Emerging

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What I Like About This Album...

This album represents a change in philosophy from my first CD, In the Wind. I left behind all of the synthesizers and samplers in favor of all live musicians.I love the “organicness” of the album. Although it has some electric instruments (guitar, organ, wurlitzer) it still feels very acoustic and unplugged.

I like what is going on harmonically in many of the tracks. There are some very unusual chord structures in “Emerging” and “While I Wonder” that I think are cool and inventive.

I’m told over and over that “Lullaby” is a favorite. I really enjoy performing that one solo. Sandy Torano sounds amazing on “Words You Meant to Say.”

I feel this album brings a freshness to contemporary instrumental music in the way that it brings an alternative rock sensibility to what is traditionally a jazz/new age genre.

- Sam

Musicians

Sam Stryke: piano, wurlitzer, Hammond B-3, trumpet on “Words You Meant to Say”
Sandy Torano: guitar on all tracks except “Unraveled”
Fareed Haque: guitar on “Unraveled”
Steve Eisen: tenor and soprano saxaphones
Mark Ohlsen: trumpet on “While I Wonder”
Steve Berry: trombone
Steven Houser: cello
Darryl Jones: bass on “Words You Meant to Say” and “Lullaby”
Dave Brooks: bass on “Emerging,” “Lately She’s Living Well,” “Brown Butterfly,” “You and Me,” “And There I Go”
Bob Lizik: bass on “Unraveled” and “While I Wonder”
Larry Beers: drums
Jose Rendon: percussion
Thomas Yang: strings contractor
Violins: Thomas Yang, Mark Agnor, Amy Cutler, David Katz, Kjersti Nostbakken, Michael Shelton, Paul VanderWerf, Jeff Yang, Jeri-Lou Zike
Violoncellos: Steven Houser, Jill Kaeding, Lincoln Smelser, Richard Yeo

Reviews

"[Emerging] is closer to a blend of jazz and rock, with some orchestral arrangements as well. He set out to create an instrumental album with an 'unplugged' feel, something that was accessible yet had technical elements.

It's crafted as more than a simple instrumental album, and has a fuller feel. This effort is technically appealing and tightly arranged."

Tom Disselkoen, Grand Rapids Advance
(May 14, 2002)

Also See

Learn more about Sam's albums.

Christmas
Sam’s newest CD features warm and nostalgic carols and beautiful original compositions.

In the Wind
Sam’s first CD. Recorded while he was still in college, it shows his early style.

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