Hello Fellow Gyrites,

As much as I appreciate Spyro Gyra music, I do NOT own Jay's & Tom's Solo CD's. I would like some feedback regarding both CD's before I buy.

#1) Jay's "Eye Contact" CD. On a scale from 1 to 10 , how would you rate it ? : Did Jay do justice to Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat ?

#2) Tom's 1990 CD "Extremities". On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate it? Did Tom re-do Spyro's 1980's "Loving You" ? Are they the same songs or did Tom change some of the chord progressions ?

Anybody ?

Both worth purchasing Jay's a 10
Tom's a7 or 8

Lovin' You is the pop song, not the Spyro song.

I agree on both cd's, I also give Jay a 10 and ya I would say a 7 on Toms. The Lovin You song by the way is a Minne Ripperton tune.

I think "Extremities" is worth purchasing as it displays Tom Schuman in a variety of settings. One piece "For B.E." (pianist Bill Evans) really shows off his tasteful ability on acoustic piano. He's working with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Terry Clarke on this original. I personally would like to hear him on the 88s (acoustic piano) a lot more. Of course there is plenty of his great synth work on "Mood Swing," "Palisades Parkway" and "Crystal Lane." "Extremities" and "Front Seat Reservation" are great Schuman originals as well. Tenor sax great Bob Berg provides some great moments on "Skywriter" and former Spyro studio guitarist Steve Love, bassist Will Lee and drummer Dave Weckl are on most of the cuts. Trumpeter Jon Faddis was part of the session as well.

I anxiously await another Schuman solo project.

Jay's "Eye Contact" successfully highlighted Spyro's leader outside the SG mold. I had thought it would be hard for this great musician to accomplish this since his "voice" on reeds is so much a part of the Spyro Gyra "sound." I was wrong. The second half of "...Contact" and arrangements like "Monsoon" and the Weather Report "Black Market" provide a unique touch to the release.

Will be interested in hearing your take on either or both CDs.

[This message has been edited by Phil (edited January 28, 2001).]

I agree 100% with all of you, but I would give Jay's solo project a 9 and after you listen to the songs with the band a 10. Why??? I know it's a solo project and that it doesn't sound like SG, but the guys gives a certain flavor that YOU CAN ONLY GET WITH THEM.


Just my 2 cents


Eril.

Eril,

I totally agree... just listened today on the internet to the HOB New Orleans Spyro Gyra concert from last August. They played "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and "Monsoon". I like Jay's solo project CD, but those songs sound MUCH better with Tom, Julio, Scott, and Joel in the mix with Jay's outstanding performance.

I just don't think you can improve a lot on this band.

Hope you're enjoying that warm sunshine in Puerto Rico!

Rick

Rick and Eril...

I guess I have to agree with you on the live takes of "Porkpie" and "Monsoon"...maybe I'll have to call "Eye Contact" a 9 on a scale of 10, cuz a 10 leaves no room for improvement, and obviously, the studio versions of Jay's and Spyro's tunes are always superior to the studio. I hate saying that, because the studio versions are so excellent....I guess I can say it without demeaning the studio prowess of the band...let's just say that it's a testament to the band that once they get onstage there is even more of that intangible chemistry.

My fave on "Extremities" is definitely "Skywriter", with the song dedocated to Bill Evans being up there too.

What I love about "Eye Contact" was that Jay was able seemed to be able to combine some of the early Spyro Gyra sound and approach with the more recent one's.

Peace!
Paul