For those unaware, with over 20 albums and more than ten million records sold worldwide, Spyro Gyra is one of the most prominent and commercially successful bands in the history of jazz. Between 1980 and 1985, the band won seven Grammy Awards.

The jazz fusion band was founded in the early 1970s by soprano and alto saxophonist Jay Beckenstein. After graduating from high school, Beckenstein moved to Buffalo with his friend Jeremy Wall to study at the State University of New York.

In 1974, they performed together for the first time as Spyro Gyra. Their first album, Spyro Gyra, featuring their hit Shaker Song, was released in 1978. The band achieved commercial breakthrough with their follow-up album Morning Dance and the hit single of the same name, which was released in 1979 on the MCA subsidiary Infinity Records. Other artists signed to Infinity Records included Rupert Holmes, Dobie Gray, Orleans, and Hot Chocolate.

For Spyro Gyra’s performance at the Leverkusen Jazz Days on November 7th, 2022, the band’s lineup consisted of Jay Beckenstein (saxophone), Tom Schuman (keyboards, piano), Julio Fernandez (guitars), Scott Ambush (bass), and Lionel Cordew (drums, percussion).

Art manifests itself in a variety of styles and contexts. That’s why we started making music in the first place, is Spyro Gyra’s philosophy. And the band’s live program that evening in Leverkusen was just as diverse, including their big hits Shaker Song and Morning Dance.

1. Walk The Walk
2. Groovin’ For Grover
3. Shaker Song/Catching The Sun/Morning Dance
4. Cockatoo
5. De La Luz
6. Dancing On Table Mountain
7. Tempted
8. Old San Juan/Heliopolis

Spyro Gyra – the band’s name and the name of a species of green algae – have been a constant presence in the world of jazz for almost 50 years and this live show is an absolute joy to behold for all fans of both the band and jazz, in general.

Personally, I always liked Spyro Gyra and call them that Fus-smoothien Jazz band that makes me feel happy no matter what I am going through that day. A mixture between fusion and smooth jazz at its best, they have won multiple Grammy Awards, released more than 30 albums, garnered numerous gold and platinum certifications, and sold over ten million records.

This live set is magnificent and a most perfect example of the best that this band can be. Cuts such as Groovin’ For Grover and the triple whammy of Shaker Song/Catching The Sun/Morning Dance are elongated, sure, but that is what you love about the band.

And they always keep in mind a high level of biodiversity - hence the origins of their name, of course - with this very performance an easy-going yet technically impressive setlist. Inclusive of the brilliant Tempted and culminating on the blockbuster medley of Old San Juan/Heliopolis, the sound quality combined with the fantastic image quality on the DVD makes this the complete CD/DVD package, you can be assured of that.

Official Purchase Link

www.spyrogyra.com