Guitarist Dave Stryker has been very prolific with about 30 album releases over the years. His music never disappoints, and his recent, creative versions of 70s pop tunes have appeared on three volumes in his “Eight Track” series. Now, “Blue Soul” is a collaborative effort with saxophonist, arranger and conductor Bob Mintzer and the WDR Big Band (Cologne, Germany) to feature some of that same stylish material in a groovy big band setting. The album features orchestrations of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” and “What’s Going On,” Prince’s “When Doves Cry” and Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman.” Besides Stryker’s own soulful guitar work, his originals “Came to Believe,” “Shadowboxing” and “Blues Strut” feature some outstanding organ and saxophone solos. Mintzer’s self-penned “Aha” was arranged to provide both musicians with a share of the spotlight, just as they do with Stanley Turrentine’s “Stan’s Shuffle” that brings this set to an impressive culmination. This is marvelous and cohesive big band work, anchored by pleasant arrangements, solid musicianship and diverse repertoire.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)