OK... The water is just right and the pool is officially open!!! I just received my copy of The Deep End SACD today. It's been a busy day and I haven't gotten a chance to listen all the way through yet... but I've heard at least part of each song so far... some in my car and some in SACD format on the home theatre.

Early favorites:
Wiggle Room - This is a GREAT tune! Scott's bass work is outstanding and Joel shows why he's... well... Joel.

Monsoon - Duh! You already know the story on this one and I just can't get it out of my head!

Joburg Jam - I really like this tune... and Ludwig sounds good on the drums.

The Crossing - REALLY nice Julio tune!

Well, it's ALL GOOD! No programmed drums or "smooth jazz formula" stuff. This is just pure Spyro Gyra. The closest thing I would compare it to at this point is Three Wishes... and, for me, that's saying a lot!!! Cause I LOVE Three Wishes!

Gotta fly a 3-day trip tomorrow so I'll be off the board for a few days. But I'm taking it with me and will be listening on the layovers.

Don't miss this one!!!

No Rick I don't know the story on this Monsoon everybody keeps raving about. I haven't heard it yet. What am I missing? I cannot wait to hear it!!!!!!
Cathy

Hey Rick, pardon my butting in.......

Cathy, it's a freebie mp3, the best kind! Follow this link to the download page.
http://www.headsup.com/ecards/3085/
That should get you there- I'd go soon, not sure how long they are going to give it away as a promo for the new CD.
Hope that helps- then you'll know what we're talking about.
Take care
Tony

"Monsoon" was also one of the tracks on Jay Beckenstein's only solo release to date, "Eye Contact" released on Windham Hill in April of 2000.

WOW!!!I think I just dived into the deep end with this track. Thanks Bassix.
Cathy

I've always loved "Monsoon", from the first time I heard them play it live. Glad to see it's back again, and in such a big way! Seven minutes! Incredible!

Hi Cathy.
Glad to see you've discovered "Monsoon"! Here's what I know about it...

The first I know of it was on Spyro Gyra's PBS special (I think 1997 or 98), Spyro Gyra and Friends. The last song they do is "Nothing to Lose" and they feature Scott on bass. In the middle of that song, they go into Monsoon for just a little while. Then, on Jay's solo CD (released in 2000?), Monsoon is one of the songs. Around that same time, they started including it in their live performances and it was in the set list for a couple of years. I've heard them play it about 3 or 4 times live... it's GREAT... always a highlight!

On The Deep End, they seem to have really captured the essence of a live performance of Monsoon. You just have to crank up the volume...

Rick

Rick,

Are you sure 'bout Monsoon (even partially) being on SG&F? I'm gonna have to watch closely again...

When you get a chance, go back and listen to Nothing To Lose... it's kinda sandwiched in the middle. Let me know if you don't hear it... I'm pretty sure that's what I heard.

Rick

WOW!!!I think I just dived into the deep end with this track. Thanks Bassix.
Cathy :cool

--------------------------------------------------

You're welcome always glad to see someone get fired up about the band!

Tony

originally by Rick:
----------------------------------------------
The first I know of it was on Spyro Gyra's PBS special (I think 1997 or 98), Spyro Gyra and Friends.
---------------------------------------------

Is that available, on DVD, or vhs or something? Maybe I'll check into that on the pbs site....
Tony

No, as far as I know, it's not available on DVD or VHS... officially. HOWEVER, there IS someone on this board who, in the past, has been willing to provide copies. (I know who it is... I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. )
But his initials are G A R Y!

Hope this helps...

Rick

Thanks Rick-
I did some searching around on the PBS website and got distracted.......but didn't find anything about SG. Too bad.
Wonder why the band didn't release it....can they do that? Phil B, are you out there?

By the way, before they shut it down, the House of Blues website had a geeeee-reat live video of the band, I sat and watched it all the way through one night late, when I had a good connection- wish now that I had tried to capture the streaming video, but I guess that's part of what shut them down anyway.....
The Ambush take on K Stone's Bob Goes to the Store was worth watching by itself.

HOB actually had two of those; one from 1999 and one from 2000 in New Orleans. I have the audio for both, although there's a bit of skipping in some parts.

The one I saw was the New Orleans one, I think.... Great show. Wonder what happened to those HOB files......

Just received my copy of The Deep End... One word review...FABULOUS!

Ditto...

Now I see what all the "Monsoon" fuss is about - very much new and improved!

Rick!!! You're right about the Spyro and friends video (Thanks Again Gary.....4 thumbs waaaaaay up)

They played "monsoon" here back in 2000 the last time they came here, and i remember jay's face turn red playing his solo. Also remember Tom playing the rain and thunder sounds with the E-MU sampler via the Roland D-50!!!

This band is getting better and better!!!

