Spyro Gyra - perhaps one of the most popular fusion groups ever: in an industry where sonic trends emerge and then disappear in brief flashes of expectation and disappointment, Spyro Gyra's constantly evolving musical vision sets them apart as one of the most consistent, popular and enduring of all contemporary jazz ensembles.
Similarly to many classic bands, Spyro Gyra hails from humble beginnings which could only hint at the widespread success and influence to follow.
The band emerged in 1975 from the competitive Buffalo, N.Y. bar scene, with Jay Beckenstein and Jeremy Wall as the anchors among the revolving group of musicians. When a club owner needed a name for the band in order to advertise and market the group, Jay kiddingly offered 'Spirogira,' a term he recalled from a college biology course. When the impresario misspelled it as 'Spyro Gyra,' he inadvertently gave birth to a name whose sound would one day become legendary.
Initially, the group funded the recording of their first album project through a lease agreement on a sixteen track studio while working on other jobs with more commercial potential and selling studio time to pay the lease.
Then in the early 80's, the band's audience expanded internationally, thanks to a heavy touring schedule and the success of 1979's certified platinum album, "'Morning Dance'.
Over the course of 20 albums since 1977, Spyro Gyra has enhanced their stature with one of the most dynamic live instrumental shows in the world and has achieved a level of success unparalleled in the annals of a genre whose boundaries they have helped redefine.
Track 15 Produced by:
Jay Beckenstein For Crosseyed Bear Productions
Tracks 1-14 Produced by:
Jay Beckenstein and Richard Calandra for Crosseyed Bear Productions
