Kerry Strayer Septet

Kerry Strayer Septet: Mentor

by Dan McClenaghan
March 25, 2004

This one swings right out of the gate on a cool groove of four horn harmony that gives way to reedman Gary Foster's incisive, clean-toned alto sax solo on “Saturday 10 a.m." A septet effort under the leadership of Kansas City-based baritone sax man Kerry Strayer, Mentor showcases the considerable talents of Foster on alto and tenor saxophones, flute and clarinet.

Kansas City brings Count Basie to mind, of course, but Strayer's Mentor arrangements sound closer to the ...

Kerry Strayer Septet: Jeru Blue: A Tribute to Gerry Mulligan

by Dave Hughes
August 1, 1999

Kansas City baritone saxophonist and educator Kerry Strayer has put together an excellent straight-ahead jazz outing that serves both as a worthy tribute to the late Gerry Mulligan (unquestionably the most influencial baritone saxophonist in jazz), as well as a good introduction to his own talents. Eight of the nine tunes are Strayer's arrangements of Mulligan tunes, and the opening title track is Strayer's own composition. Strayer ensures the success of the CD by enlisting Mulligan's last rhythm section of ...