivon Pennicott (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
2016Eight Track IIStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
2017Strikin' AheadStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
2019Eight Track IIIStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
2019Eight Track ChristmasStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums, percussion)
2020Blue SoulStrikezone RecordsWith Bob Mintzer & The WDR Big Band
2021Baker's CircleStrikezone RecordsWith Walter Smith III (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
2022As We AreStrikezone RecordsWith Julian Shore (piano, arranger), John Patitucci (bass), Brian Blade (drums), plus String Quartet
2023PrimeStrikezone RecordsWith Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
2024Groove StreetStrikezone RecordsWith Bob Mintzer (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
2025Stryker with Strings Goes to the MoviesStrikezone RecordsWith Brent Wallarab (arranger, conductor), Sarah Caswell (violin soloist, concert master), Xavier Davis (piano, electric piano), Jeremy Allen (bass, electric bass), McClenty Hunter (drums), 17 Piece String Section

With Stryker/Slagle Band

  • The Stryker/Slagle Band (Khaeon, 2003)
  • Live at the Jazz Standard (Zoho, 2005)
  • Latest Outlook (Zoho, 2007)
  • The Scene (Zoho, 2008)
  • Keeper (Panorama, 2010)
  • Routes (Strikezone, 2016)

With Trio Mundo

  • Carnaval (Khaeon, 2002)
  • Trio Mundo Rides Again (Zoho, 2004)

With Others

  • Exit 13 (Etoile, 2002) with Sylvia Cuenca, Kyle Koehler
  • Suit Up! (Bounce-Step, 2013) with Matt Kane, Kyle Koehler

As sideman

[edit]

With Jared Gold

  • Out of Line (Posi-Tone, 2010)
  • Intuition (Posi-Tone, 2012)
  • JG3+3 (Posi-Tone, 2014)
  • Metropolitan Rhythm (Posi-Tone, 2015)
  • Reemergence (Strikezone, 2018)

With Steve Slagle

  • Smoke Signals (Panorama, 1991)
  • Our Sound! (Double-Time, 1995)
  • Steve Slagle Plays Monk (SteepleChase, 1998)
  • New New York (OmniTone, 2000)
  • Evensong (Panorama, 2013)
  • Dedication (Panorama, 2018)

With others

  • Steve Allee Big Band, Naptown Sound (Jazzville Records, 2025)
  • Allan Botschinsky, Last Summer (MA Music, 1992)
  • Allan Botschinsky, I've Got Another Rhythm (MA Music, 1995)
  • Don Braden, Luminosity (Creative Perspective Music, 2015)
  • Kendall "Keyz" Carter, Introducing Kendall Carter (Lladnek Music, 2021)
  • Rondi Charleston, Resilience (Resilience Music Alliance, 2017)
  • Royce Campbell, Six by Six (Paddle Wheel/King [jp], 1994)
  • Mike Freeman & Spellbound, Street Shuffle (Best Recordings, 1991)
  • Giacomo Gates, Miles Tones: Giacomo Gates Sings the Music of Miles Davis (Savant, 2013)
  • Craig Handy, Reflections in Change (Sirocco Music, 1999)
  • Javon Jackson, Pleasant Valley (Blue Note, 1999)
  • Matthew Kaminski, Swingin' On the New Hammond (Chicken Coup, 2013)
  • Andy LaVerne, Stan Getz in Chappaqua (SteepleChase, 1997)
  • Pete Levin, Jump! (Pete Levin Music, 2010)
  • Kevin Mahogany, Another Time Another Place (Warner Bros., 1997)
  • Kevin Mahogany, Pride & Joy (Telarc, 2002)
  • Kevin Mahogany, Next Time You See Me (Mahogany Jazz, 2012)
  • Jorge Nila, The Way I Feel (Strikezone, 2003)
  • Jorge Nila, Tenor Time (Ninjazz, 2018)
  • Tony Reedus, Minor Thang (Criss Cross, 1996)
  • Larry Schneider, Ali Girl (SteepleChase, 1997)
  • Stanley Turrentine, T Time (MusicMasters, 1995)
  • Charenee Wade, Offering (Membran, 2015)
  • Matthew Whitaker, Outta the Box (Jazz Foundation of America, 2017)
  • Matthew Whitaker, Now Hear This (Resilience Music Alliance, 2019)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Yanow, Scott (2013). The Great Jazz Guitarists. San Francisco: Backbeat. p. 190. ISBN 978-1-61713-023-6.
  2. ^ a b "Faculty: Dave Stryker". info.music.indiana.edu. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  3. ^ "Renowned Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker Joins ArtistWorks' Extensive List of Online Teaching Artists". PR Newswire. March 28, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  4. ^ "Jazz Studies & Performance Faculty". William Paterson University. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  5. ^ "Faculty & Staff". Mason Gross School of the Arts. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  6. ^ "Jazz – John J. Cali School Of Music". Montclair State University. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
[edit]
    Dave Stryker
    Born
    David Michael Stryker

