Dave Stryker - As we are

2022 release

"The latest release from Dave Stryker, finds the guitar master addressing one of the few configurations he hasn’t tackled during 40-plus years in the jazz trenches: a dream project with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, fleshed out by pianistJulian Shore’s bespoke string quartet arrangements featuring violinist Sara Caswell." - Ted Panken

With As We Are, the jazz gods have alighted on the guitarist and elevated his playing, his composing, his soloing, and his music. A beautiful, bittersweet concept album, As We Are includes pianist/ arranger Julian Shore, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade, who convey new-found depth and empathy to Stryker’s compositions. A shimmering string quartet led by Sara Caswell enhances some of the finest compositions of his 30-year career….2022 is a great time to be Dave Stryker. And to be a lover of his music, and the gift that is As We Are."

Ken Micallef / Jazz Times Jan 2022

Dave Stryker - guitar
Julian Shore - piano
John Patitucci - bass
Brian Blade - drums

String Quartet:
Sara Caswell - violin 1 (solo, tracks 3 and 9)
Monica K.Davis - violin 2
Benni von Gutzeit - viola
Marika Hughes - cello

Music Arranged by Julian Shore

Produced by Dave Stryker
Executive Producer - Rick Simpson
Engineered and mixed by Chris Sulit at Trading 8s Studio, Paramus NJ June 2, 10,11, 2021
Mastered by Michael Perez-Cisneros
Photos and Graphic Design by Chris Drukker
Cover photo by Charles F. Scott IV
Liner Notes - Ted Panken