Spyro Gyra – Good to Go-Go – Heads Up

by | May 30, 2007 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

Spyro Gyra – Good to Go-Go – Heads Up Multichannel SACD HUSA 9127, 69:07 ****:

(Jay Beckenstein, saxophones; Tom Schuman, keyboards; Julio Fernandez, guitars; Scott Ambush, bass; Bonny B, drums/percussion/ vocals; Guests: Andy Narell, steel pans; Marc Quinones, congas; Christian Howes, violin)

The latest Spyro Gyra entry started off with a bit too strong a hip-hop/funk element for me, though I’m sure it would appeal to those who of more catholic taste.  Then just when it seemed to be turning into the band’s usual uptempo rhythmic straight-ahead style, we were into a raggae mood – not my suit either. But then I realized there were steel drums there in the mix, courtesy of the talented guest Andy Narell, who plays on two of the tracks.  Just for that I’d have to like this album.

Guest violinist Howes adds a continental flair to The Left Bank, which is still 90% Spyro Gyra and only a little bit Parisian. Along for the Ride and Island Time take us into a sort of Arthur Lyman/Les Baxter exotic islands music, but updated for the 21st century. Andy Narell adds his pan-playing to the second track and by now this album has 100% of my support.  Heads Up’s surround presentation always adds a lot of excitement to Spyro Gyra’s SACDs, and this one is no exception. The percussion and occasionally other instruments on the surrounds put the listener right in the middle of the festivities. One reason for the rhythmic excitement, as well as the islands-oriented slant of this album might be the band’s new drummer – Trinidad native Bonny B.  He provides the right foundation for this high-energy romp from the three-decades-old band which has sold 11 million records.

TrackList: Simple Pleasures, Get Busy, Jam Up, The Left Bank, Funkyard Dog, Along for the Ride, Island Time, Wassup!, Easy Street, A Winter Tale, Good to Go-Go, Newroses.

 – John Henry

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