WOW!
Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Eye Contact Monsoon.
But, my goodness.
This is hot, Hot, HOT! I love the stage-like ending, among other things. And Jay is just fantastic.
After just one listen, the other things of major note are the funk element - which, for jazz intents and purposes, is the antecedent of smooth - and Scott's work on Beyond the Rain, possibly the best of his compositions to date - well, except of course, The Deep End (the song).

I hate to break this to ya Woody, but there are some Ambush compositions that you HAVEN'T heard. You can own one on a bass compilation out there called "Play Da Bass." We get to witness the composition performed live locally :p with some regularity but as far as I know, this is the only place where it's recorded and available to the general public.

...and I still think it's a little unusual for a band to release an album with a particular title that happens to be the name of a tune in their repertoire (sp?) but don't use the tune as a title cut on the album of the same name...

Yeah. Imagine my shock when I learned that little fact. And considering it was part of last year's tour is equally puzzling.

Oh, I'm on my 6th listen now (Nowhere near the pace of Original Cinema at this stage, but that's because I got so much other new stuff that I have to review.)

Now, it's all good.
But the early favorites are:
Monsoon
The Crossing
Wiggle Room
Wind Warriors
Chippewa Street
Beyond the Rain

Oh, Jay's solo toward the fade on Wiggle Room.
What do you guys hear?
I'm not sure if he's dubbed in an EWI there or if he's in a duet with Schu on the keys or Scott with some wah-wah effects on the bass.
Any ideas?

To my ear... I'm thinking EWI or some kind of synthesized effect on the sax. It's definitely very noticeable. In fact, the first time I heard it I looked in the liner notes to see if there was any mention of Jay playing anything other than sax... i.e. EWI.

Phil Brennan, care to enlighten us?

Rick

I haven't recieved my copy yet, so i haven't listened to the song....but i'm 99.8% sure that it is a duet between jay and tom. They do that a lot in some songs: "Capt. Karma", "Incognito"....maybe i'm wrong but due to the fact that jay is playing more traditional, i can say that maybe is a duet between him and tom.

Hi All,
Haven't been here in a while. I used to log in as Art Altenbach, but I can't seem to get in with that one anymore.
Anyway, I got my copy of The Deep End the other day and man is it great! These guys continue to amaze.
Hey Gary, did you hear about Scott's show in Frederick this year? It's scheduled for August 15th. Hope to see you there again. I'll probably be there with my whole troop again!
Now if only Spyro could get a gig in my area this year, as I missed them last year.

Art

My contact at Heads Up may arrange an interview. If so, I'll ask Jay, but I'm with you - leaning toward the Schuu.

No Art, hadn't heard (and I specifically asked the guy!)

It's marked large on the calendar now and thank you for the scoop. This show gets better every time around. It'll be hard to top last year's (except for the weather.)

Jeff Charney gave it a good review..
http://www.contemporaryjazz.com/reviews/SpyroGyraDE.html
how come he never says "women will like this one" when he is reviewing a CD like this, only when referring to sentimentalized sap. I like what I have heard so far a lot! Hopefully I will have a review in jazznation.com next month.

Hats off to Jeff. He says a lot with a few words. Excellent.
:rolleyes: Of course, you know mine will be longer. :p

Ok i`m on my first listen of The Deep End
So far Summer Fling and OMG...Wiggle Room(you da man Scott) really get me going!! On a sad note after listening to Joburg Jam i sure hope this Ludwig dude gets his @&%* together! Very very lack-luster,way to much snare and just downright BORING!! If he is to fill Mr. Rosenblatts shoes he better shape up quick.

Ok you can now add Wind Warriors to my "get me going" list!!

Back to Ludwig ...this guy needs to get creative really quick,from what i`ve heard of Mr. Kilson so far i can`t beleive he didn`t get the gig As of right now i`m almost not looking forward to SG this July

Ok Chippewa Street is playing now...add it to the list!! Billy sounds like he`s having a @$#&*%! blast,again as to why he didn`t get the gig???Love his bass work! Well sorry to piss anyone off,but Mr Rosenblatt will be truely missed!!

Peace

Spyro1

...ok add Beyond the Rain to the list too

Peace

Spyro1

Well, just got my copy yesterday and i have to say that this is a Spyro hall of famer indeed!!!

All the songs stand out one way or the other, and Tom's solos with the rhodes gives it that vintage sound that i like. I also have to say that Scott's contribution as a composer is getting better and better. I just can't decide which is better between his two songs on this cd. I lean just a bit to "Between the Rain".

Well, about jay's end solo on "Wiggle Room" he's playing the tenor sax with a "wah wah" pedal. I remember watching a concert in the virgin islands arround '81 or'82 where he used the soprano with a "wah wah" playing "Laser Material". So, there goes the 2.2% that i missed!!!