    (1957-03-30) March 30, 1957 (age 68)
    GenresJazz
    OccupationMusician
    InstrumentGuitar
    Years active1988–present
    Labels
    Websitewww.davestryker.com

    Dave Stryker (born March 30, 1957) is an American jazz guitarist. He has recorded over thirty-five albums as a leader and has been a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and Kevin Mahogany.

    Career

    Stryker grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. When he was ten years old, he was inspired by The Beatles to start playing guitar. His interest was rock and roll until he heard the albums My Favorite Things by John Coltrane and Beyond the Blue Horizon by George Benson. By seventeen, he was a jazz guitarist in Omaha. In 1978 he moved to Los Angeles where he took lessons from another Omaha native, Billy Rogers, and met organist Jack McDuff. After moving to New York City, he toured with McDuff in 1984–1985, then spent ten years with saxophonist Stanley Turrentine.[1]

    Stryker formed a band with saxophonist Steve Slagle and a trio with organist Jared Gold and drummer Tony Reedus (later McClenty Hunter and Billy Hart).[1] He worked with Kevin Mahogany as sideman, composer, and arranger, appeared with him at Carnegie Hall, and toured with him in Europe and Japan.[2] He has also worked with Eliane Elias, Javon Jackson, and Andy LaVerne.[1]

    He has taught jazz guitar at Indiana University[2] and Montclair State University and at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop, the Litchfield Jazz Camp, and the Veneto/New School Workshop in Italy.

    In 2018, Stryker began teaching jazz guitar online through the ArtistWorks music education website.[3]

    Stryker is the a member of the jazz faculty at William Paterson University,[4] Rutgers University,[5] and Montclair State University.[6]

    Awards and honors

    • Top Ten Guitarists, DownBeat magazine Readers and Critics' Poll, 2001–2025
    • Rising Star, DownBeat magazine Critics' Poll
    • Hot House magazine Jazz Award – Best Guitar Fans' Decision 2017

