In 1981 guitarist Daryl Stuermer played on Phil Collins’ debut solo album, FACE VALUE, where his soaring guitar sound echoes the haunting vocal on the hit song, “In The Air Tonight.” Since then, he has toured with Collins and has been on most of his recordings including A HOT NIGHT IN PARIS – a ‘live’ big band recording and 2002’s TESTIFY. Stuermer’s solo debut, STEPPIN’ OUT which was released on GRP Records was followed by LIVE AND LEARN, ANOTHER SIDE OF GENESIS, WAITING IN THE WINGS and LIVE: THE REUNION BY SWEETBOTTOM. With RETROFIT, the guitarist re-enters the heavyweight division of the jazz/rock fusion arena offering fans nine fresh compositions that feature his affinity for jazz improvisations, smooth rock/jazz melodies and danceable grooves. Accompanied only by Eric Harvey on bass, John Calarco on drums and percussion, and Kostia on acoustic and electric piano, this group sounds like a seven piece band after Stuermer adds his expertise on guitars, keyboards, percussion programming! This set definitely rocks with its full compliment of rock aggression and melodic phrasings honed from Stuermer’s musical past with Sweetbottom, Jean-Luc Ponty, Genesis and of course Phil Collins. But this recording is clearly Stuermer’s own rock/jazz baby. With influences of Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin hovering over his licks, Stuermer is clearly in control. The opening track is all that with its electrifying licks that elicit sparks of brilliance and funky fret work. He continues to shine throughout this set but he switches to a different tempo on “Midnight Traveller,” with a beautiful soaring solo that brings to mind the blue hues and electric reds/pinks/oranges one experiences from dusk to dawn during the race from venue to venue. His signature guitar vocals are affecting and memorable. Give one listen to “I Will Remember You” which features Stuermer in a melodic turn on nylon string acoustic guitar and you’ll understand why the guitarist has a great reputation for turning songs into a more memorable experience. Add RETROFIT to your classic rock/jazz fusion collection today.

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