Spyro Gyra: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American jazz fusion band}} |
{{Short description|American jazz fusion band}} |
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{{for |
{{for-multi|the UK folk band|Spirogyra (band)|the type of algae|Spirogyra}} |
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{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> |
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> |
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| name = Spyro Gyra |
| name = Spyro Gyra |
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| image = Spyro Gyra - jazz band.JPG |
| image = Spyro Gyra - jazz band.JPG |
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| image_size = 250 |
| image_size = 250 |
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| landscape = yes |
| landscape = yes |
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| caption = Spyro Gyra in concert |
| caption = Spyro Gyra in concert |
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| background = group_or_band |
| background = group_or_band |
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| origin = [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], New York, U.S. |
| origin = [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], New York, U.S. |
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| genre = [[Jazz]], [[jazz fusion]], [[smooth jazz]] |
| genre = [[Jazz]], [[jazz fusion]], [[smooth jazz]] |
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| years_active = 1974–present |
| years_active = 1974–present |
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| label = Amherst, [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[GRP Records|GRP]], [[Windham Hill Records|Windham Hill]], [[Heads Up International|Heads Up]] |
| label = Amherst, [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[GRP Records|GRP]], [[Windham Hill Records|Windham Hill]], [[Heads Up International|Heads Up]] |
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| website = {{URL|www.spyrogyra.com}} |
| website = {{URL|www.spyrogyra.com}} |
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| current_members = * [[Jay Beckenstein]] |
| current_members = * [[Jay Beckenstein]] |
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* [[Tom Schuman]] |
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* [[Scott Ambush]] |
* [[Scott Ambush]] |
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* [[Julio Fernández (musician)|Julio Fernández]] |
* [[Julio Fernández (musician)|Julio Fernández]] |
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* Lionel Cordew |
* Lionel Cordew |
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* Chris Fischer |
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| past_members = * [[Jeremy Wall]] |
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| past_members = * [[Jeremy Wall]] |
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* [[Dave Samuels]] |
* [[Dave Samuels]] |
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* [[Gerardo Velez]] |
* [[Gerardo Velez]] |
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* Bonny Bonaparte |
* Bonny Bonaparte |
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* [[Tom Schuman]] |
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* Joel Rosenblatt |
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* [[Joel Rosenblatt]] |
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* [[Chet Catallo]] |
* [[Chet Catallo]] |
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* Dave Wofford |
* Dave Wofford |
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* Jim Kurzdorfer |
* Jim Kurzdorfer |
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* Ted Reinhardt |
* Ted Reinhardt |
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* Lee Pearson II |
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* [[Marc Quiñones]] |
* [[Marc Quiñones]] |
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* [[Manolo Badrena]] |
* [[Manolo Badrena]] |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===Early years=== |
===Early years=== |
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Saxophonist [[Jay Beckenstein]] and keyboardist [[Jeremy Wall]] formed a band with jazz and rock musicians who were playing in the Buffalo bar and club circuit.<ref name="Erlewine" /> In 1974, when a bar owner asked for the band's name, Beckenstein said, "[[spirogyra]]", a type of algae he had learned about in school.<ref name="Erlewine" /> The bar owner wrote the name incorrectly, "Spyro Gyra", but it stuck.<ref name="Erlewine" /> The founding members of the band were Beckenstein, Wall, bassist Jim Kurzdorfer, drummer Tom Walsh, and keyboardist Tom Schuman.<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|title=Spyro Gyra {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/spyro-gyra-mn0000156886/biography|website=AllMusic|access-date=17 May 2017}}</ref> In 1977, they released ''[[Spyro Gyra (album)|Spyro Gyra]]'' independently before making a deal with Amherst Records,<ref name="Widran">{{cite web|last1=Widran|first1=Jonathan|title=AboutHistory & Bios – Spyro Gyra|url=http://spyrogyra.com/about/|website=Spryo Gyra|access-date=17 May 2017}}</ref> which re-released the album with a different cover. It included "Shaker Song," which reached No. 90 on Billboard's Hot 100,<ref name="Billboard Chart history">{{cite magazine|title=Chart history|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/280232/spyro-gyra/chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=26 June 2017}}</ref> No. 99 on the pop chart in Canada,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4615b.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Singles - July 29, 1978}}</ref> and No. 26 on the Canadian AC chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4620.pdf| title=RPM Top 50 AO - August 19, 1978}}</ref> Jay Beckenstein and Richard Calandra co-produced the record, while Beckenstein and Wall each wrote an equal number of compositions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48975-Spyro-Gyra-Spyro-Gyra|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
Saxophonist [[Jay Beckenstein]] and keyboardist [[Jeremy Wall]] formed a band with jazz and rock musicians who were playing in the Buffalo bar and club circuit.<ref name="Erlewine" /> In 1974, when a bar owner asked for the band's name, Beckenstein said, "[[spirogyra]]", a type of algae he had learned about in school.<ref name="Erlewine" /> The bar owner wrote the name incorrectly, "Spyro Gyra", but it stuck.<ref name="Erlewine" /> The founding members of the band were Beckenstein, Wall, bassist Jim Kurzdorfer, drummer Tom Walsh, and keyboardist [[Tom Schuman]].<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|title=Spyro Gyra {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/spyro-gyra-mn0000156886/biography|website=AllMusic|access-date=17 May 2017}}</ref> In 1977, they released ''[[Spyro Gyra (album)|Spyro Gyra]]'' independently before making a deal with Amherst Records,<ref name="Widran">{{cite web|last1=Widran|first1=Jonathan|title=AboutHistory & Bios – Spyro Gyra|url=http://spyrogyra.com/about/|website=Spryo Gyra|access-date=17 May 2017}}</ref> which re-released the album with a different cover. It included "Shaker Song," which reached No. 90 on Billboard's Hot 100,<ref name="Billboard Chart history">{{cite magazine|title=Chart history|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/280232/spyro-gyra/chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=26 June 2017}}</ref> No. 99 on the pop chart in Canada,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4615b.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Singles - July 29, 1978}}</ref> and No. 26 on the Canadian AC chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4620.pdf| title=RPM Top 50 AO - August 19, 1978}}</ref> Jay Beckenstein and Richard Calandra co-produced the record, while Beckenstein and Wall each wrote an equal number of compositions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48975-Spyro-Gyra-Spyro-Gyra|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> After the success of "Shaker Song," the band went on tour in 1978 with a lineup including Beckenstein on sax, Wall and Schuman on keyboards, Kurzdorfer on bass, Freddy Rapillo on guitar, Eli Konikoff on drums and [[Gerardo Velez]] on percussion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Concert Vault|url=https://www.wolfgangs.com/music/spyro-gyra/audio/20050806-6673.html?tid=24651|website=Concert Vault|access-date=31 December 2022}}</ref> |
