Customer Reviews

3 Wishes

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a phenomenal CD. The musicianship is absolutely KILLER, especially the drumming. This is the best Spyro Gyra album and the last one before the band degenerated into dentist chair jazz. Sad, because this album has more chops than a butcher shop and really shows that the "smooth jazz" genre can be more than just air pudding. I highly recommend this album. If you like it and want to buy more Spyro Gyra, be sure to go BACKWARDS in time.

This album is a phenomenal piece of articulate jazz and latin blends. I own most of this band's music, but this one blew me away. The songs on this record vary in attitude and feel. The rhythm is tighter and more fluid than ever, and seems as if the band really put their heads and hearts together!!!! I could best describe this album as slightly moody and dark with hints of bright upbeat chordal drifts.....VERY UNLIKE THEIR CURRENT SMOOTH AND BLAND "OUT OF A CAN" VERSION OF JAZZ!! I still love these guys and they are multi-talented, but I SURELY WISH THEY WOULD "FIND THE MAGIC" OF THIS SWEET RELEASE.

AND BY THE WAY.....WHY IS IT EVERY NEW JAZZ SONG, TODAY, SOUNDS THE SAME---HAVE THE CORPORATE RECORD "BIZ" PIGS FOUND A NEW HOME TO MANIPULATE?? LIKE THEY DID TO COMTEMPORARY HIT MUSIC IN THE 1990'S????!!!!!

Quite possibly one of their best recordings, "Three Wishes" features the signature sound of Spyro Gyra that is polished, robust, laid-back smooth jazz. From the early nineties, this disc has Dave Samuels contributing effectively on vibes and marimbas to give their music that island feel. The music on this disc , in retrospect is like something you might here for an ad on visting some exotic tropical island. Spyro Gyra was always able to balance smooth jazz and jazz in a tasteful manner, incorporating both elements while infusing funk. The SG classic song "Breathless" is featured here with it's acoustic piano opening followed by Beckenstein's horn , funky bass and the alluring vibes of Samuels. Another standout song is the title track "Three Wishes " that features some very inspirational vibe work by Samuels that echoes Cal Tjader. All in all this is a good disc for some early Spyro Gyra. Very cool stuff after all these years. What is amazing is that they are stil making music and according to some reviews at the top of their game. Recommended for smooth jazz lovers or when you are, planning, dreaming or visiting some exotic beach.

This Spyro Gyra CD features the band at peak performance. Each band member makes his presence felt as guitars, marimbas, bass, drums, keys, and brass are all on equal ground here. And oh what lovely tones.

Some fast and some slow but all are good. Pipo's Song, Jennifer's Lullaby, and Breathless are just some of the many highlights. Grooves galore and spunky melodies by the score. This one will make my wish list and you should add it too.

The songs on this album definitely invokes positive images. "Jennifer's Lullaby" is a perfect tribute to Stan Getz, while "Gliding" gives you a feel for gliding in the air. This album shows signs of the bands maturity.

Esta extensa producción del afamado grupo Spyro Gyra - que tiene varias décadas en el mercado y complaciendo a los amantes del jazz con sus magníficas grabaciones y virtuosas interpretaciones - nos presenta 14 temas genialmente interpretados, donde el ensamble y la perfección se vierten en cada composición. Excelente el primer tema "Pipo's Song", una hermosa composición del guitarrista del grupo Julio Fernández. Magníficos los solos del tecladista Tom Schuman y gran socio del líder del grupo y excelente saxofonista Jay Beckenstein.
Un disco para apreciar el excelente arte y sonido de esta gran agrupación.

You cannot go wrong with this album, this is for the serious listener, its an album to enjoy and live it though. It had to be from the GRP label. Not very easy to find, so get it while its available.

A wonderful surprise about this album, try it with your teen son7daughter, my boy just loves it, and this comes as a surprise to me

Three wishes is not a very good Spyro Gyra album. It was released in 1992. Back then, there music was good, but I don't know what happened on this cd. Most of the tracks sound repetitive, and it places wat too much emphasis on the piano. Plus some of the songs can actually put you to sleep. A few tracks are very slow and sound very similar to each other. Other songs are ridiculously short in time duration. This isn't typical Spyro Gyra. The jazz is too 'smooth'. There are some exceptions on this record, however.

My top 3 favorite songs from this cd would be tracks 7,9, and 11. Whitewater is a good upbeat song with a good tempo and playing by the musicians. Nothing To Lose is the best song on this whole album. It has a great title and solos in it. Most notably, the guitat part. Gliding has a powerful melody and is a nice addition to this cd, with a terrific keyboard part. There are also a couple of other good songs on it.

Three Wishes would have to be my least favorite Spyro Gyra album that I have listened to so far. I am experienced in Spyro Gyra, as well. You should only obtain a copy of this cd if you are a die hard Spyro Gyra fan, like me. If not, look for something better. Thank you for taking the time and generosity to read my review.