As a bonefide Spyro Gyra freak, I believe that I can safely say that between my brother Dave and I, there is absolutely nothing anyone can ask us about the band that we can't answer!

So there's the challenge! Go ahead and ask me (us) anything at all!

OK !!!!!!!!!!
Die Hard Spyro Gyra Jazz Cats !!!!!!! LOL

Do you think Jay & Tom could re-unite the ORIGINAL lineup of the band for a TRUE reunion of the band ?? ......and if I may say ........ a tour ??????? Will Lee contributed a lot to that sound too. Can you you assure me he will be there for this "Monumental" gathering of the tribes

I'm just playing with ya ........That's my only peeve with the group........OK maybe I'm stuck in 1980 with the "Catching The Sun" CD lodged in my brain..........but truthfully.....THAT'S THE ONLY CD OF THEIR'S I REALLY LIKE !!!!!!!!!!

Hello Phil- This is only 1/2 SG related but I know you are a good guy to ask. You are a huge Yellowjackets fan as well, right?

In what ways would you(or wouldn't you ) compare The Yellowjackets to Spyro Gyro with regards to musicianship, chemistry (with regards to line-up changes), and types of music they play?

I have "taken to" every SG recording I have ever heard rather quickly (within 5 listens through) but I am only recently starting to listen to the Yellowackets and and it's taking me a long time to appreciate (about 12 listens, so far). I've got Blue Hats which I believe is one of their better cd's? Capetown and Savannah are the only ones that I really like. I can tell there's loads of talent but, for me, somethings lacking? Maybe the music is a little above my head? Spyro Gyra no doubt has a stronger sense of melody in their music and I like that. Do you think that's the main difference? What other Yellowjackets release should I check out that might be easier to get into? I appreciate your comments.

Peace. Steve

P.S. Spyro Gyra Rules!!!!

Hey Steve,
You might want to check out Samurai Samba and their self-titled first release. Both are very easy to get into. I love them both. Very much in the upbeat style. Live Wires is also worth a listen.
Peace

Hey SteveH

You may want to check out The Yellowjackets 1986 MCA Records CD "Shades" Very Good !!!
..oh and get 1983's Warner Bros. disc "Mirage A Trois" Classic!!!!

After "Catching The Sun" , I love Spyro's "Incognito" : "Last Exit" is a great song !!!!



[This message has been edited by Randy Mahon (edited April 12, 2001).]

SteveH . . .

Yellowjacket fans generally prefer one of the three versions of the band since 1981. The original version (#1) consisted of Russell Ferrante on keys, Jimmy Haslip on bass, Ricky Lawson on drums and Robben Ford, guitar. Version #2 had Ferrante, Haslip, Will Kennedy on drums and Marc Russo on saxophones (1985-1989). Version #3 featured Ferrante, Haslip, Kennedy and Bob Mintzer on saxophones and EWI (1990 to present).

I confess to thinking that the 1990's band is the best and most talented with Ferrante and Bob Mintzer's composing/arranging skills. This version (#3) has moved a bit more towards straight-ahead jazz and three of the best releases are "Live Wires," "Run For Your Life" and "Blue Hats" (their best IMO).

I have all their releases with the exception of "Shades" and feel that since 1981 they have continued to mature, improve and refine as a group.

Spyro Gyra is my all-time favorite contemporary group and it is because of my discovery of their music that I was attracted to other contemporary jazz groups like the YJ's, the Pat Metheny Group, the Rippingtons and Dave Weckl. They were a stepping stone for me into this music and for that reason I can't really draw an effective comparison between them other than to say I will not miss a concert by any of these groups if at all possible. Perhaps they fill slightly different music needs that I have, I don't know.

For instance I would say that Spyro Gyra puts on absolutely killer live concerts. I've seen them many times and have thoroughly enjoyed every one. However the greatest single live concert I've ever attended was Pat Metheny's 1997 Imaginary Day tour concert. At the same time I've been to numerous Rippingtons and Yellowjackets live shows and they have always been outstanding as well. If you've ever had an opportunity to see the YJ's with Will Kennedy on drums, it is impossible to sit still because of the incredible groove he brought to that band. Fans are still moaning about his leaving the band.

So, as you can see, asking me to compare the YJ's and Spyro is asking the impossible. I love 'em both in the extreme.

[This message has been edited by Phil (edited April 13, 2001).]

I have two questions:
1. What exact date (day + month) was their concert in Phoenix, AZ, during the Heart Of The Night Tour in 1996?
2. Who was their live percussion player on that tour?
I own a concert bootleg CD from that gig and I can hear that there is evidently a sixth member playing conga and percussion live on the stage.
Thank you in advance, you will help me immensely.

Peter . . .

I believe that my brother knows the answer to those two questions. You'll have to ask him. . . . . (ouch! This thread was a rather poor gag).

[This message has been edited by Phil (edited April 15, 2001).]

My question has to do with song titles from way back:
We know Jennifer is Jay's wife and Alexandria is one of his daughters.
But who are: Letitia, Galadriel, (Song for) Lorraine?
I have an idea about one of those, but I'll wait for your answers.

------------------
Woody

Hey Jazzwriter!!!!!

Lorraine is Jay's mother. I just have an interview from a local newspaper back in '82 when they played here and played that song.

As for the other names, gee!! don't know!!!!

Eril.