Jazz Articles about Spyro Gyra

Spyro Gyra: Modern Times

by Dave Hughes
June 1, 2001

As on many of their previous releases, Spyro Gyra’s 23rd album both capitalizes on their longevity (the five members have been together nine years now, as opposed to the frequently-changing rosters of the past), and breaks new ground – both stylistically and by debuting on the talent-rich Heads Up label.

The disc opens with three up-tempo tunes right out of the familiar Spyro Gyra mold. Then new ground is broken with Scott Ambush’s semi-dark composition “The River Between” - it’s ...

Spyro Gyra: Got the Magic

by Dave Hughes
March 1, 2000

On their 22nd album, it's clear that Spyro Gyra has stillGot the Magic. The compositions, performances, and production values are as dependable as ever, but this time around leader/producer Jay Beckenstein brought in some fresh production and composition help in the persons of Chuck Loeb (six of the eleven selections), Jeff Beal and Jason Miles (one each). Loeb's tracks do steer Spyro Gyra a little bit in the direction of smooth jazz, but this is still definitely identifiable ...

Spyro Gyra: Road Scholars

by Robert Spencer
February 1, 1998

Hold onto your hats, friends: the hotly anticipated first-ever live album in the 20-year history of Spyro Gyra, contemporary jazz legends, is here! Road Scholars is a sampling of the band's 1997 tour celebrating their twentieth release (last year's 20/20 ) in as many years. Has it really been this long? Pop Road Scholars into your changer and you'll feel like you're right back in the Carter Years, ready to boogie. Of course, these folks' grooves are state-of-the-art, but smoothville ...

Spyro Gyra: 20/20

by Dave Hughes
December 1, 1997

This is Spyro Gyra's twentieth album in twenty years. Prior to listening to this album, I decided to listen to all of their previous albums in sequence. This enjoyable experience really impressed upon me how consistently excellent this band has been throughout its life. Some personnel have changed (only saxophonist / leader Jay Beckenstein and keyboard whiz Tom Schuman have remained constant) but the character of the group has remained. The material has also grown, almost imperceptibly, from the relatively ...