Sean Dobbins & Dave Stryker

Sean Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman at a young age, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. As Sean’s Career progressed, he found himself the recipient of many awards and accolades including the “Woody Herman Jazz Award”, an award for outstanding musicianship, as well as the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Due to Sean’s great talent both as a player and an educator, he has been the focus of countless news articles, jazz radio programs, and documentaries.

Though still young by jazz standards, Dobbins has amassed an impressive list of playing companions. He has performed/toured/recorded with Johnny Basset, Marcus Belgrave, Larry Willis, Rodney Whittaker, Claude Black, Marion Hayden, Mose Allison, and a host of other great musicians.

Sean’s sound can best be described as hard-driving, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean’s influences include Art Blakey, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ed Thigpen, Sonny Payne, as well as Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones.

Dave Stryker
Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker fronting his own group (with 37 CD’s as a leader to date), or as a featured sideman with, Stanley Turrentine and Jack McDuff, you know why Gary Giddins in the Village Voice called him "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies is Dave’s 2025 recording featuring him in front of a 30 piece studio orchestra. In 2024 Groove Street was Dave’s #1 recording featuring Bob Mintzer and Stryker’s working trio of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums. The trio recently opened up for Steely Dan’s 2002 summer tour.

Stryker has been on a roll the last several years with all the recordings (on his label Strikezone Records) reaching the Top 10 and 6 hitting #1 on JazzWeek. Hot House magazine awarded Dave the Best Guitarist Fans Decision for 2017. He was recently voted once again as one of the top Jazz Guitarists in the 2025 Downbeat Poll for the 15th time.