Another thing that i love about this release is that we have 2 songs from my hero Tom Schuman. We all know his great contribution to this band as a composer, and i really missed that with "Original Cinema". "Wind Warrior's" Latin essence blew my mind away........also the synth solos are back!!! MUCHAS GRACIAS TOM!!! I NEEDED THAT!!!!

I've only listened to it like 8 times and i found out that this is a cd that you have to listen carefuly because the songs are so diverse and they don't follow a crtetain pattern like in other releases (The opening and the closing track are like oil and water!!!!!!)

So, i think this will top "Three Wishes" and become one of their best releases ever.

I'll be listening to it!!!......Oh and another thing, listen closely to the fade on "Wiggle Room", Tom's playing the riff from scott's "The Deep End"!!!!

Isn't it interesting how most of us crave Tom's synth work but wish we had never heard Richie's?

I know, keys, drums - different ball park.

This CD is definitely more old school than the past several have been. I have to give a big nod to Wiggle Room as my favorite track so far. The most compelling part about it - from a bass player's point of view - is that Scott absolutely thumbs his nose at the establishment and pops (notice I didn't say "slaps and pops") a good portion of the song. I love it.

Sorry if I missed this in another thread, but does anyone know what material from Deep End they're playing in their live show? After almost 4 years, I'm finally going to get to see them again in a couple weeks. If the baby sitting comes through.

Jim,
Don't give up just yet. I'm a HUGE Rosenblatt fan... so my expectations will be very high for Ludwig. On the other hand, the ONLY thing I've heard him play so far is Joburg Jam. That tune doesn't lend itself to a whole lot of "creative drumming". To my ear, Ludwig lays down a nice groove for the song and plays simple, tasteful fills where appropriate. I'm a drummer (amateur) myself. I even sat down today for a few minutes and played along to see if I could add more complexity to the drum part on Joburg Jam... my conclusion: I think Ludwig does a nice job on this one.

The real proof will be in the live performance. While I too feel that it would be difficult (maybe impossible) to replace Joel, I can't imagine Jay, Tom, Julio, and Scott bringing in a drummer that is anything less than spectacular. I hope we are going to be pleasantly surprised.
Rick

I concurr with Rick!!! Ludwig's work on Joburg Jam is very very good....Especially on the bridge where he hits the double bass drum!!!

Gary: Richie's work wasn't that bad at all.....except for the electric drums..now Tom's work!!!!! ha!! he's second to none!!!

Uhhh. Where are my long time buddies Paul and Phil???

Your input is more than welcome!!!

Yeah, love that Wiggle Room.
Hmmm, The Deep End fade? Gotta listen again. (How'd I miss that? TDE is my fave song of all-time.)

That tune doesn't lend itself to a whole lot of "creative drumming". To my ear, Ludwig lays down a nice groove for the song and plays simple, tasteful fills where appropriate.

That maybe true,but Joel seemed to always keep things interesting no matter what song...no i have not given up hope...yet.

I have my fingers crossed

Peace

Spyro1

Ahhhh... you have hit on one of Joel's best qualities as a drummer/musician. The subtle musical things he does, while not always obvious, are spectacular. A lot of drummers are just... well... drummers. Joel is a MUSICIAN who happens to play the drums.

Let's give Ludwig a chance. I would find it very difficult to believe that these guys would hire a drummer who doesn't have a lot of those qualities. I'm hoping to catch them in June in Atlanta... I'll be "all ears" for Ludwig's playing and I'm anticipating some good stuff!

Rick

Woody!! Listen close to Jay's ending solo with the "wah wah", Tom's playing the riif from "The Deep End" with the elec piano while jay is soloing!!

It sounds awsome!!!

I'm hoping to catch them in June in Atlanta... I'll be "all ears" for Ludwig's playing and I'm anticipating some good stuff!

I won`t be seeing them until July($64.50 w/dinner). If you do make the June date,please give a heads-up as to how Ludwig played.

Jim

You got it!

Rick

I will See Them On June 3rd!!!!!

Yeah, Eril, I got it.
Of course, you know what this means.
They absolutely MUST play Wiggle Room live and segue into The Deep End.

Don't be greedy... :p

Join us in Frederick on Aug. 15. You'll get all the bass you can handle.

Man, you guys are AMAZING! I'm not sure I would have EVER noticed that if you hadn't pointed it out. In fact, I had to listen twice to catch it after you told us about it. That's pretty cool though!

I'll tell ya... the more I listen to this one, the more I'm lovin' it!!!! The Deep End is a VERY good place to be this time of year!

Rick

Well, darn it! I went to buy the tickets this morning and it says the event has been cancelled. After I re-arranged my June schedule and got my 9 year old son all fired up about going...

Oh well, Eril will just have to fill us all in when he sees them in Puerto Rico...

