The Rhinebeck Sessions

The Rhinebeck Sessions

Coming up on 40 years together in 2014, Spyro Gyra has always worked the funky side of electric jazz with elements of rock and Latin music thrown in for good measure. That continues here, yet The Rhinebeck Sessions (the band’s 30th album) offers something new for Spyro Gyra: Founder-saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and the band came together to write and record the music over the course of three days while holed up in a studio. Sometimes the first ideas are the best ones; none of the nine tunes here are overthought, with energy and feel more than compensating for less polish. Scott Ambush’s bass and newish drummer Lee Pearson’s drums provide a muscular groove throughout; it shines particularly bright on “Not Unlike That” and “Clubhouse Jam.” Beckenstein, charter member Tom Schuman, and longtime guitarist Julio Fernandez push things in a poppier direction on the Latin-sounding “Sorbet,” with back-to-back solos that are an album highlight. This album, and the spirit behind it, ensures that Spyro Gyra will celebrate its coming milestone on a high note.

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