Dave Stryker returns to his successful Eight Track project with Eight Track III, featuring Stefon Harris on vibraphone and Dave’s working trio of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums. Stryker shares his love for these classic tunes through his creative arrangements that give the music new life. This highly anticipated recording is not only fun but swings hard and allows the dynamic guitarist and his burning band to stretch out on these hits from the Eight Track era. 

“Dave we need to complete the Trilogy!” said Stefon Harris as we drove to a gig last summer. We had recorded Eight Track with my working trio of Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter back in 2013 and Eight Track II followed three years later with the great Steve Nelson on vibraphone. A Trilogy? I didn’t have to be asked twice!

The Eight Track projects have been not only fun, but musically rewarding. Playing these classic melodies from the 70’s has been a great way to connect with people and bring more people to the music, whether they remember the songs or are just discovering them. I enjoy the challenge of finding my way into these tunes by putting my own stamp on them through the arrangements and playing. (Besides, I had an Eight Track player in my van in high school and spent many hours listening to everything from Miles and Coltrane to Santana and Marvin Gaye!)

This time out we tackle Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up”, The Temptations “Papa was a Rollin’ Stone”, Steely Dan’s “Pretzel Logic”, and two tunes by Stevie Wonder: “Too High” and Joy Inside My Tears”. The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” and Burt Bacharach’s “This Guys In Love” show that a great melody is a great melody no matter the decade. And Stefon does Roy Ayer’s classic “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” proud before we start to wind down with Marvin Gaye’s “After the Dance.” Throughout I have to tip my hat to these outstanding musicians and friends who brought this music to life: Stefon Harris, Jared Gold, McClenty Hunter and Mayra Casales.

In these crazy times, I hope our takes on these classic songs can bring some joy and positivity into the world. The Trilogy is complete! Viva Eight Track!