Come to think of it... I was looking at dates and I have conflicts with just about every one. I may have to see if I can find a trip with a Minneapolis layover on July 30. Jim... Is the venue located anywhere near downtown?

Rick

Rick, Rossi's Blue-Star is in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, on Nicollet Mall to be exact. Great location, I hope to be there!

Hey, Matt!
That's great... we layover right by Nicollet Mall! Now, I've just got to wait until the July bid package comes out and see if there are any MSP layovers that fit...

How's your flying going???

Rick

Yep Rossi`s is the place...why, i don`t know Last year they were at the Guthrie,nice size,ton of people,the years before they were at the Minnesota Zoo Ampitheatre(outdoors)70-80 degrees...awesome !! Rossi`s looks small(couple hundred people)so i`m sure there`s gonna be some pissed folks that miss SG this year,although they are having 2 shows back to back that might help a bit. Anyways...gotta run...the boy has hockey practice

Peace

Spyro1

One man's greed is another man's dessert.

...extra Cool Whip, please...

I just love this CD..nobody but Spyro Gyra can keep it melodic and get in so much solid soloing.
No Southern dates . I haven't seen them since pre- "Modern Times" and the last 3 CDs have so much incredible music on them.

<< Oh, I'm on my 6th listen now Nowhere near the pace of Original Cinema at this stage, but that's because I got so much other new stuff that I have to review. >>

Know the feeling..with the help of the fabulous US Postal Service the CD that was mailed on May 10th arrived yesterday, the 21st, what do they do at the Post Office..strap em to the back of a camel and point him south??? The deadline is looming. Fortunately this is a great CD to garden to and I can take my CD walkman to the laundromat..perhaps I should write reviews for Martha Stewart Living while shes otherwise occupied??

After I campaigned to get this review when there is another writer who is more of a "jazz afficianado/serious musicologist" I reaized I may have backed off the Deep End because I don't even know what this means..
<>
and the band might be offendeded by a shallow girly review..but the choir is already in the loft..I'm preaching to the unconverted

Summer Fling is the radio "single" and an absolutely perfect song..it is indeed "summer music" and has the beautiful vibe and substance of melodic pre-smooth contemporary jazz. It will sound so fresh between Deniece Williams and the Chi-lites. If there is a God it will go #1 (sfx: lightning bolt).

I'm with you there. To be fair, I try to slip it in after about every third or fourth other CD. Of course, I doubled up after it was pointed out that traces of The Deep End were on the fade of Wiggle Room.
I also feel your pain about the lack of Southern dates. Even in the years I didn't get to see them, it seems they always had a show in either Jackson, Memphis or Little Rock.

By the way, I've come to the conclusion that Chippewa Street is the "Funky Tina" of this album.

I like the writing on the press release a lot too..it is so rare to find buzzword free press releases these days. Not a single "sensual"!!! Yaaay!

LOL, I haven't even read my press release, even though I got one hard copy and two e-mails.
I got one question, though. Who's doing the counting for these guys.
Last year, they observered their "25th anniversary" tour. (I even bought a shirt.)
But now, they're celebrating 30 years?
I know, I know. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of their first album release - 1978; so I assume this year is the actual 30th anniversary of when Jay and Jeremy actually founded the group. (Funny, I thought it was 1975, not '74, but I digress.)
Either way, I wish they'd count one way or the other. This jumping from 25 to 30 in one year can cramp a writer's credibility. The music is timeless, but with this method of counting, SG ages faster than a Kelly Clarkson hit. (Oops, did I go there?)

Just received my Deep End CD - signed by Jay - I waited and ordered it from the website so I would get a signed one ... so I am a little behind you guys and have some major catch-up listened to do!.... looks like I'll be living in the deep end for awhile.

First pass -- I really like Monsoon and Wiggle Room ...no real suprise after all the posted comments.

Can't wait for Newport Beach in August!
Jim

Here it is:
optional reading

Nice review Woody. This is fast becoming one of my favorite recordings. Certainly my favorite since Dreams Beyond Control.

Wow! Never thought I'd be able to say this, but MAN!! I think I'm diggin' this one even MORE than Original Cinema! (And that's a tall order!)

Shannon says that "Summer Fling" is the radio pick? Funny, I would've thought "As You Wish" was the more radio-friendly one.

Anyhoo...some early favorites...although every single song is a "gem"...

Eastlake Shuffle - Has that playful "bounciness"...kinda reminds me of "Big Dance Number", slowed down just a notch.

Monsoon - Wow, what an awesome tune!! I can just SEE the trees bending in the wind, the torrential rain pouring down relentlessly! Unbelievable song!

Joburg Jam - Yep, this is one jammin' tune! Love it, love it!

