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
Reposted by Mark Stryker
The great Johnny O'Neal: There's only one of those! Here's the opener from his latest CD. Honored to have him on camera in "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" and to show him playing and singing. Film officially premieres on Prime Video on Dec. 9. Don't miss it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnJJ...
Chicago
YouTube video by Johnny O'Neal - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The great Johnny O'Neal: There's only one of those! Here's the opener from his latest CD. Honored to have him on camera in "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" and to show him playing and singing. Film officially premieres on Prime Video on Dec. 9. Don't miss it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnJJ...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
A great pianist. Saw him twice at Baker’s.
November 26, 2025 at 8:54 PM
A great pianist. Saw him twice at Baker’s.
The great Johnny O'Neal: There's only one of those! Here's the opener from his latest CD. Honored to have him on camera in "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" and to show him playing and singing. Film officially premieres on Prime Video on Dec. 9. Don't miss it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnJJ...
Chicago
YouTube video by Johnny O'Neal - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The great Johnny O'Neal: There's only one of those! Here's the opener from his latest CD. Honored to have him on camera in "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" and to show him playing and singing. Film officially premieres on Prime Video on Dec. 9. Don't miss it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnJJ...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Inspired me to get this album out. The Tommy Flanagan, Eddie Locke, Major Holley band.
November 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Inspired me to get this album out. The Tommy Flanagan, Eddie Locke, Major Holley band.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
“That’s what music is—adventure.”
Happy birthday to Coleman Hawkins, b. 121 years ago today on 11/21/1904. I wrote this 3 years ago for Jazz Times about his late work between 1959-63, when his music turned another corner. There's a lot more to Hawk than "Body and Soul." jazztimes.com/features/col...
Happy birthday to Coleman Hawkins, b. 121 years ago today on 11/21/1904. I wrote this 3 years ago for Jazz Times about his late work between 1959-63, when his music turned another corner. There's a lot more to Hawk than "Body and Soul." jazztimes.com/features/col...
Coleman Hawkins Reaches New Heights in the Late ’50s and Early ’60s
Already a legend, saxophonist Coleman Hawkins reached new heights in the late ’50s and early ’60s. Learn more in this edition of Chronology.
jazztimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Good news: I have learned that "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" will in fact also be streaming in the United Kingdom on Prime Video starting on December 9. Very excited about this for followers on tbe other side of the pond.
Will that also be Prime in the UK, do you know?
November 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Good news: I have learned that "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" will in fact also be streaming in the United Kingdom on Prime Video starting on December 9. Very excited about this for followers on tbe other side of the pond.
Just Added: A fresh addition to "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" YouTube Channel. Take a look at this excerpt from the film, subscribe to the channel, and, for God's sake, don't forget that the film officially premieres on Prime Video on Dec. 9.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWSq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWSq...
The Great Migration and the Duality of African American Experience in Detroit
YouTube video by The Best of the Best: Jazz From Detroit
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Just Added: A fresh addition to "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" YouTube Channel. Take a look at this excerpt from the film, subscribe to the channel, and, for God's sake, don't forget that the film officially premieres on Prime Video on Dec. 9.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWSq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWSq...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Thought you might be interested!! Sounds great & informative!! Happy Friday!! 🙋♀️💙🥰☮️
@eddsmitty.bsky.social @circlesspinning.bsky.social @chieki.bsky.social
@eddsmitty.bsky.social @circlesspinning.bsky.social @chieki.bsky.social
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
November 21, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Thought you might be interested!! Sounds great & informative!! Happy Friday!! 🙋♀️💙🥰☮️
@eddsmitty.bsky.social @circlesspinning.bsky.social @chieki.bsky.social
@eddsmitty.bsky.social @circlesspinning.bsky.social @chieki.bsky.social
“That’s what music is—adventure.”
Happy birthday to Coleman Hawkins, b. 121 years ago today on 11/21/1904. I wrote this 3 years ago for Jazz Times about his late work between 1959-63, when his music turned another corner. There's a lot more to Hawk than "Body and Soul." jazztimes.com/features/col...
Happy birthday to Coleman Hawkins, b. 121 years ago today on 11/21/1904. I wrote this 3 years ago for Jazz Times about his late work between 1959-63, when his music turned another corner. There's a lot more to Hawk than "Body and Soul." jazztimes.com/features/col...
Coleman Hawkins Reaches New Heights in the Late ’50s and Early ’60s
Already a legend, saxophonist Coleman Hawkins reached new heights in the late ’50s and early ’60s. Learn more in this edition of Chronology.
jazztimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:47 PM
“That’s what music is—adventure.”
Happy birthday to Coleman Hawkins, b. 121 years ago today on 11/21/1904. I wrote this 3 years ago for Jazz Times about his late work between 1959-63, when his music turned another corner. There's a lot more to Hawk than "Body and Soul." jazztimes.com/features/col...
Happy birthday to Coleman Hawkins, b. 121 years ago today on 11/21/1904. I wrote this 3 years ago for Jazz Times about his late work between 1959-63, when his music turned another corner. There's a lot more to Hawk than "Body and Soul." jazztimes.com/features/col...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Wow. Don't see many reviews like that. I happen to agree with him. Congrats to all involved.
