The Stryker/Slagle Band Announces Upcoming Appearance & CD Release, 5/14 & 6/1

The Stryker / Slagle Band has schedule a performance on May 14th at the Union Co. Performing Arts Center (1601 Irving st., Rahway) prior to the June 1st release of their new album, "Keeper." The performance is part of the Downfront Jazz Series and will be at 8 pm.

Guitarist Dave Stryker and Saxophonist Steve Slagle have been developing their own group sound for over 20 years. Dave Stryker spent over 13 years with Stanley Turrentine, and also worked with Jack McDuff, Kevin Mahogany and Eliane Elias. He has 19 CD's out as a leader, and has been a sideman on over 50 others. Saxophonist Steve Slagle has released 10 CD's as a leader, and performed as a sideman on countless others. He has played with Machito, Ray Barretto, Charlie Haden, Milton Nascimento and The Mingus Big Band.

Tickets for performance are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can be purchase by calling the Box Office 732-499-8226 or visiting http://www.ucpac.org.

The newest album, "Keeper," features Dave Stryker on guitar, Steve Slagle on alto and soprano sax, Jay Anderson on bass and Victor Lewis on drums. After a successful two-night run at the Jazz Standard in January, The Stryker / Slagle Band decided to strike while the fire was hot and headed back up to bassist Jay Anderson's Mountain Rest Studio in New Paltz, NY to lay down nine new original tracks as well as a cover of Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear." This is the 3rd CD by the same quartet: Dave Stryker (guitar), Steve Slagle (sax), Jay Anderson (bass), and Victor Lewis (drums), that released The Scene to critical success in 2008. Their fifth CD as the Stryker / Slagle Band, "Keeper" captures the live energy and group dynamics of a band that has been honing their sound for over 20 years, always striving to push the music ahead.