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"Down the Wire is a legitimate fusion album - accessible and melodic, but risk-taking, edgy, and faithful to jazz'
improvisatory spirit. Beckenstein offers plenty of inspired solos, and Spyro Gyra aren't afraid to let loose on memorable
selections like the Afro-Cuban-flavored 'La Zona Rosa,' the mysterious 'Unspoken,' and the vibrant
'Ice Mountain.' Down the Wire detours into straight-ahead post-bop territory on 'The Tippin'
Point,' but most of the material combines jazz with elements of rock, funk, and soul - which, of course, is what fusion
is all about…there is no fluff on this 65-minute CD, which finds the Spyro Gyra of 2009 acting a lot like the freewheeling
Spyro Gyra of the '70s and early '80s. Down the Wire is an engaging disc that Beckenstein should be proud to
have in Spyro Gyra's catalog."
All Music Guide
"Smooth jazz may be on the wane, but Spyro Gyra keeps on waxing, turning album
number 28 into a quality outing infused with jazz, Afro-Cuban, samba, R&B, and other
requisite ingredients."
Bass Player
"It's been over three decades since Spyro Gyra started out, but this record is full of youthful energy. They bring everything that they are known for into this record. Jazz, funk, groovy, soulful, and smooth are often summed up into one word: fusion. This album is such a joy to listen to."
TheWeeklyRiff.com
"Modern jazz band, spearheaded by mainstays Jay Beckenstein and Tom Schuman,
continues its prolific recording streak after 31 years of making music."
Dallas Morning News
"It's been 30 years since Spyro Gyra released their one and only crossover hit, 'Morning
Dance.' Changes in how decisions are made as to what gets played on the radio pretty
much guarantee the group will not score another; that's unfortunate, because they
continue to make eye-opening, jaw-dropping music…Down the Wire, borrowed from a
line by the founder of the Flying Wallendas, is an apt summation of life and music."
AllAboutJazz.com
"Borrowing from early influences, Weather Report, Chick Corea and Return To Forever,
Down To The Wire encompasses several genres: funk, fusion, straight jazz, blues, Latin,
Brazilian and instrumental pop."
The Urban Music Scene
"Talk about veracity and staying power. The powerhouse group, Spyro Gyra, has seen 30
years come and go without missing a beat (pardon the pun) in providing stirring, superior
contemporary jazz. With driving rhythms, witty nuances, meticulous hooks, chords, and
melodies, Down the Wire, the latest triumph for the group-to be released in late April-
will again stake a firm claim on the fertile turf of this genre…Veracity, creativity, and
consistency in excellence continue to dominant this group's mantra"
Smooth Jazz Vibes
"Considered one of the most listenable of the smooth jazz bands, Spyro Gyra has a snap,
originality and fresh sound that makes them appeal to listeners who would never listen to,
say, a smooth jazz radio station."
Audiophile Audition
"Down the Wire is the latest hot contemporary jazz CD from Spyro Gyra, a band that
seems to never get tired. Tom Schuman, Jay Beckenstein, Julio Fernandez, Bonny B and
Scott Ambush have a sound that is always appealing and fresh but these guys have been
jamming for a long time!...appealing to both old and new fans."
O's Place Jazz
"For more than 30 years, Spyro Gyra has maintained their position at the forefront of
contemporary jazz and with Down the Wire they prove once again that their
spontaneity and creative dexterity are the things that have made them legends in their
own time. Eleven new tracks makes this recording worth having in your jazz collection.
Daring improvisations by saxophonist Jay Beckenstein, keyboardist Tom Schuman and
great rhythmic logic from Scott Ambush on bass, Julio Fernandez on guitar and Bonny B
on percussion, drums and vocals are both artful and well conceived… The recording
offers an array of jazz styles including straight ahead, swing and Latin enveloped in
smooth contemporary layers of great sounds. Check this CD out today."
Sounds of Timeless Jazz
"When we think of music that embodies those concepts - spiritual, therapeutic,
transcendent, escapist - the first thing that comes to mind is the relaxing side of the
smooth jazz genre. You know, light a candle, pour some wine… yada yada yada. Or the
soft meditative music that people used to call "New Age" - stuff that's pretty and not very
challenging. The music on Down the Wire will take you away in a way that is more
fulfilling and more exciting. The complexity of the music is so absorbing, the textures
and shadings so sensory, and the energetic undercurrents so tangible that it fires up your
imagination….Their recent releases have been very strong but this one takes it to an
entirely different level. It is completely original and uncompromised. It doesn't just sound
good, it feels good, and it will for a long time forward because this is timeless music. The
band may have been around for over three decades and at a point when some would be
settling down or settling in these guys never stop moving forward. This one sounds like
they are all fired up and ready for more."
Smoothviews.com
"Down the Wire is 'feel good' music which encourages the listener to leave their
troubles behind, and thirty years after their debut release Spyro Gyra continues to create
cheerful, easy on the ears, fun and danceable music."
Riveting Riffs
"The one thing that really distinguishes Spyro Gyra for me from the rest of the other bands making music is the fact that
they continually come with tracks that represent their
strongest side. Where a number of acts begin to slow down once the disc hits the halfway
mark, Down the Wire maintains a constancy that never falters. With thirty years under
their belt, Spyro Gyra may just be the best thing that jazz has going for it at this time. If
you pride yourself on being a fan of music generally (or fancy yourself a fan of jazz
music), make every effort to track down a copy of Down the Wire."
NeuFutur
"The jazz police will be out in force after hearing this, as Jay Beckenstein and company
keep making interesting music for the smooth jazz market."
Vintage Guitar
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