Spyro Gyra-Best Of [Original recording remastered]

Spyro Gyra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 1998)
• Original Release Date: September 2, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: AMHERST RECORDS
• ASIN: B000001O78
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,053 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #14 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Jazz Fusion

Editorial Reviews

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If this CD is available in your local store, BUY IT!!!!!!!!!, July 11, 2001

By 

DIONISAR M. BASELERES (Dumaguete City, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spyro Gyra-Best Of (Audio CD)

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll be hooked........., April 9, 2003

By 

Scott Otto (Fort Dodge, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spyro Gyra-Best Of (Audio CD)

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.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CAPTURES THE EARLY YEARS THE BEST, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Spyro Gyra-Best Of (Audio CD)

SPYRO GYRA'S FIRST TEN YEARS ARE WONDERFUL BECAUSE YOU GET A REAL IMPRESSION OF THE MUSIC THAT HAS NOW BECOME ALMOST FAMILIAR. WHEN THEY FIRST CAME OUT THE JAZZ COMMUNITY HAD NEVER LAID CLAIM TO THEM NOW THEY ARE SUCH A STANDARD IN THE CHARTS. THE EARLY YEARS WITH AMHERST RECORDS ARE SOME OF THE BEST STUFF.