Dave Stryker Trio - Prime (Strikezone)

Guitarist Dave Stryker has been performing with organist Jared Gold and drummer McClenty Hunter for a dozen years. Oddly, Prime is their first full-length record as a trio. Recorded in 2020 and featuring tunes that would reappear on 2022’s As We Are, the bop ‘n’ groove album contains plenty of solos, as one might expect, and all three musicians lay down some burners. But what songs like “Lockdown,” “Mac” (a tribute to Hunter), “Dude’s Lounge,” and the title track truly showcase is the airtight chemistry between these men. Their improvisations are so supported (and supportive), their interactions so seamless, and the sense of joy from playing together so palpable it’s impossible not to get caught up in the rush. Prime isn’t just a fine example of a contemporary jazz trio LP – it’s just a plain, old-fashioned good time.