November 20, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Wow. Don't see many reviews like that. I happen to agree with him. Congrats to all involved.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
@merriam-webster.com just released the first new print edition of its Collegiate Dictionary in 22 years — and it weighs five pounds! So of course, I had questions. :)
In today's podcast, I talk with @petersokolowski.bsky.social about why print still matters.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/3LMhwbL
In today's podcast, I talk with @petersokolowski.bsky.social about why print still matters.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/3LMhwbL
November 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
@merriam-webster.com just released the first new print edition of its Collegiate Dictionary in 22 years — and it weighs five pounds! So of course, I had questions. :)
In today's podcast, I talk with @petersokolowski.bsky.social about why print still matters.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/3LMhwbL
In today's podcast, I talk with @petersokolowski.bsky.social about why print still matters.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/3LMhwbL
I think he liked it.
"THIS is documentary filmmaking at its finest."
" An amazing tour-de-force of utterly vibrant, wholly fascinating, and musically adept lessons about a city…and humanity."
The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit premieres on Prime Video 12/9.
onefilmfan.com/documentary-...
"THIS is documentary filmmaking at its finest."
" An amazing tour-de-force of utterly vibrant, wholly fascinating, and musically adept lessons about a city…and humanity."
The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit premieres on Prime Video 12/9.
onefilmfan.com/documentary-...
Documentary Film Review "The Best Of The Best: Jazz From Detroit" The history, the heartbeat, the humanity in one city's enduring musical legacy - One Film Fan
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW: First, the Recap: A sound of music. We hear notes, cadences, choirs, instruments, voices, and everything we normally equate with the entire overall notion of what makes music ...
onefilmfan.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:25 PM
I think he liked it.
"THIS is documentary filmmaking at its finest."
" An amazing tour-de-force of utterly vibrant, wholly fascinating, and musically adept lessons about a city…and humanity."
The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit premieres on Prime Video 12/9.
onefilmfan.com/documentary-...
"THIS is documentary filmmaking at its finest."
" An amazing tour-de-force of utterly vibrant, wholly fascinating, and musically adept lessons about a city…and humanity."
The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit premieres on Prime Video 12/9.
onefilmfan.com/documentary-...
Reposted by Mark Stryker
If I grow up to be even a little bit like Janet, I will have lived the life that I set out to live.
November 20, 2025 at 4:21 AM
If I grow up to be even a little bit like Janet, I will have lived the life that I set out to live.
Janet Webster Jones is a Detroit hero. Source Booksellers has been an indispensable part of the city's cultural soul since 1989 & her knowledge of the world of African American letters/publishing is DEEP. I am proud that she always stocks "Jazz from Detroit" & that I gave a book talk at the store.
November 20, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Janet Webster Jones is a Detroit hero. Source Booksellers has been an indispensable part of the city's cultural soul since 1989 & her knowledge of the world of African American letters/publishing is DEEP. I am proud that she always stocks "Jazz from Detroit" & that I gave a book talk at the store.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Can't wait!
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
November 20, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Can't wait!
Reposted by Mark Stryker
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
November 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Can’t wait! I’m a Detroiter who loves jazz. I’ll definitely be watching on the 9th!
November 19, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Can’t wait! I’m a Detroiter who loves jazz. I’ll definitely be watching on the 9th!
Reposted by Mark Stryker
This is fantastic news. Watch this if you are able
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
November 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
This is fantastic news. Watch this if you are able
Reposted by Mark Stryker
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
November 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Looking forward to it!
November 18, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Looking forward to it!
Reposted by Mark Stryker
Awesome. Can't wait!
November 18, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Awesome. Can't wait!
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
November 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
🧵BREAKING NEWS: Beyond thrilled to report that the documentary I wrote & co-produced, "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit," premieres December 9 on Prime Video. The most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer.
Reposted by Mark Stryker
🧵New to me
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
Presenting Oscar Moore (Full Album)
YouTube video by DrJones
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
🧵New to me
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
🧵New to me
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
Presenting Oscar Moore (Full Album)
YouTube video by DrJones
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
🧵New to me
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
I just tripped over this wonderful 1957 duet recording by guitarist Oscar Moore with Leroy Vinnegar on bass. I wondered why I had never before seen it, and it turns out that it was originally released on reel-to-reel (Omegatape) and never came out on LP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKK...
Recent releases: Grasso brothers Pasquale (guitar) & Luigi (composer-arranger-saxophonist) have brilliant records out. Pasquale's Solo Bebop is a marvel of creativity & execution in a classic idiom. Luigi's La Dimora Dell’Altrove is fresh, inventive, colorful & richly expressed music for big band.
November 14, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Recent releases: Grasso brothers Pasquale (guitar) & Luigi (composer-arranger-saxophonist) have brilliant records out. Pasquale's Solo Bebop is a marvel of creativity & execution in a classic idiom. Luigi's La Dimora Dell’Altrove is fresh, inventive, colorful & richly expressed music for big band.