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The band's second album ''[[Morning Dance]]'' reached No. 11 in the [[UK Albums Chart]], No. 27 on the ''Billboard'' Top 200 albums chart, and No. 47 in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4544a.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Albums - July 14, 1979}}</ref> The song "Morning Dance" reached No. 17 in the [[UK Singles Chart]],<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 522}}</ref> No. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary singles chart,<ref name="bb">{{cite magazine|title=Spyro Gyra - Chart history|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/280232/spyro-gyra/chart?f=305| magazine= Billboard | access-date = 16 May 2017}}</ref> No. 45 on the Canadian pop charts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4399a.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Singles - September 1, 1979}}</ref> and No. 6 on the Canadian AC charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4408.pdf| title=RPM Top 50 AC - September 8, 1979}}</ref> The album was certified gold in 1979, then platinum in 1987 by the [[RIAA]].<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=SPYRO+GYRA&ti=MORNING+DANCE|website=RIAA|access-date=16 May 2017}}</ref> In addition to the band, the album featured guest musicians including trumpet player [[Randy Brecker]], saxophonist [[Michael Brecker]], guitarists [[John Tropea]] and [[Hiram Bullock]], bassist [[Will Lee]], drummer [[Steve Jordan (drummer)|Steve Jordan]] and percussionist [[Rubens Bassini]]. Drummer Ted Reinhardt |
The band's second album ''[[Morning Dance]]'' reached No. 11 in the [[UK Albums Chart]], No. 27 on the ''Billboard'' Top 200 albums chart, and No. 47 in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4544a.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Albums - July 14, 1979}}</ref> The song "Morning Dance" reached No. 17 in the [[UK Singles Chart]],<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 522}}</ref> No. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary singles chart,<ref name="bb">{{cite magazine|title=Spyro Gyra - Chart history|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/280232/spyro-gyra/chart?f=305| magazine= Billboard | access-date = 16 May 2017}}</ref> No. 45 on the Canadian pop charts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4399a.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Singles - September 1, 1979}}</ref> and No. 6 on the Canadian AC charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.4408.pdf| title=RPM Top 50 AC - September 8, 1979}}</ref> The album was certified gold in 1979, then platinum in 1987 by the [[RIAA]].<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=SPYRO+GYRA&ti=MORNING+DANCE|website=RIAA|access-date=16 May 2017}}</ref> In addition to the band, the album featured guest musicians including trumpet player [[Randy Brecker]], saxophonist [[Michael Brecker]], guitarists [[John Tropea]] and [[Hiram Bullock]], bassist [[Will Lee]], drummer [[Steve Jordan (drummer)|Steve Jordan]] and percussionist [[Rubens Bassini]]. Drummer Ted Reinhardt and guitarist Rick Strauss were in the band lineup during recording, but by the album's completion [[Chet Catallo]] joined on guitar. Jeremy Wall left the touring lineup but would continue to compose for the band.<ref>{{cite web|title=Morning Dance|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48951-Spyro-Gyra-Morning-Dance|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The sextet of Beckenstein, Schuman, Catallo, Kurzdorfer, Konikoff and Velez became the band's touring lineup in 1979, continuing into 1980.<ref name="Spyro Gyra 0 Live In Concert">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra - Live In Concert 1980|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xAcOzcGeU4|website=YouTube|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
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===1980s=== |
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When [[Infinity Records]] folded, ''[[Catching the Sun (album)|Catching the Sun]]'' was released on MCA in February 1980, becoming the No. 4 jazz album of 1980, peaking at No. 31 in the UK,<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> and No. 80 in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.0168b.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Albums - May 24, 1980}}</ref> This album included the first composition for the group by Tom Schuman, who would become a regular writer along with Beckenstein and Wall, while other band members also contributed compositions.<ref name="Catching The Sun">{{cite web|title=Catching The Sun|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1421382-Spyro-Gyra-Catching-The-Sun|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Bassist Jim Kurzdorfer left the group in 1980, replaced by David Wofford, and for a tour of Japan [[Sheila Escovedo]] temporarily replaced Velez on percussion.<ref name="Spyro Gyra Live in Japan '80">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra - Live In Japan '80|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYQ35fsOGCg|website=YouTube|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The group released their next album, ''[[Carnaval (Spyro Gyra album)|Carnaval]]'', in late 1980.<ref name="Carnaval">{{cite web|title=Carnaval|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48907-Spyro-Gyra-Carnaval|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> ''Catching the Sun'' was certified gold in 1985 by the RIAA, followed in 1987 by ''Carnaval.''<ref name="RIAA II">{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=spyro+gyra#search_section|website=RIAA|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The group's next release was ''[[Freetime (Spyro Gyra album)|Freetime]]'', in 1981.<ref name="Freetime">{{cite web|title=Freetime|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48922-Spyro-Gyra-Freetime|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
When [[Infinity Records]] folded, ''[[Catching the Sun (album)|Catching the Sun]]'' was released on MCA in February 1980, becoming the No. 4 jazz album of 1980, peaking at No. 31 in the UK,<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> and No. 80 in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.0168b.pdf| title=RPM Top 100 Albums - May 24, 1980}}</ref> This album included the first composition for the group by Tom Schuman, who would become a regular writer along with Beckenstein and Wall, while other band members also contributed compositions.<ref name="Catching The Sun">{{cite web|title=Catching The Sun|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1421382-Spyro-Gyra-Catching-The-Sun|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Bassist Jim Kurzdorfer left the group in 1980, replaced by David Wofford, and for a tour of Japan [[Sheila Escovedo]] temporarily replaced Velez on percussion.<ref name="Spyro Gyra Live in Japan '80">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra - Live In Japan '80|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYQ35fsOGCg|website=YouTube|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The group released their next album, ''[[Carnaval (Spyro Gyra album)|Carnaval]]'', in late 1980.<ref name="Carnaval">{{cite web|title=Carnaval|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48907-Spyro-Gyra-Carnaval|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> ''Catching the Sun'' was certified gold in 1985 by the RIAA, followed in 1987 by ''Carnaval.''<ref name="RIAA II">{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=spyro+gyra#search_section|website=RIAA|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The group's next release was ''[[Freetime (Spyro Gyra album)|Freetime]]'', in 1981.<ref name="Freetime">{{cite web|title=Freetime|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48922-Spyro-Gyra-Freetime|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
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''[[Incognito (Spyro Gyra album)|Incognito]]'' (1982) featured as guests bassist [[Marcus Miller]], drummer [[Steve Gadd]], saxophonist [[Tom Scott (saxophonist)|Tom Scott]], pianist [[Richard Tee]], harmonica player [[Toots Thielemans]], and pianist [[Jorge Dalto]].<ref name="Incognito">{{cite web|title=Incognito|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48937-Spyro-Gyra-Incognito|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> ''[[City Kids (album)|City Kids]]'' (1983) introduced bassist Kim Stone, replacing Wofford. |
''[[Incognito (Spyro Gyra album)|Incognito]]'' (1982) featured as guests bassist [[Marcus Miller]], drummer [[Steve Gadd]], saxophonist [[Tom Scott (saxophonist)|Tom Scott]], pianist [[Richard Tee]], harmonica player [[Toots Thielemans]], and pianist [[Jorge Dalto]].<ref name="Incognito">{{cite web|title=Incognito|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48937-Spyro-Gyra-Incognito|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> ''[[City Kids (album)|City Kids]]'' (1983) introduced bassist Kim Stone, replacing Wofford. It was the first Spyro Gyra album recorded at [[BearTracks Studios]], a studio in Suffern, NY established by Beckenstein in 1982.<ref name="City Kids">{{cite web|title=City Kids|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/173031-Spyro-Gyra-City-Kids|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
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The live album ''[[Access All Areas (Spyro Gyra album)|Access All Areas]]'', recorded in Florida in November 1983, introduced marimba and vibraphone player [[Dave Samuels]] (who had guested on earlier tracks including the hits "Shaker Song" and "Morning Dance") as a full-time member of the band.<ref name="Access All Areas">{{cite web|title=Access All Areas|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/115062-Spyro-Gyra-Access-All-Areas|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> After this album, Eli Konikoff and Chet Catallo left the group, to be replaced by drummer Richie Morales and guitarist [[Julio Fernández (musician)|Julio Fernández]]. |
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The new lineup (Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernández, Samuels, Stone, Morales and Velez) recorded 1985's ''[[Alternating Currents (album)|Alternating Currents]]'', the band's first studio album to feature only the core lineup with no guest musicians.<ref name="Alternating Currents">{{cite web|title=Alternating Currents|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48902-Spyro-Gyra-Alternating-Currents|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> After percussionist [[Manolo Badrena]], formerly of [[Weather Report]] and a previous guest musician on Spyro Gyra's albums, joined the band as a full-time member, replacing Velez, the group released the 1986 follow-up ''[[Breakout (Spyro Gyra album)|Breakout]]''.<ref name="Breakout">{{cite web|title=Breakout|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/158178-Spyro-Gyra-Breakout|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> ''Alternating Currents'' (1985) and ''Breakout'' (1986) would be among the top 15 Jazz Albums in Billboard in 1986. Longtime co-producer Richard Calandra died in October 1986 of [[pancreatic cancer]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} |
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In 1987, Roberto Vally replaced Stone on bass for ''[[Stories Without Words]]'', which would also be Manolo Badrena's final album with the band.<ref name="Stories Without Words">{{cite web|title=Stories Without Words|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48979-Spyro-Gyra-Stories-Without-Words|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> ''[[Rites of Summer]]'' (1988) introduced bassist Oscar Cartaya, replacing Vally.<ref name="Rites Of Summer">{{cite web|title=Rites Of Summer|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48964-Spyro-Gyra-Rites-Of-Summer|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Both ''Stories Without Words'' and ''Rites of Summer'' were among Billboard's top 15 Contemporary Jazz Albums of 1988.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} On the 1989 album ''[[Point of View (Spyro Gyra album)|Point of View]]'' Julio Fernández was replaced by guitarist [[Jay Azzolina]].<ref name="Point Of View">{{cite web|title=Point Of View|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/48957-Spyro-Gyra-Point-Of-View|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Spyro Gyra ended the decade as Billboard's most successful jazz artist of the 1980s.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} |
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===1990's=== |
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===1990s=== |
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Percussionist [[Marc Quiñones]] joined the group for ''[[Fast Forward (Spyro Gyra album)|Fast Forward]]'' (1990), though it would be his only album with the band, and the last album for Richie Morales and Jay Azzolina.<ref name="Fast Forward">{{cite web|title=Fast Forward|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/270793-Spyro-Gyra-Featuring-Jay-Beckenstein-Fast-Forward|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Guitarist Julio Fernández rejoined the band for two new tracks included on the "best of" album, ''[[Collection (Spyro Gyra album)|Collection]]'', which also marked the debut of drummer Joel Rosenblatt.<ref name="Collection">{{cite web|title=Collection|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/463138-Spyro-Gyra-Collection|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
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''[[ |
Percussionist [[Marc Quiñones]] joined the group for ''[[Fast Forward (Spyro Gyra album)|Fast Forward]]'' (1990), though it would be his only album as a band member, and the last album for Richie Morales and Jay Azzolina.<ref name="Fast Forward">{{cite web|title=Fast Forward|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/270793-Spyro-Gyra-Featuring-Jay-Beckenstein-Fast-Forward|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> In 1990 the group performed temporarily without a guitarist, and with Tony Cintron replacing Morales on drums. {{citation needed|date=May 2023}} Guitarist Julio Fernández rejoined the band for two new tracks included on the "best of" album, ''[[Collection (Spyro Gyra album)|Collection]]'', which also marked the debut of drummer Joel Rosenblatt.<ref name="Collection">{{cite web|title=Collection|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/463138-Spyro-Gyra-Collection|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
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''[[Three Wishes (Spyro Gyra album)|Three Wishes]]'' (1992) introduced bassist [[Scott Ambush]], replacing Cartaya.<ref name="Three Wishes">{{cite web|title=Three Wishes|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/120943-Spyro-Gyra-Three-Wishes|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The following year's ''[[Dreams Beyond Control]]'' included guest appearances by former [[Santana (band)|Santana]] vocalist [[Alex Ligertwood]], marking the first appearance of lyrics on a Spyro Gyra album.<ref name="Dreams Beyond Control">{{cite web|title=Dreams Beyond Control|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/158179-Spyro-Gyra-Dreams-Beyond-Control|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> After this album, Dave Samuels left the band to pursue solo projects, although he would guest with the band on later albums. |
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In 1995, the band released ''[[Love and Other Obsessions]]'' with guests [[Deniece Williams]], [[Barrington Henderson]], Billy Cliff, and a host of other backing vocalists and musicians, including Dave Samuels.<ref name="Love and Other Obsessions">{{cite web|title=Love & Other Obsessions|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/158180-Spyro-Gyra-Love-Other-Obsessions|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> This album would be the band's final 90's release to feature traditional R&B vocals. It was the first of a series of albums with the quintet lineup of Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernández, Ambush and Rosenblatt, which lasted until 2004. |
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===Recent years=== |
===Recent years=== |
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[[File:2017-02-23 Spyro Gyra-Lee, Scott, Julio, Tom & Jay 6628.jpg|thumb|Spyro Gyra performs in Richmond, Virginia on February 23, 2017.]] |
[[File:2017-02-23 Spyro Gyra-Lee, Scott, Julio, Tom & Jay 6628.jpg|thumb|Spyro Gyra performs in Richmond, Virginia on February 23, 2017.]] |
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Drummer Joel Rosenblatt left the band during the making of ''[[The Deep End (Spyro Gyra album)|The Deep End]]'', leaving room for two other drummers, guest [[Billy Kilson]] and |
Drummer [[Joel Rosenblatt]] left the band during the making of ''[[The Deep End (Spyro Gyra album)|The Deep End]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Valentine for much-loved Spyro Gyra |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/music-theater-dance/2004/08/20/A-Valentine-for-much-loved-Spyro-Gyra/stories/200408200020 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=The Blade |language=en}}</ref> leaving room for two other drummers, guest [[Billy Kilson]] and Ludwig Afonso, who became Rosenblatt's replacement.<ref name="The Deep End">{{cite web|title=The Deep End|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/390765-Spyro-Gyra-The-Deep-End|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The band's next album, 2006's ''[[Wrapped in a Dream]],'' was the first Spyro Gyra album since 1990's ''Fast Forward'' to be nominated for a Grammy Award.<ref name="Grammy">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/spyro-gyra/17710|website=grammy.com|access-date=31 December 2022}}</ref> It would be the band's final album recorded at [[BearTracks Studios]], which Beckenstein closed in 2006. Trinidadian Bonny Bonaparte (Bonny B) replaced Afonso as drummer for ''[[Good to Go-Go]]'' (2007),<ref name="Good to Go-Go">{{cite web|title=Good to Go-Go|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/463137-Spyro-Gyra-Good-To-Go-Go|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> which received a Grammy nomination, as did ''[[A Night Before Christmas]]'' and ''[[Down the Wire]]'' (2009). |
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''[[A Foreign Affair (Spyro Gyra album)|A Foreign Affair]]'' was released in 2011 and included Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernández, Ambush, and Bonny B, as well as guest vocalists Arijit Singh and [[Keb' Mo']].<ref name="A Foreign Affair">{{cite web|title=A Foreign Affair|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/683773-Spyro-Gyra-A-Foreign-Affair|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> The album debuted at No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' jazz album chart. Bonaparte left the group due to health issues in November 2011 and was replaced on drums by Lee Pearson.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} |
|||
'' |
''The Rhinebeck Sessions'' (2013) included Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernandez, Ambush, and Pearson. According to the group, it was written and recorded over three days in a recording studio in Rhinebeck, New York.<ref name="The Rhinebeck Sessions">{{cite web|title=The Rhinebeck Sessions|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/2009365-Spyro-Gyra-The-Rhinebeck-Sessions|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> In 2015, there was another change of drummers with Lionel Cordew replacing Pearson.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} ''Vinyl Tap'' (2019), the band's most recent record to date, was a departure as it had no original material, instead featuring the band's interpretations of classic rock and r&b songs from the 60's and 70's.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 October 2019|title=Spyro Gyra 'warps' the songs from their youth on 'Vinyl Tap,' out now|url=https://musicplayers.com/2019/10/spyro-gyra-warps-the-songs-from-their-youth-on-vinyl-tap-out-now/|website=musicplayers.com|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> |
||
''The Rhinebeck Sessions'' (2013) included Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernandez, Ambush, and Pearson. According to the group, it was written and recorded over three days in a recording studio in Rhinebeck, New York.<ref name="The Rhinebeck Sessions">{{cite web|title=The Rhinebeck Sessions|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/2009365-Spyro-Gyra-The-Rhinebeck-Sessions|website=Discogs|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> In 2015, there was another change of drummers with Lionel Cordew replacing Pearson.{{cn|date=June 2022}} ''Vinyl Tap'' (2019), the band's most recent record to date, was a departure as it had no original material, instead featuring the band's interpretations of classic rock and r&b songs from the 60's and 70's.<ref>{{cite web|title=musicplayers.com|url=https://musicplayers.com/2019/10/spyro-gyra-warps-the-songs-from-their-youth-on-vinyl-tap-out-now/|website=musicplayers.com|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> |
|||
In 2020, with the band forced to stop touring due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]], the band uploaded a video to YouTube on June 23, 2020 featuring a medley of early hits "Shaker Song," "Catching the Sun" and "Morning Dance" synchronized from recordings of each band member at home.<ref name="Early Hits Medley">{{cite web|title=Early Hits Medley|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfWfZwKEZIM|website=YouTube|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> In 2021, the group resumed touring.<ref name="Orlando Weekly">{{cite web|title=Orlando Weekly|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/music/tedeschi-trucks-band-and-spyro-gyra-both-set-to-play-shows-at-orlandos-dr-phillips-center-in-2021-27696144|website=Orlando Weekly|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
In 2020, with the band forced to stop touring due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]], the band uploaded a video to YouTube on June 23, 2020, featuring a medley of early hits "Shaker Song," "Catching the Sun" and "Morning Dance" synchronized from recordings of each band member at home.<ref name="Early Hits Medley">{{cite web|title=Early Hits Medley|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfWfZwKEZIM|website=YouTube|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> In 2021, the group resumed touring.<ref name="Orlando Weekly">{{cite web|title=Orlando Weekly|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/music/tedeschi-trucks-band-and-spyro-gyra-both-set-to-play-shows-at-orlandos-dr-phillips-center-in-2021-27696144|website=Orlando Weekly|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> |
||
On December 19, 2022, the band announced on Facebook that Tom Schuman planned to move to Europe and would play his final shows with the band in February 2023.<ref name="Facebook">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra-Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/spyrogyragroup|website=Facebook|access-date=19 December 2022}}</ref> On December 28, 2022, the band announced that Chris Fischer would be their new keyboardist starting in March 2023.<ref name="Facebook2">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra-Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/spyrogyragroup|website=Facebook|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> |
On December 19, 2022, the band announced on Facebook that Tom Schuman planned to move to Europe and would play his final shows with the band in February 2023.<ref name="Facebook">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra-Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/spyrogyragroup|website=Facebook|access-date=19 December 2022}}</ref> On December 28, 2022, the band announced that Chris Fischer would be their new keyboardist starting in March 2023.<ref name="Facebook2">{{cite web|title=Spyro Gyra-Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/spyrogyragroup|website=Facebook|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> |
||
In 2024, the group toured in celebration of its 50th anniversary.<ref name="Tour Dates">{{cite web|title=50th Anniversary Tour|url=https://spyrogyra.com/tour-dates/|website=spyrogyra.com|access-date=5 July 2024}}</ref> |
|||
==Former Members== |
|||
==Former members== |
|||
Original bassist Jim Kurzdorfer died of cancer in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.talkbass.com/threads/r-i-p-jim-kurzdorfer.765068/|title=R.I.P. Jim Kurzdorfer|access-date=2016-07-19}}</ref> Former drummer Ted Reinhardt died in an airplane crash on March 4, 2015, at the age of 63.<ref>{{cite web|author=Doc Rock |url=http://www.thedeadrockstarsclub.com/2015.html |title=January to June 2015 |publisher=The Dead Rock Stars Club |access-date=2015-03-07}}</ref> Mallet player Dave Samuels died on April 22, 2019, due to an undisclosed long-term illness.<ref>{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Michael |title=Dave Samuels 1948-2019 |url=https://jazztimes.com/features/tributes-and-obituaries/dave-samuels-1948-2019/ |website=Jazz Times |access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> |
|||
Original bassist Jim Kurzdorfer died of cancer on April 26, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.talkbass.com/threads/r-i-p-jim-kurzdorfer.765068/|title=R.I.P. Jim Kurzdorfer|access-date=2016-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/buffalonews/name/james-kurzdorfer-obituary?id=4756738|title=James Kurzdorfer obituary|access-date=2023-05-20}}</ref> |
|||
Former drummer Ted Reinhardt died in an airplane crash on March 4, 2015, at the age of 63.<ref>{{cite web|author=Doc Rock |url=http://www.thedeadrockstarsclub.com/2015.html |title=January to June 2015 |publisher=The Dead Rock Stars Club |access-date=2015-03-07}}</ref> |
|||
Mallet player [[Dave Samuels]] died on April 22, 2019, due to an undisclosed long-term illness.<ref>{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Michael |title=Dave Samuels 1948-2019 |url=https://jazztimes.com/features/tributes-and-obituaries/dave-samuels-1948-2019/ |website=Jazz Times |access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> |
|||
Original former guitarist Freddy Rapillo died on March 24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.angelenomortuary.com/memorials/alfred-rapillo/4568979/|title=Freddy Rapillo orbituary|access-date=2021-03-24}}</ref> |
|||
===Timeline=== |
|||
{{#tag:timeline| |
|||
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 |
|||
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:90 top:0 right:10 |
|||
Alignbars = justify |
|||
DateFormat =dd/mm/yyyy |
|||
Period = from:01/01/1974 till:01/01/2024 |
|||
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy |
|||
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1974 |
|||
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1974 |
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Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 |
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Colors = |
|||
id:Winds value:gray(0.5) legend:Saxophone |
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id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards |
|||
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass |
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id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums |
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id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitar |
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id:Perc value:claret legend:Percussion |
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id:Mallet value:lavender legend:Mallet |
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id:Plus value:yellow legend:Supporting_member |
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id:Studio value:black legend:Studio_album |
|||
id:bars value:gray(0.95) |
|||
BackgroundColors = bars:bars |
|||
BarData = |
|||
bar:Beckenstein text:"Jay Beckenstein" |
|||
bar:Rapillo text:"Freddy Rapillo" |
|||
bar:Strauss text:"Rick Strauss" |
|||
bar:Catallo text:"Chet Catallo" |
|||
bar:Fernandez text:"Julio Fernandez" |
|||
bar:Azzolina text:"Jay Azzolina" |
|||
bar:Wall text:"Jeremy Wall" |
|||
bar:Schuman text:"Tom Schuman" |
|||
bar:Fischer text:"Chris Fischer" |
|||
bar:Kurzdorfer text:"Jim Kurzdorfer" |
|||
bar:Wofford text:"David Wofford" |
|||
bar:Stone text:"Kim Stone" |
|||
bar:Vally text:"Roberto Vally" |
|||
bar:Cartaya text:"Oskar Cartaya" |
|||
bar:Ambush text:"Scott Ambush" |
|||
bar:Walsh text:"Tom Walsh" |
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bar:Reinhardt text: "Ted Reinhardt" |
|||
bar:Konikoff text:"Eli Konikoff" |
|||
bar:Morales text:"Richie Morales" |
|||
bar:Rosenblatt text:"Joel Rosenblatt" |
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bar:Afonso text:"Ludwig Afonso" |
|||
bar:Bonny text:"Bonny Bonaparte" |
|||
bar:Pearson text:"Lee Pearson" |
|||
bar:Cordew text:"Lionel Cordew" |
|||
bar:Velez text:"Gerardo Velez" |
|||
bar:Badrena text:"Manolo Badrena" |
|||
bar:Quiñones text:"Marc Quiñones" |
|||
bar:Samuels text:"Dave Samuels" |
|||
PlotData= |
|||
bar:Beckenstein from:start till:end color:Winds width:11 |
|||
bar:Wall from:start till:01/01/1978 color:Keys width:11 |
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bar:Schuman from:start till:01/01/2023 color:Keys width:11 |
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bar:Schuman from:start till:01/01/1978 color:Plus width:3 |
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bar:Fischer from:01/01/2023 till:end color:Keys width:11 |
|||
bar:Rapillo from:start till:01/01/1977 color:Guitar width:11 |
|||
bar:Strauss from:01/01/1977 till:01/01/1978 color:Guitar width:11 |
|||
bar:Catallo from:01/01/1978 till:01/01/1985 color:Guitar width:11 |
|||
bar:Fernandez from:01/01/1985 till:01/01/1989 color:Guitar width:11 |
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bar:Fernandez from:01/01/1991 till:end color:Guitar width:11 |
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bar:Azzolina from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:Guitar width:11 |
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bar:Kurzdorfer from:start till:01/01/1980 color:Bass width:11 |
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bar:Wofford from:01/01/1980 till:01/01/1983 color:Bass width:11 |
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bar:Stone from:01/01/1983 till:01/01/1987 color:Bass width:11 |
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bar:Vally from:01/01/1987 till:01/01/1988 color:Bass width:11 |
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bar:Cartaya from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1992 color:Bass width:11 |
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bar:Ambush from:01/01/1992 till:end color:Bass width:11 |
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bar:Walsh from:start till:01/01/1977 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Reinhardt from:01/01/1977 till:01/01/1978 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Konikoff from:01/01/1978 till:01/01/1985 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Morales from:01/01/1985 till:01/01/1991 color:Drums width:11 |
|||
bar:Rosenblatt from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2004 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Afonso from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2007 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Bonny from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2013 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Pearson from:01/01/2013 till:01/01/2016 color:Drums width:11 |
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bar:Cordew from:01/01/2016 till:end color:Drums width:11 |
|||
bar:Velez from:01/01/1977 till:01/01/1986 color:Perc width:11 |
|||
bar:Badrena from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1988 color:Perc width:11 |
|||
bar:Quiñones from:01/01/1990 till:01/01/1992 color:Perc width:11 |
|||
bar:Samuels from:01/01/1976 till:01/01/2008 color:Mallet width:11 |
|||
bar:Samuels from:01/01/1976 till:01/01/1983 color:Plus width:3 |
|||
bar:Samuels from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/2008 color:Plus width:3 |
|||
LineData = |
|||
layer:back color:studio |
|||
at:01/01/1977 |
|||
at:01/01/1979 |
|||
at:01/01/1980 |
|||
at:07/01/1980 |
|||
at:01/01/1981 |
|||
at:01/01/1982 |
|||
at:01/01/1983 |
|||
at:01/01/1984 |
|||
at:01/01/1985 |
|||
at:01/01/1986 |
|||
at:01/01/1987 |
|||
at:01/01/1988 |
|||
at:01/01/1989 |
|||
at:01/01/1990 |
|||
at:01/01/1991 |
|||
at:01/01/1992 |
|||
at:01/01/1993 |
|||
at:01/01/1995 |
|||
at:01/01/1996 |
|||
at:01/01/1997 |
|||
at:01/01/1999 |
|||
at:01/01/2001 |
|||
at:01/01/2002 |
|||
at:01/01/2003 |
|||
at:01/01/2004 |
|||
at:01/01/2006 |
|||
at:01/01/2007 |
|||
at:01/01/2008 |
|||
at:01/01/2009 |
|||
at:01/01/2013 |
|||
at:01/01/2019 |
|||
}} |
|||
==Discography== |
==Discography== |
||
Line 83: | Line 248: | ||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
!Title !! style="width:100px;"|Year |
!Title !! Label !! style="width:100px;"|Year released |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Spyro Gyra (album)|Spyro Gyra]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Spyro Gyra (album)|Spyro Gyra]]'' || align=left|[[Infinity Records]], Amherst || 1978 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Morning Dance]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Morning Dance]]'' || align=left|Infinity, Amherst || 1979 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Catching the Sun (album)|Catching the Sun]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Catching the Sun (album)|Catching the Sun]]'' || align=left|[[MCA Records|MCA]], Amherst || 1980 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Carnaval (Spyro Gyra album)|Carnaval]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Carnaval (Spyro Gyra album)|Carnaval]]''|| align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1980 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Freetime (album)|Freetime]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Freetime (album)|Freetime]]'' || align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1981 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Incognito (Spyro Gyra album)|Incognito]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Incognito (Spyro Gyra album)|Incognito]]'' || align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1982 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[City Kids (Spyro Gyra album)|City Kids]]'' |
|align=left|''[[City Kids (Spyro Gyra album)|City Kids]]'' || align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1983 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Alternating Currents (Spyro Gyra album)|Alternating Currents]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Alternating Currents (Spyro Gyra album)|Alternating Currents]]'' || align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1985 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Breakout (Spyro Gyra album)|Breakout]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Breakout (Spyro Gyra album)|Breakout]]'' || align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1986 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Stories Without Words]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Stories Without Words]]'' || align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1987 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Rites of Summer]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Rites of Summer]]'' || align=left|MCA || 1988 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Point of View (Spyro Gyra album)|Point Of View]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Point of View (Spyro Gyra album)|Point Of View]]'' || align=left|MCA || 1989 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Fast Forward (Spyro Gyra album)|Fast Forward]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Fast Forward (Spyro Gyra album)|Fast Forward]]'' || align=left|[[GRP Records|GRP]] || 1990 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Three Wishes (Spyro Gyra album)|Three Wishes]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Three Wishes (Spyro Gyra album)|Three Wishes]]'' || align=left|GRP || 1992 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Dreams Beyond Control]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Dreams Beyond Control]]'' || align=left|GRP || 1993 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Love and Other Obsessions]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Love and Other Obsessions]]'' || align=left|GRP || 1995 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Heart of the Night]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Heart of the Night]]'' || align=left|GRP || 1996 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[20/20 (Spyro Gyra album)|20/20]]'' |
|align=left|''[[20/20 (Spyro Gyra album)|20/20]]'' || align=left|GRP || 1997 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|'' [[Got the Magic (Spyro Gyra album)|Got the Magic]] '' |
|align=left|'' [[Got the Magic (Spyro Gyra album)|Got the Magic]] '' || align=left|[[Windham Hill Records|Windham Hill]] || 1999 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[In Modern Times]]'' |
|align=left|''[[In Modern Times]]'' || align=left|[[Heads Up International|Heads Up]] || 2001 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Original Cinema]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Original Cinema]]'' || align=left|Heads Up || 2003 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[The Deep End (Spyro Gyra album)|The Deep End]]'' |
|align=left|''[[The Deep End (Spyro Gyra album)|The Deep End]]'' || align=left|Heads Up || 2004 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Wrapped in a Dream]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Wrapped in a Dream]]'' || align=left|Heads Up || 2006 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Good to Go-Go]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Good to Go-Go]]'' || align=left|Heads Up || 2007 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[A Night Before Christmas]]'' |
|align=left|''[[A Night Before Christmas]]'' || align=left|Heads Up || 2008 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Down the Wire]]'' |
|align=left|''[[Down the Wire]]'' || align=left|Heads Up || 2009 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[A Foreign Affair (Spyro Gyra album)|A Foreign Affair]]'' |
|align=left|''[[A Foreign Affair (Spyro Gyra album)|A Foreign Affair]]'' || align=left|Amherst || 2011 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''The Rhinebeck Sessions'' |
|align=left|''The Rhinebeck Sessions'' || align=left|Crosseyed Bear || 2013 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''Vinyl Tap'' |
|align=left|''Vinyl Tap'' || align=left|Amherst || 2019 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
===Live albums=== |
=== Live albums === |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
!Title !! style="width:100px;"|Year |
! Year recorded ||Title !! Label !! style="width:100px;"| Year released |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Access All Areas (Spyro Gyra album)|Access All Areas]]'' |
|1983 || align=left|''[[Access All Areas (Spyro Gyra album)|Access All Areas]]''|| align=left|MCA, Amherst || 1984 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|align=left|''[[Road Scholars]]'' |
|1998 ||align=left|''[[Road Scholars]]'' || align=left|GRP || 1998 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
===Compilations=== |
=== Compilations === |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
!Title !! style="width:100px;"|Year |
!Title !! Label !! style="width:100px;"|Year released |
||
|- |
|||
|''[[Collection (Spyro Gyra album)|Collection]]'' || GRP || 1991 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|''The Best of (The First Ten Years) / 1977-1987 (GRP)'' || GRP, Amherst || 1997 |
|||
|''[[Collection (Spyro Gyra album)|Collection]]'' || 1991 || GRP |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|'' |
|''The Very Best of Spyro Gyra'' || GRP || 2002 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|'' |
|''(20th Century Masters) The Best Of Spyro Gyra: The Millennium Collection'' || Verve || 2007 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|'' |
|''Best Of The Heads Up Years'' || Crosseyed Bear || 2016 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|''50/50'' || Amherst (Reservoir Recordings) || 2024 |
|||
|''Best Of The Heads Up Years'' || 2016 || Crosseyed Bear |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
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==External links== |
==External links== |
||
* [http://www.spyrogyra.com Official website] |
* [http://www.spyrogyra.com Official website] |
||
* {{AllMusic |title=Spyro Gyra |class=artist |id=spyro-gyra-mn0000156886 }} |
|||
* {{Discogs artist|Spyro Gyra}} |
* {{Discogs artist|Spyro Gyra}} |
||
* {{ |
* {{IMDb name|1871402}} |
||
{{Spyro Gyra}} |
{{Spyro Gyra}} |
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Latest revision as of 22:46, 31 October 2024
Spyro Gyra | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Origin | Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz |
Years active | 1974–present |
Labels | Amherst, MCA, GRP, Windham Hill, Heads Up |
Members |
|
Past members |
|
Website | www |
Spyro Gyra /ˌspaɪroʊˈdʒaɪrə/ is an American jazz fusion band that was formed in Buffalo, New York, in 1974. The band's music combines jazz, R&B, funk, and pop music. The band's name comes from Spirogyra, a genus of green algae which founder Jay Beckenstein had learned about in college.
History
[edit]Early years
[edit]Saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and keyboardist Jeremy Wall formed a band with jazz and rock musicians who were playing in the Buffalo bar and club circuit.[1] In 1974, when a bar owner asked for the band's name, Beckenstein said, "spirogyra", a type of algae he had learned about in school.[1] The bar owner wrote the name incorrectly, "Spyro Gyra", but it stuck.[1] The founding members of the band were Beckenstein, Wall, bassist Jim Kurzdorfer, drummer Tom Walsh, and keyboardist Tom Schuman.[1] In 1977, they released Spyro Gyra independently before making a deal with Amherst Records,[2] which re-released the album with a different cover. It included "Shaker Song," which reached No. 90 on Billboard's Hot 100,[3] No. 99 on the pop chart in Canada,[4] and No. 26 on the Canadian AC chart.[5] Jay Beckenstein and Richard Calandra co-produced the record, while Beckenstein and Wall each wrote an equal number of compositions.[6] After the success of "Shaker Song," the band went on tour in 1978 with a lineup including Beckenstein on sax, Wall and Schuman on keyboards, Kurzdorfer on bass, Freddy Rapillo on guitar, Eli Konikoff on drums and Gerardo Velez on percussion.[7]
The band's second album Morning Dance reached No. 11 in the UK Albums Chart, No. 27 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart, and No. 47 in Canada.[8] The song "Morning Dance" reached No. 17 in the UK Singles Chart,[9] No. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary singles chart,[10] No. 45 on the Canadian pop charts,[11] and No. 6 on the Canadian AC charts.[12] The album was certified gold in 1979, then platinum in 1987 by the RIAA.[13] In addition to the band, the album featured guest musicians including trumpet player Randy Brecker, saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarists John Tropea and Hiram Bullock, bassist Will Lee, drummer Steve Jordan and percussionist Rubens Bassini. Drummer Ted Reinhardt and guitarist Rick Strauss were in the band lineup during recording, but by the album's completion Chet Catallo joined on guitar. Jeremy Wall left the touring lineup but would continue to compose for the band.[14] The sextet of Beckenstein, Schuman, Catallo, Kurzdorfer, Konikoff and Velez became the band's touring lineup in 1979, continuing into 1980.[15]
1980s
[edit]When Infinity Records folded, Catching the Sun was released on MCA in February 1980, becoming the No. 4 jazz album of 1980, peaking at No. 31 in the UK,[9] and No. 80 in Canada.[16] This album included the first composition for the group by Tom Schuman, who would become a regular writer along with Beckenstein and Wall, while other band members also contributed compositions.[17] Bassist Jim Kurzdorfer left the group in 1980, replaced by David Wofford, and for a tour of Japan Sheila Escovedo temporarily replaced Velez on percussion.[18] The group released their next album, Carnaval, in late 1980.[19] Catching the Sun was certified gold in 1985 by the RIAA, followed in 1987 by Carnaval.[20] The group's next release was Freetime, in 1981.[21]
Incognito (1982) featured as guests bassist Marcus Miller, drummer Steve Gadd, saxophonist Tom Scott, pianist Richard Tee, harmonica player Toots Thielemans, and pianist Jorge Dalto.[22] City Kids (1983) introduced bassist Kim Stone, replacing Wofford. It was the first Spyro Gyra album recorded at BearTracks Studios, a studio in Suffern, NY established by Beckenstein in 1982.[23]
The live album Access All Areas, recorded in Florida in November 1983, introduced marimba and vibraphone player Dave Samuels (who had guested on earlier tracks including the hits "Shaker Song" and "Morning Dance") as a full-time member of the band.[24] After this album, Eli Konikoff and Chet Catallo left the group, to be replaced by drummer Richie Morales and guitarist Julio Fernández.
The new lineup (Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernández, Samuels, Stone, Morales and Velez) recorded 1985's Alternating Currents, the band's first studio album to feature only the core lineup with no guest musicians.[25] After percussionist Manolo Badrena, formerly of Weather Report and a previous guest musician on Spyro Gyra's albums, joined the band as a full-time member, replacing Velez, the group released the 1986 follow-up Breakout.[26] Alternating Currents (1985) and Breakout (1986) would be among the top 15 Jazz Albums in Billboard in 1986. Longtime co-producer Richard Calandra died in October 1986 of pancreatic cancer.[citation needed]
In 1987, Roberto Vally replaced Stone on bass for Stories Without Words, which would also be Manolo Badrena's final album with the band.[27] Rites of Summer (1988) introduced bassist Oscar Cartaya, replacing Vally.[28] Both Stories Without Words and Rites of Summer were among Billboard's top 15 Contemporary Jazz Albums of 1988.[citation needed] On the 1989 album Point of View Julio Fernández was replaced by guitarist Jay Azzolina.[29] Spyro Gyra ended the decade as Billboard's most successful jazz artist of the 1980s.[citation needed]
1990s
[edit]Percussionist Marc Quiñones joined the group for Fast Forward (1990), though it would be his only album as a band member, and the last album for Richie Morales and Jay Azzolina.[30] In 1990 the group performed temporarily without a guitarist, and with Tony Cintron replacing Morales on drums. [citation needed] Guitarist Julio Fernández rejoined the band for two new tracks included on the "best of" album, Collection, which also marked the debut of drummer Joel Rosenblatt.[31]
Three Wishes (1992) introduced bassist Scott Ambush, replacing Cartaya.[32] The following year's Dreams Beyond Control included guest appearances by former Santana vocalist Alex Ligertwood, marking the first appearance of lyrics on a Spyro Gyra album.[33] After this album, Dave Samuels left the band to pursue solo projects, although he would guest with the band on later albums.
In 1995, the band released Love and Other Obsessions with guests Deniece Williams, Barrington Henderson, Billy Cliff, and a host of other backing vocalists and musicians, including Dave Samuels.[34] This album would be the band's final 90's release to feature traditional R&B vocals. It was the first of a series of albums with the quintet lineup of Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernández, Ambush and Rosenblatt, which lasted until 2004.
Recent years
[edit]Drummer Joel Rosenblatt left the band during the making of The Deep End,[35] leaving room for two other drummers, guest Billy Kilson and Ludwig Afonso, who became Rosenblatt's replacement.[36] The band's next album, 2006's Wrapped in a Dream, was the first Spyro Gyra album since 1990's Fast Forward to be nominated for a Grammy Award.[37] It would be the band's final album recorded at BearTracks Studios, which Beckenstein closed in 2006. Trinidadian Bonny Bonaparte (Bonny B) replaced Afonso as drummer for Good to Go-Go (2007),[38] which received a Grammy nomination, as did A Night Before Christmas and Down the Wire (2009).