    Discography

    As leader

    Year recordedTitleLabelPersonnel/Notes
    1988First StrikeSomeday of Mugen MusicWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax) Marc Cohen (piano), Ron McClure (bass), Billy Hart (drums)
    1990Strike ZoneSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax, alto clarinet) Marc Cohen (piano), Ron McClure (bass), Ronnie Burrage (drums)
    1991PassageSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax, alto clarinet), Joey Calderazzo (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
    1991Guitar On TopKen MusicWith Mulgrew Miller (piano), Robert Hurst (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)
    1992Blue DegreesSteepleChaseWith Rick Margitza (tenor sax), Larry Goldings (organ), Jeff Hirshfield (drums)
    1993Full MoonSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, flute), Jay Anderson (bass), Jeff Hirshfield (drums)
    1994Dave Stryker With The Bill Warfield Big BandSteepleChaseWith Bill Warfield Big Band
    1994StardustSteepleChaseWith Joey DeFrancesco (organ), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
    1995The GreetingSteepleChaseWith Bruce Barth (piano), Scott Colley (bass), Tony Reedus (drums)
    1996Blue To The BoneSteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch (trumpet), Rich Perry (tenor sax), Bob Parsons (baritone sax), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Bruce Barth (piano, organ), Jay Anderson (bass), Billy Drummond (drums)
    1996Big RoomSteepleChaseWith Rich Perry (tenor sax), Ed Howard (bass), Billy Hart (drums)
    1996Six String SantaStrikezone RecordsSolo Guitar
    1997All The WaySteepleChaseWith Scott Colley (bass), Bill Stewart (drums)
    1998Blue To The Bone IISteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch(trumpet), Steve Slagle (alto sax, flute), Bob Parsons (baritone sax), Clack Gayton (trombone, bass trombone) Bruce Barth (piano, organ), Jay Anderson (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
    1998Shades Of MilesSteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch (trumpet), Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax), Billy Drewes (soprano sax, tenor sax, bass clarinet), Larry Goldings (electric piano, organ), Marc Copland (electric piano) Terry Burns (bass), Billy Hart (drums), Manolo Badrena (percussion)
    1999Changing TimesSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax), Bill Moring (bass), Tim Horner (drums), Manolo Badrena (percussion)
    2001Blue To The Bone IIISteepleChaseWith Brian Lynch(trumpet) Steve Slagle (alto sax), Bob Parsons (baritone sax), Clack Gayton (trombone, bass trombone) James Williams (piano, organ), Jay Anderson (bass), Tim Horner (drums)
    2001Shades BeyondSteepleChaseWith Steve Slagle (soprano sax, alto sax, alto clarinet), David Berkman (electric piano, organ), Terry Burns (bass), Lenny White (drums)
    2003Strike Up The BandSteepleChaseWith Xavier Davis (piano), Andy McKee (bass), Billy Hart (drums)
    2004Big CityMel BayWith David Kikoski (piano), Ed Howard (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)
    2005The ChaserMel BayWith Jared Gold (organ), Tony Reedus (drums)
    2008One For ReedusSteepleChaseWith Jared Gold (organ), Steve Williams (drums)
    2009KeystoneSteepleChaseWith Stephen Riley (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), Quincy Davis (drums)
    2010Blue StrikeSteepleChaseWith Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Stephen Riley (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), Billy Hart (drums)
    2011Blue To The Bone IVSteepleChaseWith Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Steve Slagle (alto sax), Gary Smulyan (baritone sax) Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
    2013Eight TrackStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
    2014Messin With Mister T Strikezone RecordsWith Houston Person, Mike Lee, Don Braden, Jimmy Heath, Chris Potter, Bob Mintzer, Eric Alexander Javon Jackson, Steve Slagle, Tivon Pennicott (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
    2016Eight Track IIStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
    2017Strikin' AheadStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
    2019Eight Track IIIStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
    2019Eight Track ChristmasStrikezone RecordsWith Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums, percussion)
    2020Blue SoulStrikezone RecordsWith Bob Mintzer & The WDR Big Band
    2021Baker's CircleStrikezone RecordsWith Walter Smith III (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
    2022As We AreStrikezone RecordsWith Julian Shore (piano, arranger), John Patitucci (bass), Brian Blade (drums), plus String Quartet
    2023PrimeStrikezone RecordsWith Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion)
    2024Groove StreetStrikezone RecordsWith Bob Mintzer (tenor sax), Jared Gold (organ), McClenty Hunter (drums)
    2025Stryker with Strings Goes to the MoviesStrikezone RecordsWith Brent Wallarab (arranger, conductor), Sarah Caswell (violin soloist, concert master), Xavier Davis (piano, electric piano), Jeremy Allen (bass, electric bass), McClenty Hunter (drums), 17 Piece String Section