The Crossing - Another powerful, mood-setting song. The beginning of it somehow reminds me of something "Metro" did. I'll have to dig out my Metro CD's and figure out what song I'm hearing echos of. But, after that, the song turns into pure, unmistakable Spyro Gyra!

Wiggle Room - My first thought when hearing this for the first time, was "Wow! Snap, Crackle, Pop!!" Yep, this one is crackling with energy and excitement!

Chippewa Street - Funky fun! Did I hear Woody say this was the "Funky Tina" of the Deep End? Yeah, Wood, I think you're right!

And, in between all those...all the rest are just fabulous, too!

SG has definitely done it again!! Two thumbs WAY, WAY UP!!

"The Deep End" is very good throughout. I've found something to like about every track and would list my favorites as "Wiggle Room" and "Wind Warriors."

Been featuring the CD on my radio show this week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6-8AM), and have spun about seven of its tracks so far with a couple scheduled for a repeat tomorrow morning.

Whoa! I was about to say...how could I have left out "Wind Warriors"??

It just played again, as I'm getting ready for work. That song is a BLAST!! It leaves you feeling like this little purple guy... !!

Well!! After 4 loooong years Spyro Gyra returns tomorrow to San Juan. For me it has been 3 years since i saw them in St. Thomas and this is the second time they play at the heineken jazz fest.

I will dive into the "Live Deep End" and see my favorite band again. This time is special 'cause there's a new member in the band.

Yes, Yes, of course i will give a detailed review of the show!!!!!

Three years is a long time to wait. I have troble waiting 3 months! Have a great time at the show Eril! We'll be anxiously awaiting your report.

Right now, it's Wiggle Room and Wind Warriors, with strong nods to Monsoon, Joburg Jam and Chippewa Street.
Yes, Donna, I said it was the Funky Tina of the new album. Cool, huh.

From an e-mail I got from Heads Up:
"Just released on May 25, Spyro Gyra's THE DEEP END debuts at #5 this week on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart! You've got to respect the audience this group has built for themselves over the years."

I really enjoyed Billy Kilson on drums on "Chippewa Street."

With my first listen through...great cd! (And Shannon, your review?? Excellent! yea, just what she said!)

The solo Jay lays down at the closing of Joburg Jam rivals anything he has ever played including live versions of Heliopolis, Ariana or Shanghai. Spectacular! Also, anybody pick up the same phrasing on pieces of Wiggle Room as Feeling Fine Part 2? Pretty cool.

Julio sounds really great, Scott a little subdued (except for his piece) but I could be wrong, I need to listen more. Even still, the whole package sounds great which is most important.

More later but I would say I will probably find this cd as my favorite under the Heads Up label.

Heres my review. you writers out there, ever notice how the more you like a CD the harder it is to get it into words, this was a labor, a labor of love but a labor!
http://www.thejazznation.com/Ovations/SpyroGyra.htm

Its cool to see the folks on this forum "get it". On the contemporaryjazz.com forum most of the comments have been "it's not that good" but my impression is that those guys would rather talk about how great someone was in 1975 than what is happening now anyway..

Shannon and Woody, you did an excellent job on your respective reviews. I am sure the group will be most appreciative.

Yes, I feel that "the deep end" is one of their best collective efforts. It is really nice to see that they are still working hard at recording some terrific songs for their enjoyment as well as ours.

Happy listening,
Lou

Wow, try sayin' THAT three times fast!!

Yes!!! Here, here!! I must agree wholeheartedly!!

Thanks, you two!! VERY well done!

Shannon - I just bopped over to that forum and I have to say that the more common thread there is that there is nothing "Ground Breaking" on the Deep End. For a lot of either long time or early or mid years SG fans or folks that have a hard time with SmoothJazz in general -- I can see how they would say that about this release.

Don't get me wrong - I like it (bought it, no regrets) -- but I still have other titles (depending on my mood) which I consider to be my favorite or SG's best. For me, I had to listen to both the Deep End and Original Cinama several times to appreciate them and get beyond some of the "smoothness". I actually like Original Cinema better, but I have listened to it much more too.

Anyway, with so much great music they have produced over such a long time, we will have many "bests" to choose from. That's what makes SG so great anyway. I do not own all their CD's (yet) - but hope to over time. I cannot think of many (any?) other groups/artists that I can say that about.

Jim

So WHO is out there making "groundbreaking" stuff?? Ha!

More importantly, is it even good music?

I think maybe a better analogy about this release would be that (IMHO) you could take a handful of studio musicians and they could quite easily duplicate playing most of what is out there in the smooth jazz genre. But I would be hard-pressed to think that those same individuals could do the same with "The Deep End." The chemistry and musicianship is at too high a level. Just a well-oiled machine...like comparing a Lexus to a Kia.

Not getting on you, Jim, just the comment which sounds like it came from another board.

