Wrapped in a Dream

Spyro Gyra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 28, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Heads Up
• ASIN: B000E6FSQG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,553 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Depending on your tastes, the long-standing fusion group Spyro Gyra cemented the "smooth jazz" sound or they diluted the "real" music. For over three decades, the ensemble's principle leaders, saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and keyboardist Tom Schuman, have been the gold standard of the smooth jazz genre. This latest version of the ensemble features ex-member marimba/vibraphone virtuoso Dave Samuels, along with Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista and guitarist Julio Fernandez. Tracks like "Lowdown" and "Walkin’ Home" bounce with the kind of slick, radio-friendly grooves their fans have come to love. But on "Spyro Time," "The Voodooyoudoo," "Impressions of Madrid," and the title track, Beckenstein and company lay down some surprisingly credible Muscle Shoals-style funk, flamenco stylings, and even a brushed-stroked, acoustic combo selection. With the leader's succinct and stinging sax lines guiding this percolating pack, their appearance on the bandstand of an old, wizened jazz club may garner polite applause instead of dismissive smirks. -- Eugene Holley, Jr.

Product Description

IMPORTED EDITION/EARLIER RELEASE IN JAPAN --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jazz-Rock is Alive and Well, May 10, 2006

By 

Jim Newsom (Norfolk, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Wrapped in a Dream (Audio CD)

Spyro Gyra has found its groove once again. From the opening Maceo Parker-meets-Larry Goldings funk of "Spyro Time," this is the band's most inspired album in years. Young drummer Josh Dion is impressive, and it may just be his shot of youth that reinvigorated founding saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and his longtime playmates. But if you've seen these guys recenlty, you know how much fun they have when they get together. On this disc, the good times never end. The music is muscular, rhythmic jazz-rock, filled with impressive soloing and tight ensemble work. The sound is crisp and full; the slinky title track slithers into your mind and won't let go. It's the kind of stuff that got a lot of us into jazz in the first place, reminiscent of the Brecker Brothers and Tom Scott in the mid `70s...but unmistakably Spyro.

originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 4/11/06
Copyright 2006 Port Folio Weekly. Used by Permission.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They're just continuing to get better, January 3, 2007

By 

Bob G - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wrapped in a Dream (Audio CD)

It took me a few listens, but I really like this album. "Spiro Time" is a nice, fast-paced listen, but the touch of wind instrument in "Tuesday" is a excellent accent to the song.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spyro - Wrapped In A Dream, November 9, 2006

By 

Scot Snyder "Onemanband" (Griffin, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wrapped in a Dream (Audio CD)

This is middle-of-the-road stuff... it lacks the edge that their earlier releases had, but it blows away anything from their Wyndham Hill period. A good outing for Jay, Scott, Julio and Tom And Dave guests; a real treat!). Being a drummer myself, I'm a little disappointed in the drum tracks (no flash - simple but flawless timekeeping), and am more than a little confused as to why Ludwig Afonso endorses Yamaha Drums in the liner notes when Josh Dion appears on all the tracks. Has anyone else noticed this?