Dave Stryker - Eight Track (2014)

Stryker, a jazz guitarist who played with organist Jack MacDuff then Stanley Turrentine in the '80s and '90s, wanted to put out an album of covers of '60s and '70s tunes he heard on the 8 track tapes of his youth. Stryker's thoughts from the liner notes:

Tasty, retro, jazz-funk. If you like jazz that goes down easy and are of a certain age, I believe you'll like at least a few of these covers. It all grooves and I dig the way the group often doubles the guitar with the vibes. Not to mention the tracks are perfectly sequenced. There are other "Eight Track" albums available, but apparently all those CDs sold out so the albums are currently available for purchase only as digital files. However, the CDs are sometimes available on the secondary market, which is where I found this one. (And where I hope to find the other 8 Track CDs)

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks, including the artist that originally made them famous, year of release, and peak on the pop chart:

1. I'll Be Around (The Spinners, 1972, #3)
   Transforms into a swing tune complete with walking bass. Lots of trading licks, so there's no extended soloing. Nevertheless, a great album opener.
2. Pusherman/Superfly (Curtis Mayfield, 1972, #8)
   A fairly straight cover that loses some if its grit in this smoother setting, but I like the way Stryker's solo builds and drummer McClenty Hunter comes up with some fun bits to keep things interesting.
3. Wichita Lineman (Glen Campbell, 1968, #3)
   Probably my favorite Jimmy Webb tune, Stryker and crew turn this into a Metheny-esque jazz waltz (maybe 6/8 instead of 3/4?). Great cover - it's not a competition, but my favorite solo on this track comes from organist Jared Gold.
4. Aquarius (The Fifth Dimension, 1969, #1)
   This tune gets a fast-paced straightahead groove and Hunter again brings the goods. Lots of soloing and chord substitutions in a Coltrane hard bop vein. If this one wears out me as a listener, I can only imagine how the players feel afterwards.
5. Never My Love (The Association, 1967, #2)
   After a tasty intro from Gold, this beautiful ballad gets the light touch it deserves.
6. Superwoman (Stevie Wonder, 1972, #33)
   The group plays this cover staright and, to be honest, why mess with anything that has emerged from the mind of Stevie Wonder? Reminds me jazz-pop covers from George Benson and that's a good thing.
7. Never Can Say Goodbye (The Jackson 5, 1971, #2)
   Another swinger with its fair share of chord substitutions and just a touch of Latin groove in the verse. Contains the best vibes solo on the album.
8. Make It With You (Bread, 1970, #1)
   About what you'd expect: a laid-back arrangement over lots of organ pads from Gold and subtle cymbal work from Hunter. The quartet takes their time with this one and it pays off.
9. Money (Pink Floyd, 1973, #13)
   My least favorite track on the Dark Side album becomes my least favorite track on this album. They make it swing while keeping it in 7, so I'll give them credit for that.
10. That's The Way Of The World (Earth, Wind & Fire, 1975, #12)
    One of those album closers that leaves you wanting more. Dadgum this take is smooth.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Eight Track Christmas (2019)

Dave Stryker - Eight Track Christmas (2019)

A great holiday set that I've been recommending to people for over a month now (typical response to such a recommendation: "Dude...that is tasty"). Jazz guitarist Dave Stryker and his Eight Track band (vibraphonist Stefon Harris, organist Jared Gold, drummer McClenty Hunter) groove through 10 holiday classics - 6 from the 20th century plus 4 more traditional hymns/carols - and it's a keeper. As much soul/funk-lite as it is jazz, I love the colors the quartet is able to get, especially the way the Memphis-styled organ lyrics pair with the clean guitar tone and vibes. 

I've just recently discovered that there are three other "Eight Track" albums available. Also, Stryker opened up for Steely Dan on some northeastern shows in the summer 2022, so there's definitely more to check out. Watch this space. Or, go over to bandcamp and buy some of his stuff. Or, better yet, do both.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: As mentioned in the review above, the clear winner is track 5, Soulful Frosty, which wonderfully interpolates Frosty The Snowman with Soulful Strut. My other top picks are This Christmas, the slow, syncopated God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Guaraldi's Christmas Time Is Here. The songs Blue Christmas and Happy Xmas (War Is Over) have never done much for me, but I like even those tracks in their understated settings. For the final track, a Killer Joe-styled take on O Tannenbaum, the group brings in a bonus vibraphonist, Steve Nelson, and you wouldn't think that two vibraphone solos were needed, but you'd be wrong. If a little bit is good, more is better right? This group's putting out some strong Christmas vibes! (Sorry, I simply couldn't help myself. Merry Christmas from CDP!)

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: none