Hey, Jim. So you think The Deep End is smooth?
Very interesting.

..It's not that I think it is smooth but it has "smoothness" qualities that you need to get beyond to really appreciate it. I felt the same way on Original Cinema ( which I still like a little better). This was never the case with say "Three Wishes" ... which is probably old enough for folks to say I am living in the past

Hey .. just my opinion ..

Jim

Well Said !
.. not sure which comment you mean??? I posted this after quickly gleaning the board Shannon referenced and definately extracted the "groundbreaking" statement from there (I thought that was obvious). Guess I better go and make sure my posts are 100% original content from now on :rolleyes: .. or at least properly cross-referenced and footnoted.

Jim

Well, guess that means I "got beyond" in about 3 seconds flat ... well, okay, it was more like 4 minutes for the first song.
No, I wouldn't say you're living in the past on Three Wishes. I think most of us still hold that album as the high stand for SG. Although I disagree that it didn't have smooth qualities. In terms of "smoothness," Pipo's Song, Inside Your Love, Cabana Carioca and, to a lesser degree, Real Time have elements of smooth that aren't all that different from the smoothness in the last three albums.
Or do we have different definitions of "smooth"?

Well, I'm, late to the party, but I got a date anyway......
I love this CD! I'd been waiting for a "reason" to by it, like a birthday or something; (tomorrow is mine), so I got it tonight. I was shortchanging myself to wait that long, this is great stuff.
As for the Joel comments et al, I don't see anything to really come down on Ludwig about...that song would be a really difficult one to judge anybody by, I'd have to hear more of him to say, but it's perfectly fine with me. In fact mixing up the drummers may have helped the overall sonic quality of the project, helps with the "change-ups" and keeps it fresh. Dare I say it, but if Joel had done all the tracks it may not have turned out quite as varied. Hey, just a thought....but I doubt anyone would have really noticed anyway, and we'll never know.
I will say one of the tunes Billy Kilson is on (Chippewa Street) has some monster playing on it. I could tell it was a slightly different drummer, but,who's to say, since Joel was (is) so able to play anything....anyway, the double bass rolls near the fade out are classic stuff to me, always loved that sort of thing, you know how certain rhythms get under your skin, and just make you feel good all over, well that's one.
Scott Ambush never ceases to suprise me with his riffs and voicings, I have to say he's got to be one of the most original bassists on the planet.
Julio is shining on this too, lots of variety, lots of shredding, but not long involved rants on the guitar as some can do, but like our dear Shannon said, it's rare for a band to get away with this much soloing and yet keep it in context. Defines the true meaning of jazz to me, being free to improv within a structure that keeps it listenable.
And Jay using a wah-wah on a sax....this guy is just amazing, what a tonal quality he has, and the ability to get so many voices out of one note......

Of course, I have to admit I'm even later to the Original Cinema party....ok, I've been highly overworked and etc, but basically my son bought it for himself several months ago, and never would take it out of his car for me to listen to, until this past week. (He's my shining example of the next generation embracing this stuff- it's his favorite CD!!)
Wow- it's great too, I can listen to these back to back and here the progression away from the "smoother" SG to the "fusion" SG as they play.....these guys broke new ground 30 years ago, and it appears they still have it, they're breaking new ground yet again, at least for me. There's no denying the energy level is raised up several notches from, say, Got the Magic.
I don't think it helps much to try to compare this (Deep End) to any previous SG CD's, I think it should stand on it's own and for it's own merits, whether it's worth the 13.99 I paid at Circuit City....and the answer is a screaming "hell yeah".
One thing in both CD's favor in my book is the high level of recording quality, these are outstanding sonically.
By the way, did anybody mention about the Enhanced CD stuff on Original Cinema? that's pretty cool for them to include a live tune- dang, I was gonna check to see if the new one is enhaced also, didn't notice when I was recording it onto my computer, and my son's already taken it out of my office....oh well, good for him.
Gotta go
Tony
Like steveH said about Shannon's review, "yeah, what she said!"

Oh, one more thing, and it pissed me off....I hate this packaging on the Deep End. The CD was in the case(?) so tightly, I thought I was going to crack it trying to get it out, so I waited until I could get home and use something to depress the center fingers on the case and slip something soft under the edge of the cd to get it loose. There's absolutely no need for that, at all.

I had the exact same problem. I actually cracked the case getting mine out.

that's just a bummer, isn't it? There's no need for it. The CD isn't going to fall loose in the case, but maybe the packagers were afraid of that since it's just a paper cover with no latch. I can understand cutting costs, but sheesh....this one's ridiculous....makes you wonder who was in charge of that project :rolleyes:

Hi Bassix and Gary,

First of all, I hate / loathe (words that show that someone is not sitting on the fence on this issue...) those digi-packs. I bought my second "the Deep End" during Circuit City's $9.99 Memorial Weekend sale. The first one I recieved directly from the label and broke the cd trying to get it out so I just shipped it back and asked for a refund. Heck, I saved over $4 by stopping in at Circuit City.

