Customer Reviews

Wrapped in a Dream

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

 

 

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.

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.

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?

This one was a long wait but great to have more music from a great bunch of musicians! I never judge music until I've heard it three or more times - then I have a feel for what the song is all about and can properly access it. Track 8, After the Storm, love at first listen. I was walking down a path and you should have seen my feet move! Nice funky groove. Track 3 comes in a close second. The transfer from the trumpet solo the Jay's sax is very nice. Enjoyable piece. The rest of the tracks were the ones I had to hear three or more times to appreciate. I've always enjoyed how nearly all the songs have nearly everyone soloing at one time or another, they are all great musicians and add so much to every song.
Thanks guys. I hope we won't have to wait as long for your next CD. Seriously, Thanks Rob

After having suffered through 'In Modern Times' one did decided to give Spyro Gyra a bit of a miss recently; however with this release one would have thought that this veteran group would look to re-establish there 'smooth jazz' credentials towards a new generation of listeners, unfortunately wrapped in a dream is just that, despite a bit of latin flavour, the creativity, energy and passion that was so much apart of this stellar group previous recording would appears in this outing to be also wrapped in a dream and absent yet again, which is truly unfortunate as they along w/groups such as the Crusaders, Yellowjacket, TOP, Bob James etc.. helped to define what I have come to regard jazz as, an innoviative form of expression towards a more mainstream audience (read as commerically successful).
I trust in there next outing they manage to find their creativity, energy and passion as one would hate to see one of contemporary jazz's elite groups continue there steady decline towards elevator music (a-la Kenny G).

Good stuff here. Some Spanish influence intertwined with some groovy funk that you've come to expect from this polished and experienced group. Easy listen. Not quite 5 star material, but close, real close.

Lot of instrumental variety. You like Bass, the horns, keyboards, you will find something you like in this album. I can't stop listenning to it in my car, home, office. I have made a copy for each of these venues. Excellent...

Hi,
I must really say that after listening to this CD I feel very good ;-) I'm an old fan since Morning Dance and I have all their albums! Soem are great and some are just OK.
This is however a very very solid effort. It swings, it cooks the guys are having fun! AND it is not smooth jazz muzak of any sort.
I would not hesitate to get this!