Customer Reviews

Got the Magic

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Of the four bands of this type that were doing well in the seventies, Jay Beckenstein's band is the one that has resisted to time. Koinonia has disappeared, Fattburger has become very discrete, and the Rippingtons have not quite made it either, in spite of their latest album.

The secret is a renewal of some of the band's members through the years, the fact that they seem to really enjoy doing this, and a great professionality. I recently saw these people in Atlanta, performing for merely 250 people, while the Braves were playing an important game, and with Miami (where they came from by road, 8 hours drive, to make it to the concert, since there were no flights) under a tropical storm. I don't think many artists would have done that. And that forces respect. Besides, they are really entertaining on stage.

This album sounds just great. A mix of jazzy ("Silk and satin"), slightly funky ("Got the magic"), and latin sounds ("Havana moonlight"). "Breezaway" follows the tradition of songs like "morning dance", "Springtime laughter" with Basia (ex-Matt Bianco) on vocals has Jay playing like Stan Getz. What a delight ! Half of the album is produced by Chuck Loeb, which is always a guarantee of quality. Highly recommendable cd and one of the best for 99 in its genre, even if the final tracks are perhaps a bit too soft.

I have been a fan of Spyro Gyra since the late 70`s and in my opinion this is by far their best album.
Yes over the years their style has changed a bit but this
is the most melodious and well written music of theirs
in many years.There is not a bad track on the album.
I especially liked Track 2 -Breezeway and and Track 3
- Havana Moonlight, If these don`t turn you on you must
be dead.
This is a must have killer album.

I bought this album after looking at the earlier reviews here and I must say that I cant help but agree with the other reviewers.

This album is simply incredible! I especially like the last track "R.S.V.P."; it just put me into a relaxed mood after a long day in the office.

Spyro Gyra has GOT THE MAGIC. You just have GOT to get this album.

The two tracks seeming to get the most airplay, "Breezeway" and "If You Will", are probably two of the best from this CD. However, my personal favorite is "Havana Moonlight" with its salsa-style swing. Cranked up in your car, you feel like you're Ricky Ricardo directing the band and dancing with a rose in your teeth. The two songs which don't seem to fit are the title track, "Got The Magic" and "Springtime Laughter". This band works best when the vocalists "magically" disappear.

I have almost every Spyro Gyra album produced in the past 20 years and this one has to be my favorite. I reminds me of their earlier work like Morning Dance. A must have for any Spyro Gyra fan or smooth Jazz fan.

Jay Beckenstein, Tom Schuman, Julio Fernandez, Scott Ambush, and Joel Rosenblatt made one for the record books with this one. "Got The Magic" MUST be the best album they've ever put out. I owned "Road Scholars" before this, and that album wasn't to enthralling because some of the songs went on and on and they weren't my tempo/style. But then I bought this (with a lil' skepticism) and it was like I was listening to a whole new band. It made me appreciate "R.S." a lil' more because there are some gems on that album. "Got The Magic" is relatively slow, but that's not necessarily a discouraging thing. "Breezeway" has the be the next best song they ever made right behind the classing "Morning Dance." Other highlights would be... the whole album, but I would say they are the laid back "Silk & Satin," the poignant "Springtime Laughter," the mellowed-out "Teardrops" and the incredibly melodic "R.S.V.P." All of the songs rank somewhere from 8-10 on a scale 10. That says a lot, dutten it?

If you enjoy tasty,well produced "smooth" jazz-funk then this is for you. Excellent sax and ensemble work. Basia's selection is great. Check her catalog out,she is miles beyond most. Spyro still has got the magic!

Spryro Gyra just keeps pumping out one great CD after another. Their upbeat style never gets stale. Keep them coming.

Really beautiful and worth listening over and over This album makes you feel on the beach on one of these beautiful islands , well you sip your favorite drink and watch the sunset.On the other hand the relaxing voice Basia is a pleasure to hear. I have more 10 cds of S.G and this one will be in my collection too.Listen and enjoy it

i am a long-time fan & i think this is their best album. some of their other albums had a few good songs, but this one is good from start to finish.