    With Stryker/Slagle Band

    • The Stryker/Slagle Band (Khaeon, 2003)
    • Live at the Jazz Standard (Zoho, 2005)
    • Latest Outlook (Zoho, 2007)
    • The Scene (Zoho, 2008)
    • Keeper (Panorama, 2010)
    • Routes (Strikezone, 2016)

    With Trio Mundo

    • Carnaval (Khaeon, 2002)
    • Trio Mundo Rides Again (Zoho, 2004)

    With Others

    • Exit 13 (Etoile, 2002) with Sylvia Cuenca, Kyle Koehler
    • Suit Up! (Bounce-Step, 2013) with Matt Kane, Kyle Koehler

    As sideman

    With Jared Gold

    • Out of Line (Posi-Tone, 2010)
    • Intuition (Posi-Tone, 2012)
    • JG3+3 (Posi-Tone, 2014)
    • Metropolitan Rhythm (Posi-Tone, 2015)
    • Reemergence (Strikezone, 2018)

    With Steve Slagle

    • Smoke Signals (Panorama, 1991)
    • Our Sound! (Double-Time, 1995)
    • Steve Slagle Plays Monk (SteepleChase, 1998)
    • New New York (OmniTone, 2000)
    • Evensong (Panorama, 2013)
    • Dedication (Panorama, 2018)

    With others

    • Steve Allee Big Band, Naptown Sound (Jazzville Records, 2025)
    • Allan Botschinsky, Last Summer (MA Music, 1992)
    • Allan Botschinsky, I've Got Another Rhythm (MA Music, 1995)
    • Don Braden, Luminosity (Creative Perspective Music, 2015)
    • Kendall "Keyz" Carter, Introducing Kendall Carter (Lladnek Music, 2021)
    • Rondi Charleston, Resilience (Resilience Music Alliance, 2017)
    • Royce Campbell, Six by Six (Paddle Wheel/King [jp], 1994)
    • Mike Freeman & Spellbound, Street Shuffle (Best Recordings, 1991)
    • Giacomo Gates, Miles Tones: Giacomo Gates Sings the Music of Miles Davis (Savant, 2013)
    • Craig Handy, Reflections in Change (Sirocco Music, 1999)
    • Javon Jackson, Pleasant Valley (Blue Note, 1999)
    • Matthew Kaminski, Swingin' On the New Hammond (Chicken Coup, 2013)
    • Andy LaVerne, Stan Getz in Chappaqua (SteepleChase, 1997)
    • Pete Levin, Jump! (Pete Levin Music, 2010)
    • Kevin Mahogany, Another Time Another Place (Warner Bros., 1997)
    • Kevin Mahogany, Pride & Joy (Telarc, 2002)
    • Kevin Mahogany, Next Time You See Me (Mahogany Jazz, 2012)
    • Jorge Nila, The Way I Feel (Strikezone, 2003)
    • Jorge Nila, Tenor Time (Ninjazz, 2018)
    • Tony Reedus, Minor Thang (Criss Cross, 1996)
    • Larry Schneider, Ali Girl (SteepleChase, 1997)
    • Stanley Turrentine, T Time (MusicMasters, 1995)
    • Charenee Wade, Offering (Membran, 2015)
    • Matthew Whitaker, Outta the Box (Jazz Foundation of America, 2017)
    • Matthew Whitaker, Now Hear This (Resilience Music Alliance, 2019)

    References

    1. ^ a b c Yanow, Scott (2013). The Great Jazz Guitarists. San Francisco: Backbeat. p. 190. ISBN 978-1-61713-023-6.
    2. ^ a b "Faculty: Dave Stryker". info.music.indiana.edu. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
    3. ^ "Renowned Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker Joins ArtistWorks' Extensive List of Online Teaching Artists". PR Newswire. March 28, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
    4. ^ "Jazz Studies & Performance Faculty". William Paterson University. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
    5. ^ "Faculty & Staff". Mason Gross School of the Arts. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
    6. ^ "Jazz – John J. Cali School Of Music". Montclair State University. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
    • Official site
    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dave_Stryker&oldid=1330748765"