The Great Guitars of Jazz

Thank you for participating in our Jazz Appreciation Month Listener Poll…today we celebrate jazz guitarists. Be sure to tune in to hear all of your favorites, including master improviser Dave Stryker.

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Dave Stryker is a jazz guitarist who is essentially self-taught. He says in his book, “Dave Stryker’s Jazz Guitar Improvisation Method,” that the best way for him to learn was from carefully listening to guitar masters such as Wes Montgomery and Grant Green, and then, once lucky enough to get to share a stage with other jazz musicians, to intently watch, listen and learn. Stryker is a student for life.

Born in Omaha, NE in 1957, Stryker moved to New York City in 1980. One of his first jobs was a 4-night-a-week gig at Dude’s Lounge in Harlem. His education in jazz and blues underwent an intense learning curve as notable musicians sat in on a regular basis. There he met organist Jack McDuff and the great sax player, Stanley Turrentine. Turrentine and Stryker toured the world together from 1986-1995 and 1998-2000. Fellow jazz guitarist Pat Metheny describes Stryker’s music as “one of the most joyous feels around” and the Village Voice has dubbed him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in years.”

The busy Stryker now performs with or leads several active jazz ensembles: The Dave Stryker Organ Trio and the Blue to the Bone Band,  and he co-leads the Stryker/Slagle band with saxophonist Steve Slagle. He also teaches his method of guitar playing at Indiana University and Montclair State University.

Stryker believes in the value of improvisation and hands-on learning because he thinks it leads to the development of individual and unique styles. When all you have to rely on is yourself and you’re playing freely, your music is your personal expression, your way of making your voice heard. And when it’s improvised – well, that’s when truth and beauty really come out.