Changing Times

Guitarist Dave Stryker recorded a string of albums for Steeplechase throughout the 1990s. This rewarding session kicks off his second decade with the Danish label. Like many of Stryker's previous outings, Changing Times features his regular partner Steve Slagle on alto sax, along with Bill Moring on bass, Tim Horner on drums, and Manolo Badrena on percussion. As the title suggests, there's an emphasis on odd or shifting time signatures. The multi-metric waltz "Different Worlds," the grooving 7/4 "Circular Scene," and the brisk 5/4 piece "Big Mouth" are among the highlights. Stryker's imaginative reading of "Julia," by John Lennon, is the one non-original cut. Slagle contributes the best track: "Invocation," inspired by the Dalai Lama, begins with a soaring rubato passage and then breaks into a beautiful harmonized line over an urgent 12/8 tempo. Slagle also penned the closing rhythm changes, "Rhythm Method." These two Slagle compositions feature some of Stryker's very best playing. ~ David R. Adler