Mark Stryker
@markstryker.bsky.social
Author, Journalist, Critic, Filmmaker.
Books: “Jazz from Detroit”; “Destiny: 100 Years of Music, Magic, and Community at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.”
Film: “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit.”
Former Detroit Free Press arts reporter/critic, 1995-2016
Books: “Jazz from Detroit”; “Destiny: 100 Years of Music, Magic, and Community at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.”
Film: “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit.”
Former Detroit Free Press arts reporter/critic, 1995-2016
Jan. 8=good Karma for @bluenoterecords.bsky.social.
Taped this day in the early '60s were Jackie McLean's Bluesnik (1961), Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue (1963), Andrew Hill's Judgement (1964). Burrell's title track is heard in The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5xh...
Taped this day in the early '60s were Jackie McLean's Bluesnik (1961), Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue (1963), Andrew Hill's Judgement (1964). Burrell's title track is heard in The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5xh...
Midnight Blue (Remastered 1999/Rudy Van Gelder Edition)
YouTube video by Kenny Burrell - Topic
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Jan. 8=good Karma for @bluenoterecords.bsky.social.
Taped this day in the early '60s were Jackie McLean's Bluesnik (1961), Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue (1963), Andrew Hill's Judgement (1964). Burrell's title track is heard in The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5xh...
Taped this day in the early '60s were Jackie McLean's Bluesnik (1961), Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue (1963), Andrew Hill's Judgement (1964). Burrell's title track is heard in The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5xh...
Happy birthday to the great but often underappreciated drummer Sam Woodyard, born on January, 7, 1925, and gone too young at age 63 in 1988. A few years ago I wrote about Woodyard and Sonny Greer for JazzTimes under the banner of the Ellington Drummers.
jazztimes.com/features/col...
jazztimes.com/features/col...
Chronology: Sonny Greer and Sam Woodyard Drum for the Duke
Mark Stryker examines the work and respective playing styles of Duke Ellington's longest-tenured drummers, Sonny Greer and Sam Woodyard.
jazztimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Happy birthday to the great but often underappreciated drummer Sam Woodyard, born on January, 7, 1925, and gone too young at age 63 in 1988. A few years ago I wrote about Woodyard and Sonny Greer for JazzTimes under the banner of the Ellington Drummers.
jazztimes.com/features/col...
jazztimes.com/features/col...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
An insightful, extremely well-written new review of "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" by Tony Asankomah (GhMovieFreak). As the writer and co-producer of the film (and an author/journalist/critic myself), it's gratifying to get such a sophisticated response. ghmoviefreak.com/documentary-...
Documentary Review: ‘The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit’ – A City and Its Sound, Its Legacy and Its Resistance
There’s a certain kind of weight a city carries when its story has been told too often in fragments. Certainly, you can say that Detroit is a place that knows this weight. ‘The Best of the Best: Jazz ...
ghmoviefreak.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:55 PM
An insightful, extremely well-written new review of "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" by Tony Asankomah (GhMovieFreak). As the writer and co-producer of the film (and an author/journalist/critic myself), it's gratifying to get such a sophisticated response. ghmoviefreak.com/documentary-...
An insightful, extremely well-written new review of "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" by Tony Asankomah (GhMovieFreak). As the writer and co-producer of the film (and an author/journalist/critic myself), it's gratifying to get such a sophisticated response. ghmoviefreak.com/documentary-...
Documentary Review: ‘The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit’ – A City and Its Sound, Its Legacy and Its Resistance
There’s a certain kind of weight a city carries when its story has been told too often in fragments. Certainly, you can say that Detroit is a place that knows this weight. ‘The Best of the Best: Jazz ...
ghmoviefreak.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:55 PM
An insightful, extremely well-written new review of "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" by Tony Asankomah (GhMovieFreak). As the writer and co-producer of the film (and an author/journalist/critic myself), it's gratifying to get such a sophisticated response. ghmoviefreak.com/documentary-...
Alert
Beyond thrilled to announce that :The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" will be screening at Indiana University in my hometown of Bloomington at 7 p.m. February 21 at IU Cinema. My coproducers and I will be there for a post-screening Q-and-A.
cinema.indiana.edu/upcoming-fil...
Beyond thrilled to announce that :The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" will be screening at Indiana University in my hometown of Bloomington at 7 p.m. February 21 at IU Cinema. My coproducers and I will be there for a post-screening Q-and-A.
cinema.indiana.edu/upcoming-fil...