Dear record labels - "PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS OF USING THOSE D##N DIGI-PACKS!" It can not be that big of a cost savings... can it?? Thank you in advance for following up on this simple request.

Happy listening,
Lou

HERE HERE!! I think at least 25% of the CD's I have purchased with that format have broken at some point!
Jim

Gee, I can't wait to hear Deep End! I'm Soo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

I almost missed it. Was passing and heard just a couple of seconds before it faded for the next report.
The Weather Channel is playing In Your Arms.

On this board over the years, I've noticed countless references to Spyro's music being featured on The Weather Channel. Do we really spend that much time tuned to this channel? Are we mostly meteorologists (or wannabes) on the board? Am I missing out on something?

Funny thing about it, if my other half asks me what number to turn our cable to to see The Weather Channel, I can respond correctly without hesitation. If she asks the same question to find ESPN, I'm not sure.

I can't speak for the others, but for me, since my present job requires visiting people's homes a lot, I often check the local forecast (when Spyro Gyra and other music is played) before leaving home. Also, at night, sometimes when I flip channels, I may pause at TWC if I see the local forecast is up.
That said, I got another treat Friday morning. I was at McDonald's - a rarity indeed, but I do like their breakfasts. Ambient jazz was being played, mellow piano music at first, then, I heard this beautiful soprano sax going.
It was Spring Fling.

Well, I finally got a copy of The Deep End! Well, actually had it for 2 weeks now! Hmmmmmm! I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say.....................

This is probably Spyro Gyra's best cd, ever!! I'm going to do track by track review and synopsis later but OMG, what a cd! I've already got melodies and basslines memorized!!

I've been waiting for you to chime in on this one David. Wiggle Room was the early no-brainer bass song for me, but man I've been digging Beyond the Rain recently.

I know what you mean, Rob. Beyond the Rain got my attention on the first pass, but Wiggle Room is so awesome and powerful, it wins.

Like I said earlier, I think this is one of the best cd's SG has ever put out. There's not a bad tune on this one but I do have some favorites.

Eastlake Shuffle - I love the retro Rhodes piano sound. A little disappointed Tom didn't do a solo with the Rhodes. *Edit: There is a Rhodes solo but just not on this tune.
Joburg Jam - Ludwig is solid on this one. I can't see it played any other way. Just a solid groove all the way through.
The Crossing - This song is so un-Spyro like and that's why I really like it. I love that African style groove that's going on and then they switch to a flamenco type sound. I love it!
Wiggle Room - I dig that Funk Groove and funky bassline.
Wind Warriors - Probably my most favorite. I like the fact that they go through a progressive rock sound to latin and finally a fierce funk fusion slapfest (Yeah Scott, do that sh**) ending.
In Your Arms - Very mellow and again, so un-Spyro like in sound. Kinda like Fourplay with a sax player!

Sonically, this record sounds different (in a good way). I'm thinking they used a different than their normal recording process. Scott's influence (bass wise) is all over this cd and I'm very happy about that! I'm also thinking Jay has been 'woodshedding' as he sounds a little different on this one as well. I'm hearing Paul McCandless type influence in his licks. Not sure but you can tell he's trying different approaches and that's always good. I also have the opinion that none of these tunes are fit for smooth jazz radio! That is a compliment by the way! This cd is way to strong for Clear Channel. If it gets played, be prepared for a windfall from the CJazz community. All hells' gonna break loose and all these artists will finally come to their senses and start/again making 'real' music! Finally, I feel that they've hit a homerun with this cd. All of the Contempo/Smooth Jazz community should take notice.

There you have it. DWBass has spoken!

At exactly the 3:39 mark of the song for about the next 30 seconds (scott).

MONSTER!!

Just picked up my copy this weekend and I too think this may be the best yet from the group. Was not sure just what to expect from a band that has been around for so long, could they still offer us something new and orginal. Oh Yeh they can and did do that.

I think Scott's best playing is on Wind Warriors.

WHOOAA!!!

He's definitely got the slap funk groove going! I'm not that great a slapper but my mission is to learn that groove!

I agree that is an awesome groove. Maybe I'll try to learn it too.

A little blurb on bassplayer.com about Deep End and Scott.

http://www.bassplayer.com/Reviews.htm

Spyro Gyra
The Deep End [Heads Up]
After 24 albums (and still going strong), Spyro boasts the versatile, deep grooves—and killer live solos—of Scott Ambush. Contributing two songs, Ambush (on his custom Ambush 5-string and Azola Bug Bass) delivers a menacing Marcus-tinged solo on the swung-funker “Wiggle Room,” and some fiery finger blowing on “Beyond the Rain.”

