The Best of Spyro Gyra: The First Ten Years

Amazon.com
This compilation covers the years 1977 to 1987, when Spyro Gyra was blazing new ground, blending jazz and pop elements in an original way that would eventually help define the emerging genre of smooth jazz. It touches on the band's Buffalo, New York, origins with "Shaker Song," recalls its first great success with "Morning Song," and documents the emergence of saxophonist Jay Beckenstein as an outstanding studio producer. Along the way, it also features the various musicians who have contributed to the group through the years. The original keyboard player Jeremy Wall contributes several compositions, including the touching "Autumn of Our Love" and the joyous "Summer Strut." There's an infectious humor to former bassist Kim Stone's "Bob Goes to the Store," while current member Julio Fernandez creates a fine setting for his own passionate guitar with "Del Corazon." Beckenstein's ability to work guest musicians into striking arrangements is apparent in Randy Brecker's trumpet with wah-wah pedal on "Catching the Sun," while bassist Eddie Gomez contributes distinctive energy to "Conversations." It's a stellar collection of tunes that will appeal to longtime fans and introduce the band's early career to recent devotees. --Adam Rains

The Best of Spyro Gyra: The First Ten Years,Spyro Gyra,Amherst Records,Crossover Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Jazz-Pop,Pop,Smooth Jazz

Average customer rating: Nice Sampler -Not The 'Best' You'll be hooked......... If this CD is available in your local store, BUY IT!!!!!!!!! Excellent Review of Smmoth Jazz Pioneers Great disc

The Best of Spyro Gyra: The First Ten Years Spyro Gyra Manufacturer: Amherst Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Spyro Gyra Morning Dance The Deep End Wrapped in a Dream The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy ASIN: B000001O78 Release Date: 1997-11-04

Tracks:

1. Shaker Song
2. Morning Dance
3. Catching The Sun
4. Autumn Of Our Love
5. Cafe Amore
6. Cashaca
7. Freetime
8. Summer Strut
9. Old San Juan
10. Incognito
11. Conversations
12. Shakedown
13. Bob Goes To The Store
14. Del Corazon

Amazon.com

This compilation covers the years 1977 to 1987, when Spyro Gyra was blazing new ground, blending jazz and pop elements in an original way that would eventually help define the emerging genre of smooth jazz. It touches on the band's Buffalo, New York, origins with "Shaker Song," recalls its first great success with "Morning Song," and documents the emergence of saxophonist Jay Beckenstein as an outstanding studio producer. Along the way, it also features the various musicians who have contributed to the group through the years. The original keyboard player Jeremy Wall contributes several compositions, including the touching "Autumn of Our Love" and the joyous "Summer Strut." There's an infectious humor to former bassist Kim Stone's "Bob Goes to the Store," while current member Julio Fernandez creates a fine setting for his own passionate guitar with "Del Corazon." Beckenstein's ability to work guest musicians into striking arrangements is apparent in Randy Brecker's trumpet with wah-wah pedal on "Catching the Sun," while bassist Eddie Gomez contributes distinctive energy to "Conversations." It's a stellar collection of tunes that will appeal to longtime fans and introduce the band's early career to recent devotees. --Adam Rains

Customer Reviews:

Nice Sampler -Not The 'Best'.......2003-06-16

This CD is an okay sampler, and a great overview of the first ten years of Spyro Gyra. I would recommend this disc if you plan on getting only one Spyro Gyra CD. However, many of their best songs from this era are not on this 'Best Of' CD. Their early albums are highly-recommended, making this compilation redundant.

You'll be hooked................2003-04-10

If smooth jazz is your thing, if you love top-drawer musicians performing great charts, if improvisation rings your bell, you'll find it all here. Spyro Gyra has been on the cutting edge of jazz fusion for many years, and this is a sample of their best. "Morning Dance" is one of my all-time favorites, as is "Catching the Sun". Just get lost in the sweet sound of Jay Beckenstein's sax, or delight in Jeremy Wall's silky smooth keyboarding. This CD is a delight for all music fans, and a great way to be introduced to Spyro Gyra.

If this CD is available in your local store, BUY IT!!!!!!!!!.......2001-07-11

From the beautiful artwork to the last note of Del Corazon, I was already becoming a Spyro Gyra addict. My favorite here would probably be "Conversations" due to its being "tight." The rest of the songs are no-less great. "Shaker Song", "Morning Dance", "Freetime", all of these are top-notch Jazz-Fusion/Smooth Jazz compositions. I'm new to this band but I know a good Fusion/Smooth Jazz band when I hear one. This CD is difinitely a keeper. Buy it.

Excellent Review of Smmoth Jazz Pioneers.......2000-12-04

I have exposed my jazz students to the music of Spyro Gyra through this collection. Because of this music, we have played several arrangements and the kids love it. Excellent introduction to smmoth jazz/fusion sound that was made popular by Jay & company. A must for every jazz afficionado!!

Great disc.......2000-03-13

this disc has many solid elements going on thru it.Spyro Gyra is a very well versed Group.solid Playing&arrangements.

Average customer rating:

The Best of Spyro Gyra: The First Ten Years Spyro Gyra Manufacturer: Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B00006BGNB Release Date: 2002-11-04

Tracks:

1. Shaker Song
2. Morning Dance
3. Catching the Sun
4. Autumn of Our Love
5. Cafe Amore
6. Cashaca
7. Freetime
8. Summer Strut
9. Old San Juan
10. Incognito
11. Conversations
12. Shakedown
13. Bob Goes to the Store
14. Del Corazon

Pop Music:

1. The Best of Strunz & Farah
2. The Complete Birth of the Cool
3. The Complete Live At The Plugged Nickel 1965 [Box set] [Live]
4. The Complete Savoy & Dial Master Takes
5. The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar [Original recording remastered]
6. Thelonious in Action: Recorded at the Five Spot Cafe [Live]
7. Timeagain
8. Trumpet Evolution
9. Undercurrent [Original recording remastered]
10. Unity [Original recording remastered]

Pop Music