PAPATAMUS REDUX

Strikezone 8827 (Recorded February & March 2024)

It’s a case of jazz déjà vu. In 1965, a jazz guitarist with a string of critically acclaimed small group sessions to his name went into the studio with a larger ensemble and recorded an album that included several pop tunes. Sixty years later, a jazz guitarist with a string of critically acclaimed small group sessions to his name releases an album of movie themes accompanied by a larger ensemble. Despite the similarities between the two sessions, there are some marked differences between Wes Montgomery’s Goin’ Out of My Head and Dave Stryker’s Stryker with Strings/Goes To the Movies. Montgomery was backed by a traditional big band arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson. Stryker chose to partner with composer/arranger/band leader Brent Wallarab, who wrote the arrangements for a 17-piece string ensemble, five trombones, a rhythm section and several soloists including violinist Sara Caswell, saxophonist Greg Ward and flugelhorn player Mark Buselli. While Goin’ Out of My Head included three Montgomery originals, Stryker’s release is composed entirely of movie themes, ranging from the funky theme of Shaft and the pastoral theme of Cinema Paradiso to the swing of Duke Ellington’s “Flirtibird” from Anatomy of a Murder to a lilting quartet version of “Edelweiss.” On both recordings, the arrangements showcase the artistry of the guitar players. Whether Stryker is playing with his trio of Xavier Davis on piano, Jeremy Allen on bass and McClenty Hunter on drums (as on “Moonglow”), floating over lush string sections (as on
“You Only Live Twice”) or cutting through brass ensembles (as on “Taxi Driver”), Wallarab’s arrangements leave ample room for Stryker’s soulful and bluesy style to shine. Sixty years ago, critics questioned Montgomery’s decision to move away from his swinging and tight small group sessions to the larger and more commercial dates. Stryker With Strings/Goes To the Movies may get the same reaction. Like I said, it’s a case of jazz déjà vu!

BOTTOM LINE: Is it background music or soulful jazz? That’s the debate critics had in 1965 with the release of Wes Montgomery’s Goin’ Out of My Head. It’s probably the same debate that will happen with Dave Stryker’s Stryker with Strings/Goes To the Movies. You decide as you enjoy the guitar artistry of Dave Stryker, the excellent arrangements of Brent Wallarab and eleven movie themes ranging from the swing of “Moonglow” (from Picnic) to the funkiness of “Shaft.”