The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit, Saturday, February 21, 2026 7:00 pm
IU Cinema presents The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit on Saturday, February 21, 2026 7:00 pm. A landmark double portrait of Detroit’s extraordinary jazz legacy and the dynamic city that produced ...
cinema.indiana.edu
January 6, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Alert
Beyond thrilled to announce that :The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" will be screening at Indiana University in my hometown of Bloomington at 7 p.m. February 21 at IU Cinema. My coproducers and I will be there for a post-screening Q-and-A.
cinema.indiana.edu/upcoming-fil...
Beyond thrilled to announce that :The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" will be screening at Indiana University in my hometown of Bloomington at 7 p.m. February 21 at IU Cinema. My coproducers and I will be there for a post-screening Q-and-A.
cinema.indiana.edu/upcoming-fil...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
A pleasure speaking with a true pro, Dave Drexler of
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
www.jazz88.org
January 4, 2026 at 6:03 PM
A pleasure speaking with a true pro, Dave Drexler of
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
A pleasure speaking with a true pro, Dave Drexler of
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
www.jazz88.org
January 4, 2026 at 6:03 PM
A pleasure speaking with a true pro, Dave Drexler of
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
KSDS Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, about "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit." Here's our 30-minute conversation. Check it out, and remember that the film is streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.jazz88.org/MP3/IA010426...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Wow… Awesome… Just finished watching. Read your book a few years ago, saved the documentary for tonight. Thanks for the passion that drove your effort. Love learning more about the city I grew up in (near, actually, but who would quibble?)
January 1, 2026 at 3:20 AM
Wow… Awesome… Just finished watching. Read your book a few years ago, saved the documentary for tonight. Thanks for the passion that drove your effort. Love learning more about the city I grew up in (near, actually, but who would quibble?)
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Happy New Year from the team behind "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit."
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
December 31, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Happy New Year from the team behind "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit."
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
Happy New Year from the team behind "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit."
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
December 31, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Happy New Year from the team behind "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit."
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
Roberta Friedman, producer
Daniel Loewenthal, director, editor, and producer
Mark Stryker, writer and producer
E.B. White, The New Yorker, 1934.
December 31, 2025 at 3:14 PM
E.B. White, The New Yorker, 1934.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
It's great, Mark. And what a great tribute to Barry Harris.
December 31, 2025 at 5:18 AM
It's great, Mark. And what a great tribute to Barry Harris.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Excited for this *and* the new edition of the book!
In this homestretch of 2025, please consider streaming The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit on Prime Video. Management knows you'll dig it for the musical fireworks provided by some of the greatest jazz musicians America has produced and the cultural history of the country's most soulful city.
December 31, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Excited for this *and* the new edition of the book!
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Watching this tonight and I cannot WAIT.
In this homestretch of 2025, please consider streaming The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit on Prime Video. Management knows you'll dig it for the musical fireworks provided by some of the greatest jazz musicians America has produced and the cultural history of the country's most soulful city.
December 31, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Watching this tonight and I cannot WAIT.
"The history of jazz is intricately linked to the history of Black communities in Detroit, and the documentary does a wonderful job of explaining how and why."
--High on Films, 5 Stars (out of 5).
Now streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
--High on Films, 5 Stars (out of 5).
Now streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
The Best of The Best - Jazz From Detroit (2025) Documentary Review: Bebop For The Soul
The Best of The Best: Jazz From Detroit is a soulful 2025 film celebrating bebop, history, and the city’s musical spirit.
www.highonfilms.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"The history of jazz is intricately linked to the history of Black communities in Detroit, and the documentary does a wonderful job of explaining how and why."
--High on Films, 5 Stars (out of 5).
Now streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
--High on Films, 5 Stars (out of 5).
Now streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
New acquisition, 1939-40.
December 27, 2025 at 1:08 AM
New acquisition, 1939-40.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Reposted by Mark Stryker
It’s an excellent documentary Mark - sent me back to some classic albums I know well and introduced me to many new names I’d not encountered before. A great watch!
December 26, 2025 at 2:37 PM
It’s an excellent documentary Mark - sent me back to some classic albums I know well and introduced me to many new names I’d not encountered before. A great watch!
In this homestretch of 2025, please consider streaming The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit on Prime Video. Management knows you'll dig it for the musical fireworks provided by some of the greatest jazz musicians America has produced and the cultural history of the country's most soulful city.
December 26, 2025 at 2:26 PM
In this homestretch of 2025, please consider streaming The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit on Prime Video. Management knows you'll dig it for the musical fireworks provided by some of the greatest jazz musicians America has produced and the cultural history of the country's most soulful city.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
"The history of jazz is intricately linked to the history of Black communities in Detroit, and the documentary does a wonderful job of explaining how and why."
