Keeper

Through many years, guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Steve Slagle have strengthened a partnership based on opposite dialects. Stryker's warm, effusive sound combined with the tart alto of Slagle is not a dish for everyone, but for them it works well. These original neo-bop tracks are steeped in swing and flavored by the slightly sharp tone of Slagle, quite reminiscent of Jackie McLean. At times spiked with angular or off-kilter harmonies à la Thelonious Monk, the title track and "Bailout" set a tone apart from the more fusion-oriented music these two have produced in the past. Stryker's deep blue chords and lines still reflect his time with soul-jazz bands, while Slagle is reaching for that small degree of cutting-edge presence that marks his sound with distinction and a difference. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi