Spyro Gyra

There are a few departures from their previous efforts on this Spyro Gyra CD. Dave Samuels, the group's longtime marimba and vibraphonist, was no longer a regular member of the group but does make guest appearances on four of the 11 selections. Trumpeter Randy Brecker solos on "Midnight," and the "No Sweat Horns" (a three-piece horn section) pop up on two other selections. In addition, background vocalists are utilized on "Heart of the Night" and a couple of cellists are added on two numbers. Most interestingly, some of the numbers have straightahead sections and, not too surprisingly, altoist-leader Jay Beckenstein shows that he is quite capable of jamming in that setting. The 1996 version of Spyro Gyra (Beckenstein, guitarist Julio Fernandez, keyboardist Tom Schuman, bassist Scott Ambush and drummer Joel Rosenblatt) also performs some funkier and more commercial tunes but overall this is a stronger-than-usual recording from a jazz standpoint, and a good example of this popular band. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide