The Stryker/Slagle Band: The Scene

In this era of ever-shifting alliances and endlessly malleable bands, guitarist Dave Stryker and alto and soprano saxophonist/flutist Steve Slagle have achieved, for two decades, a contemporary rarity: a band with a distinct, highly developed sound. In order to do so, both have shed some of their own stylistic characteristics-Stryker’s fondness for soul jazz, Slagle’s more extroverted side (see his big-band work)-to blend in a unique, pianoless quartet setting. On this CD, as often in person and even on their last recording, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano guests, this time on four of the nine tracks.