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
The Best of The Best - Jazz From Detroit (2025) Documentary Review: Bebop For The Soul
The Best of The Best: Jazz From Detroit is a soulful 2025 film celebrating bebop, history, and the city’s musical spirit.
www.highonfilms.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM
"The history of jazz is intricately linked to the history of Black communities in Detroit, and the documentary does a wonderful job of explaining how and why."
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Aside from the concerts, incredible showing here for just nailing a sesh on Christmas Eve - had it in the back of my mind that Metheny Holland Haynes Q&A was in that category too, but it was three days earlier
Annual reminder: You can tell the history of jazz in 5 recordings made on 12/24.
1. 1939: Spirituals to Swing Concert, Carnegie Hall
2. 1948: Charlie Parker, Royal Roost*
3. 1954: Miles Davis & the Modern Jazz Giants
4. 1964: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
5. 1965: Don Cherry, Complete Communion
1. 1939: Spirituals to Swing Concert, Carnegie Hall
2. 1948: Charlie Parker, Royal Roost*
3. 1954: Miles Davis & the Modern Jazz Giants
4. 1964: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
5. 1965: Don Cherry, Complete Communion
December 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Aside from the concerts, incredible showing here for just nailing a sesh on Christmas Eve - had it in the back of my mind that Metheny Holland Haynes Q&A was in that category too, but it was three days earlier
"The history of jazz is intricately linked to the history of Black communities in Detroit, and the documentary does a wonderful job of explaining how and why."
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
The Best of The Best - Jazz From Detroit (2025) Documentary Review: Bebop For The Soul
The Best of The Best: Jazz From Detroit is a soulful 2025 film celebrating bebop, history, and the city’s musical spirit.
www.highonfilms.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM
"The history of jazz is intricately linked to the history of Black communities in Detroit, and the documentary does a wonderful job of explaining how and why."
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
A five-star review for "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" from High On Films. www.highonfilms.com/the-best-of-...
Annual reminder: You can tell the history of jazz in 5 recordings made on 12/24.
1. 1939: Spirituals to Swing Concert, Carnegie Hall
2. 1948: Charlie Parker, Royal Roost*
3. 1954: Miles Davis & the Modern Jazz Giants
4. 1964: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
5. 1965: Don Cherry, Complete Communion
1. 1939: Spirituals to Swing Concert, Carnegie Hall
2. 1948: Charlie Parker, Royal Roost*
3. 1954: Miles Davis & the Modern Jazz Giants
4. 1964: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
5. 1965: Don Cherry, Complete Communion
December 24, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Annual reminder: You can tell the history of jazz in 5 recordings made on 12/24.
1. 1939: Spirituals to Swing Concert, Carnegie Hall
2. 1948: Charlie Parker, Royal Roost*
3. 1954: Miles Davis & the Modern Jazz Giants
4. 1964: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
5. 1965: Don Cherry, Complete Communion
1. 1939: Spirituals to Swing Concert, Carnegie Hall
2. 1948: Charlie Parker, Royal Roost*
3. 1954: Miles Davis & the Modern Jazz Giants
4. 1964: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
5. 1965: Don Cherry, Complete Communion
Now streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. To watch on your computer or phone, go here: www.amazon.com/gp/video/det...
To watch on your TV, go to your Prime account and search for us by title or use your voice activated remote to go directly to the film. Happy watching!
To watch on your TV, go to your Prime account and search for us by title or use your voice activated remote to go directly to the film. Happy watching!
December 22, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Now streaming on Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Google Play. To watch on your computer or phone, go here: www.amazon.com/gp/video/det...
To watch on your TV, go to your Prime account and search for us by title or use your voice activated remote to go directly to the film. Happy watching!
To watch on your TV, go to your Prime account and search for us by title or use your voice activated remote to go directly to the film. Happy watching!
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Ladies and Gentleman, Miss Nancy Wilson. 1963. Good God, what she could do with a ballad in her early prime. The song was written for Sinatra in 1959 by his court composers, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Arranged by Gerald Wilson; Joe Pass, g; Jack Wilson, p. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCGG...
All My Tomorrows
YouTube video by Nancy Wilson - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Ladies and Gentleman, Miss Nancy Wilson. 1963. Good God, what she could do with a ballad in her early prime. The song was written for Sinatra in 1959 by his court composers, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Arranged by Gerald Wilson; Joe Pass, g; Jack Wilson, p. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCGG...