Name a memorable moment you had with SG and/or a way in which they have influenced or inspired you.

On Sept. 9, 1999. My family and I went to see Spyro Gyra at The Blue Note in NY. My parents also brought along their band and we all got a chance to speak to all of them, so it's like band meets band. ^_^ They were so approachable. My mother who was a fan of theirs for over 13 years, got all their autographs and has had memorable conversations with each of them. The good thing about the Blue Note is that they allow only so many people- like less than 100 or so,which gives you the opportunity to see them and talk to them yourself!

DuBBLe Helix

No memorable moments for me yet...I am still a 'virgin' to SG concert..that is until 9/17. It's hard to believe I have not seen them before. I've heard wonderful things about their show. So, I'm looking forward to seeing them. They are playing with David Sanborn and Gabrielle Anders. I'll let you know how it went.

Way Cool! I hope you have a great time. (I'm sure you will! ^.^) Meanwhile...keep those records playing! The Time is Almost here! Have Fun!

DuBBLe Helix

OK...I have now experienced SG and it was marvelous. I only have one complaint: David Sanborn should have played first, then SG. David is great, but his music is somewhat mellow and it seemed like people were leaving during his set. Anyway, SG had the place really grooving. Their set lasted about an hour and a half and did a couple songs from their latest CD. I especially enjoyed the narrative during 'Bob Goes to the Store'...what a hoot...the audience participation was great. And, boy, everyone had a great time. It was a great experience.

Lurch,

Now you have a bit of an idea as to why Spyro Gyra has the reputation it has....as the best, most dynamic live band out there!

And I agree...it's not a very smart move for a band to go on after Spyro Gyra. After Spyro leaves the stage, the other bands always seem like they are trying to match Spyro's intensity, and of course they fall short, which is probably why you noticed so many people leaving early.

Peace!
Paul

I've had a few memorable moments at Spyro Gyra concerts.

One that springs to mind is when is traveled up to Santa Barbara to catch the band at the Coach House Sant Barabara.

The opening band was on...a large group of kids, big band style, with a young kid on kinda a blues rock style guitar.

I'm standing near the back, digging these high schoolers, and who is standing next to me? None other than Julio Fernandez!

After I mention how much I enjoy the band, his compositions, ect...I ask a very specific question:

"You know the song, "Serpentine Shelly"? Was that song inspired by the great comedy, "The Inlaws", starring Alan Arkin and Peter Falk?"

Julio is silent for a second, as if trying to recall...then says "Oh yeah! Yes it is! Stick around after the show and tell it to Tom(Schuman)...he'll get a kick out of it"

So I stick around. After the concert, I repeat my theory to Schuu...who says "Paul you're a genius...in 14 years you are the first person to make that connection"

"You're the genius" was my reply.

Memorable INDEED!

Peace!
Paul

Well, 18 hours till my next memorable experience. Roger Smith, Brian Culbertson, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot and Spyro at the 5th annual WJZW Jazz Festival in Centreville, VA. They keep changing the lineup. It originally included Candy Dulfer. Then she was dropped and Spyro was billed as the headline act. Now Richard Elliot is advertised as the headliner. I hope it doesn't turn into a big fustercluck.

This radio station is already a laughing stock as a jazz station in many ways. They're celebrating Bonnie Raitt week this week. Now there's a jazz icon! Great musician, but never been a jazz musician!

Will report after the show...

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Gary

Lurch,
Hey I'm glad you had a good time. "Bob goes to the Store" is great! Where did you see them?

Paul,
Wow that must have been surprising to see the one and only Julio Fernandez! Was he talking to anyone else when you first saw him?

Gary,
Hey hope you have a good time!(sure you will)^.^

Double,

Re: Julio. No, he was just standing in toward the back of the house, blending in, and taking in the big high school jazz blues ensemble. But this does give me a chance to mention that after the show, Jay Beckenstein and the rest of the band took a heckuva alot of time talking with the starry eyed high school age band members, who of course were wanting autographs, musical secrets, and info on just about everything under the sun relating to Spyro Gyra and being in a world reknown band. It impressed me that even though you could see exhaustion on the Jay's, Schuu's, Julio's, Scott's, and Joel's face's, they stayed around until the last question was answered(and this young band was about 15 members strong!).

Gary, enjoy the fest! If Richard Elliot and his managment are smart, they will plead to go on BEFORE Spyro. I've seen Elliot, and while he's solid, he can't follow Spyro and come off as anything but a Spyro influenced band who is trying hard to match Spyro, but falling way short.

For any band, it really is stupid to folow them onstage.

Peace!
Paul

Great day in Centreville, VA! Each act was smokin! Spyro went on an hour later (3:40) than originally scheduled and ended up closing the show (early) by default.

During their set, Richard Elliot was struck by some piece of equipment backstage and severely cut. They tried to patch him up and go on with the set, but couldn't get the bleeding stopped. He was treated and released at a local hospital. I suppose that if a decision were made earlier about scrubbing his set, Spyro might have extended theirs by 30 minutes or so.

I was disappointed overall with Spyro's setlist. Five new tunes, 'Silk 'n Satin, ...Porkpie Hat, Got the Magic,' two others, 'Bob...' and '...Igor's.' 'Bob...' and '...Igor's' absolutely SMOKED!!!!! Scott and Tom definitely tweaked it up for the home folks.

Now, with the tour winding down, we in the DC area look forward to seeing Scott and Tom out and about sitting in on stage with some of the locals. Will report on that...

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Gary