Mintzer and Stryker may sound like a pair of bully dogs, but they are long time pals, with Stryker first clocking the sax man when he was with Buddy Rich. They’ve collaborated in performance, but this is their first recording together, with all new music at that.

It was done old school: in and out of the studio in half a day, with first takes mainly making the final cut. The result is fresh, powerful and, to quote Mintzer’s composition that climaxes this solid release, ‘Straight Ahead’.

Mintzer is mainly known for his Yellowjackets association, but on this groove-driven blowing session he can get low down and post bop tuf in a relaxed context.

The few covers say plenty about the album’s tone: Eddie Harris’ ‘Cold Duck Time’ is a funked-up groover, but Mintzer takes it down in tribute to his beloved Wayne Shorter on ‘Infant Eyes’. Stryker evidently has a ball with his pal alongside him, never showboating, but fleet fingered and bop fluent throughout. They don’t make ‘em like this often, so make the most of it!