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Spyro Gyra - Wrapped In A Dream [2006]

Depending on your tastes, the long-standing fusion group Spyro Gyra cemented the "smooth jazz" sound or they diluted the "real" music. For over three decades, the ensemble's principle leaders, saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and keyboardist Tom Schuman, have been the gold standard of the smooth jazz genre. This latest version of the ensemble features ex-member marimba/vibraphone virtuoso Dave Samuels, along with Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista and guitarist Julio Fernandez. Tracks like "Lowdown" and "Walkin’ Home" bounce with the kind of slick, radio-friendly grooves their fans have come to love. But on "Spyro Time," "The Voodooyoudoo," "Impressions of Madrid," and the title track, Beckenstein and company lay down some surprisingly credible Muscle Shoals-style funk, flamenco stylings, and even a brushed-stroked, acoustic combo selection. With the leader's succinct and stinging sax lines guiding this percolating pack, their appearance on the bandstand of an old, wizened jazz club may garner polite applause instead of dismissive smirks.

















Spyro Gyra - Deep End [2004]

After two albums spent tweaking their 25-year-old sound, Spyro Gyra lands straight in the smooth-jazz pocket. The ever so slightly adventurous nature of In Modern Times and Original Cinema has been purged and replaced by their usual modus operandi--attractive light melodies over consistent grooves, a fact that is immediately addressed on the first two tracks as well as "Soburg Sam" and "Chippewa Street." Guitarist Julio Fernandez continues to emerge as a prominent voice with sparkling, soaring solos and strong compositions like "Eastlake Shuffle" and "The Crossing," the latter of which features his haunting wordless vocals. As usual, group founder Jay Beckenstein dominates on sax, but what the experimentation of the earlier releases has wrought is a freshness of ideas that allows the band to stay accessible without sounding like they're still trying to recycle their past.

















Spyro Gyra - Got The Magic [1999]


Spyro Gyra can always be counted on to combine studio artistry and some deeply felt playing to create a smooth blend of jazz, Latin, and soul elements. For this CD, saxophonist Jay Beckenstein depends primarily on the core band of keyboardist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez, bassist Scott Ambush, and drummer Joel Rosenblatt, but he's also enlisted guitarist Chuck Loeb as producer on six cuts. Loeb adds some distinctive touches, such as the classic R&B variations of "Breezeway" with electric piano, vibes, and wah-wah guitar, while his own tune "Pure Mood" is a subtle mix of classical and soul. Beckenstein's soprano and alto saxes often provide a central focus that's lyrical and moving, while Fernandez adds distinctive touches on electric and acoustic guitars. British singer Basia adds to the warm Brazilian breeze of "Springtime Laughter."


All track info is in the comment section..