Down the Wire

Spyro Gyra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 28, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Heads Up
• ASIN: B001VFM0QA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,100 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2009 album from the veteran Jazz outfit. Spyro Gyra's leader and saxophonist Jay Beckenstein understands the passion that drives a person and makes life on the wire so appealing. For more than three decades, they have maintained a position at the forefront of modern Jazz by successfully managing not just one, but several feats of creative dexterity. Down The Wire is a snapshot of Spyro Gyra's enduring dedication to that walk...down the wire.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good direction for contemporary jazz, April 29, 2009

By 

Michael Janocik "mikesuej" (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Down the Wire (Audio CD)

This aint no "smooth jazz." Spyro Gyra is a group of some of the best musicians on the planet. Sometimes techincal playing ability can leave a recording sterile - full of tonal gymnastics and rythmic rapidfire, but no emotional connection with the listener. Othertimes mediocre playing skills lend themselves better to banal melodies or tiresome covers of popular music (smooth jazz). It is rare to find a group displaying unmatched chops along with great compositional skills wherein the music is heady for music afficianados, yet accessable at the same time. Spyro does this beautifully. One of their best CDs in years. Has hints of some of their finest melodies from the early 80s, but is anchored in a contemprorary groove that speaks to us now. Spyro Gyra is a national treasure and though they've been at this for 30 years, "Down to the Wire" is some of the most youthful output from the group, ever. Run, don't walk. . . . .

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!!!, May 9, 2009

By 

Mario Toni Belamariæ "mario toni" (zagreb, croatia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Down the Wire (Audio CD)

This was no coincidence;
the last album of Spyro I have is "Fast Forward" and I always missed that old sound (70s-80s).
Over the years, from time to time I was checking what was new with Spyro, but none those of the albums in the past 15 yrs. were big deal, at least for me...BUT!!!!
Something told me to check if Spyro has something new for release....and the minute I've heard samples from "Down the Wire" I pre-ordered the album. I don't know, it resonated just perfect and the feeling in those 30secs was so crystal clear.
Let me tell you, I was not wrong at all! In fact I'm still surprised it is SOOO GOOOD! It's GREAT! Jay and the guys returned to their roots. This cd sounds like it was written it the early 80s or late 70s, only the production is digital. It is still hard to believe after a lots of so-so albums that came up with something like this!
And there is even RHODES piano on the album! If I have to nag about something it would be about Tom not doing any Rhodes solo, but hey....
If you are a fan of the old Spyro sound you will not go wrog with this jewel!
Jazz & Funk & Spyro at their best!
Enjoy it for many years, I know I will!
:o)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Disc Since "The Deep End", June 8, 2009

By 

E. Manard "edmant5" (Glenpool, OK USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Down the Wire (Audio CD)

I have most of Spyro Gyra's (SG) discs, and so have heard their panorama of music from earliest to latest. As a former musician and songwriter, I listen to music not only to enjoy, but also to analyze it instrument by instrument from a technical standpoint. IMHO, "The Deep End" (TDE), from a musically technical perspective, stands as SG's masterpiece and absolute best effort; it is one of my favorite 5 albums of all time. "TDE" exhibits SG in fully matured form, sets the standard of contemporary music (call it "Jazz," if you will), and will continue to be relevant 20 years from now. After some good but less than satisfying efforts ever since "TDE," this latest effort, "Down The Wire" (DTW) sounds like SG made a determined effort to return to that standard they reached with "TDE." This latest disc offers SG skillfully fusing sounds reminiscent of their entire history with fresh, contemporary textures. This album must be digested through a headset on a quality mp3 player to fully appreciate. You will be surprised at the subtle nuances you'll hear not normally perceptible on a home stereo. Studio production is excellent. SG is worthy of highest commendation because Beckenstein and crew have boldly refused to sell out to the "smooth jazz" radio crowd but retained their unique sound throughout the years, and have not been afraid to display their robust talent and diverse songwriting abilities. SG (like The Rippingtons) remains hard to categorize (jazz, rock, pop, fusion, etc?) yet easy to recognize, which has been one of this band's most outstanding characteristics. "DTW" is SG's talent running on all cylinders, as the opening track demonstrates! (Scott Ambush flourishes on this record and puts on a veritable bass clinic.) This disc is a must for any serious SG fan.