Artist: Spyro Gyra Title: The Best Of Spyro Gyra: The First Ten Years Year Of Release: 1997 Label: Amherst Records Genre: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Fusion Quality: FLAC (tracks+log+cue+artworks) Total Time: 01:12:50 Total Size: 530 mb WebSite:
Tracklist:
01. Shaker Song 02. Morning Dance 03. Catching the Sun 04. Autumn of Our Love 05. Cafe A'More 06. Cachaca 07. Freetime 08. Summer Strut 09. Old San Juan 10. Incognito 11. Conversations 12. Shakedown 13. Bob Goes to the Store 14. Del Corazon
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.