Multi-channel SACD version:

I've played bass for 37 years and it ain't often that I get thrown out of the passenger seat while listening to a bass track on any disc.

Joburg Jam...wow! James Jamerson on steroids. Excruciatingly tight. Jab, slide, jump...stitching the music perfectly to the beat.

I've listened to this track 50 times and it still makes me laugh out loud.

The whole album is great, but this tune has bass guitar that I hope for whenever I pop in a new disc.

Funny, I think the first time I ever heard Spyro was on TWC - Limelight was on there wayyy back in 1989. I loved that song, but didn't have a clue who it was until '92 when I was awakened and hooked into Spyro.

The Deep End seriously rocks! I was wondering if anybody can hear Donald F-a-gen's voice on "Eastlake Shuffle?" If it was about a minor third lower that could easily be a Steely Dan song.

Rick - good to see ya, buddy. I terminated my pursuit of the endless blue as a career, but I'm still a commercial/multi/instrument-rated fly-dude. I work at a music store and get to help kids make the decision to run with their dreams of being a rockstar every day. I miss the air, but I'll get back around to flying someday - besides, I get to play Spyro stuff with my trio every weekend. Anyway - how's your flying going? Any chance of talking Delta into putting a Spyro Gyra tribute on the in-flight entertainment?

Score another one for TWC. I just heard Joburg Jam.
In ref. to previous question about how much time is spent watching The Weather Channel, I'm at work. And we have a TV on in the newsroom pretty much all the time. Usually, it's tuned to Fox News, ESPN or TWC. In fact, the majority of my TWC entries have been because of tunes I heard while here.

I was just listening to "As You Wish" and man!! that song takes me back to spyro's early era.

The melody in combination with tom's rhodes solo made me feel like i was listening to "Freetime" or "Carnaval".

Walking out of my office building Friday afternoon they were playing Chippewa Street on the PA system .. I don't know where they get their feed from .. maybe it's changing for the better!

Whoa, that's awesome, Jim. (Maybe I don't shop enough, but it seems stores - Kroger, Wal-Mart, etc. - where I once heard a fair amount of good c-jazz don't include that in their rotation any more.)

It was awesome .. and I had to stop and pinch myself to make sure it was not just what was in my head .. or if I was already in my car . The feed they use is mostly really smooth stuff, with some occasional CJ .. it was the first time I noticed a SG song .. and good choice at too!

Five days till Rams Head!

Nineteen days till the Birchmere!

Ya Mon!

Hope it's a nice afternoon for camping...

46 hours, 40 minutes to Rams Head!

24 1/2 hours until Rams Head!! :p

Rick

Yeah!!...Come On...Rub It In!!!

...still time for YOU to get to the airport!

I have finally received my copy of Deep End. It feels as if I had been waiting forever for it!

My first thoughts?.....absolutely SUPERB.
I'm not one to judge a cd by its opening track, but Summer Fling really does set the standard and pace of this release. Also great to see a South African dedication (once again) thrown in there, in Joburg Jam.

After just one spin, I love this cd (as I do SG).

I played Spyro Gyra's Joburg Jam on PalTalk the other day and one of the listeners said he'd heard it on an NYC radio station.

I just got The Deep End and Road Scholars a few days ago. Man! Road Scholars is good, but The Deep End blew me away. Does Spyro Gyra have any other CDs like it?

My favorite groups are Vital Information and the Yellowjackets. I beleive that Spyro Gyra has joined them. That is the highest praise I can give them. Peace.

Mark . . .

When Spyro started putting out music on the GRP label, several of their first releases were very good. "Three Wishes" is excellent and "Dreams Beyond Control" is very good as well (with the exception of two Alex Ligertwood vocals that represented Spyro's first use of a vocalist on one of their releases).

If you do not have either of these releases you should at least give them a listen. The first release they did for this label was "Fast Forward" and this one is also pretty decent with a number of great arrangements like "4MD," "Escape Hatch," "Ocean Parkway," and "Para Ti Latino.").

Like you I think that "Road Scholars" was excellent and it was a release that really "surprised" some of the band's jazz critics.

I've found that on most of their releases you will find a number of killer arrangements. What I've done is compiled a series of CD's with my favorite selections that I use at work and in my cars. They've just put out so much great stuff! What else can you do?

Like the 10 minute trio version of Shaker Song. Not sure I have ever heard a more jaw dropping bass part.

Thanks for the info. I also make anthology CDs of my favorite tunes. I have two Yellowjackets anthologies that are killer. I will certainly check into the CDs you mentionned. Thanks again.

this is from Woodchuck, he/she left it in another forum, but he/she probably meant for it be here.....

Uh, I think it's called 'progression'!!