A Foreign Affair was released in 2011 and included Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernández, Ambush, and Bonny B, as well as guest vocalists Arijit Singh and Keb' Mo'.[39] The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard jazz album chart. Bonaparte left the group due to health issues in November 2011 and was replaced on drums by Lee Pearson.[citation needed]
The Rhinebeck Sessions (2013) included Beckenstein, Schuman, Fernandez, Ambush, and Pearson. According to the group, it was written and recorded over three days in a recording studio in Rhinebeck, New York.[40] In 2015, there was another change of drummers with Lionel Cordew replacing Pearson.[citation needed] Vinyl Tap (2019), the band's most recent record to date, was a departure as it had no original material, instead featuring the band's interpretations of classic rock and r&b songs from the 60's and 70's.[41]
In 2020, with the band forced to stop touring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band uploaded a video to YouTube on June 23, 2020, featuring a medley of early hits "Shaker Song," "Catching the Sun" and "Morning Dance" synchronized from recordings of each band member at home.[42] In 2021, the group resumed touring.[43]
On December 19, 2022, the band announced on Facebook that Tom Schuman planned to move to Europe and would play his final shows with the band in February 2023.[44] On December 28, 2022, the band announced that Chris Fischer would be their new keyboardist starting in March 2023.[45]
In 2024, the group toured in celebration of its 50th anniversary.[46]
Former members
[edit]Original bassist Jim Kurzdorfer died of cancer on April 26, 2011.[47][48]
Former drummer Ted Reinhardt died in an airplane crash on March 4, 2015, at the age of 63.[49]
Mallet player Dave Samuels died on April 22, 2019, due to an undisclosed long-term illness.[50]
Original former guitarist Freddy Rapillo died on March 24, 2021.[51]
Timeline
[edit]Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]Title | Label | Year released |
---|---|---|
Spyro Gyra | Infinity Records, Amherst | 1978 |
Morning Dance | Infinity, Amherst | 1979 |
Catching the Sun | MCA, Amherst | 1980 |
Carnaval | MCA, Amherst | 1980 |
Freetime | MCA, Amherst | 1981 |
Incognito | MCA, Amherst | 1982 |
City Kids | MCA, Amherst | 1983 |
Alternating Currents | MCA, Amherst | 1985 |
Breakout | MCA, Amherst | 1986 |
Stories Without Words | MCA, Amherst | 1987 |
Rites of Summer | MCA | 1988 |
Point Of View | MCA | 1989 |
Fast Forward | GRP | 1990 |
Three Wishes | GRP | 1992 |
Dreams Beyond Control | GRP | 1993 |
Love and Other Obsessions | GRP | 1995 |
Heart of the Night | GRP | 1996 |
20/20 | GRP | 1997 |
Got the Magic | Windham Hill | 1999 |
In Modern Times | Heads Up | 2001 |
Original Cinema | Heads Up | 2003 |
The Deep End | Heads Up | 2004 |
Wrapped in a Dream | Heads Up | 2006 |
Good to Go-Go | Heads Up | 2007 |
A Night Before Christmas | Heads Up | 2008 |
Down the Wire | Heads Up | 2009 |
A Foreign Affair | Amherst | 2011 |
The Rhinebeck Sessions | Crosseyed Bear | 2013 |
Vinyl Tap | Amherst | 2019 |
Live albums
[edit]Year recorded | Title | Label | Year released |
---|---|---|---|
1983 | Access All Areas | MCA, Amherst | 1984 |
1998 | Road Scholars | GRP | 1998 |
Compilations
[edit]Title | Label | Year released |
---|---|---|
Collection | GRP | 1991 |
The Best of (The First Ten Years) / 1977-1987 (GRP) | GRP, Amherst | 1997 |
The Very Best of Spyro Gyra | GRP | 2002 |
(20th Century Masters) The Best Of Spyro Gyra: The Millennium Collection | Verve | 2007 |
Best Of The Heads Up Years | Crosseyed Bear | 2016 |
50/50 | Amherst (Reservoir Recordings) | 2024 |
Awards and nominations
[edit]Grammy nominations
[edit]- Best Jazz Fusion Performance: Catching the Sun (1980), Incognito (1982), City Kids (1983), Access All Areas (1984), Alternating Currents (1985)
- Best Pop Instrumental Performance: "Shakedown" (1985), "Simple Pleasures" (2008)
- Best Pop Instrumental Album: Wrapped in a Dream (2007), Good to Go-Go (2008), A Night Before Christmas (2009), Down the Wire (2010)
- Best Rhythm & Blues Instrumental Performance: "Stripes" (1982)
Other awards
[edit]- George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards (2007)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Spyro Gyra | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
- ^ Widran, Jonathan. "AboutHistory & Bios – Spyro Gyra". Spryo Gyra. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
- ^ "Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - July 29, 1978" (PDF).
- ^ "RPM Top 50 AO - August 19, 1978" (PDF).
- ^ "Spyro Gyra". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Concert Vault". Concert Vault. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Albums - July 14, 1979" (PDF).
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 522. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - September 1, 1979" (PDF).
- ^ "RPM Top 50 AC - September 8, 1979" (PDF).
- ^ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
- ^ "Morning Dance". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra - Live In Concert 1980". YouTube. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Albums - May 24, 1980" (PDF).
- ^ "Catching The Sun". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra - Live In Japan '80". YouTube. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Freetime". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Incognito". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "City Kids". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Access All Areas". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Alternating Currents". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Breakout". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Stories Without Words". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Rites Of Summer". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Point Of View". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Fast Forward". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Collection". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Three Wishes". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Dreams Beyond Control". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Love & Other Obsessions". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "A Valentine for much-loved Spyro Gyra". The Blade. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
- ^ "The Deep End". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra". grammy.com. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
- ^ "Good to Go-Go". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "A Foreign Affair". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "The Rhinebeck Sessions". Discogs. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra 'warps' the songs from their youth on 'Vinyl Tap,' out now". musicplayers.com. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Early Hits Medley". YouTube. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Orlando Weekly". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra-Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
- ^ "Spyro Gyra-Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
- ^ "50th Anniversary Tour". spyrogyra.com. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "R.I.P. Jim Kurzdorfer". Retrieved 2016-07-19.
- ^ "James Kurzdorfer obituary". Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ Doc Rock. "January to June 2015". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved 2015-03-07.
- ^ West, Michael. "Dave Samuels 1948-2019". Jazz Times. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
- ^ "Freddy Rapillo orbituary". Retrieved 2021-03-24.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Spyro Gyra at AllMusic
- Spyro Gyra discography at Discogs
- Spyro Gyra at IMDb