Dan A. from CARRIZOZO, NM Reviewed on 11/21/2006...
Nice CD, good choice
CD Reviews
Summer Sounds!!!!!
Chris Covais | New York | 08/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is too much criticized for its singing. This is really a great album. One of the greatest Spyro Gyra releases you can get. This is there most jazz influenced album, mainly with the appearence of Birks Law. Back to the vocals. When you think of it, there's only vocals on two tracks, one of them, Patterns In The Rain, is actually a great song. Come On! You can't live with one bad track. On a cd, there's going to be at least 12 tracks. One of them is bound to be a clinker. Anyway, the opener, Walk The Walk is the total essence of Spyro Gyra. Who ever called this album smooth jazz? Give me a break! With Patterns In The Rain, and South Beach, this cd just reminds me of summer. Mainly because I first got this cd in the summer and played it all day long, while I was outside in the pool, you know, all those summer things. Waltz For Isabel is absolutely beautiful. I can't believe what a bad rap this cd has, this is real Spyro Gyra. As good as it gets! And I'm not on drugs."
Stylish and Sophisticated
G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 06/23/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Spyro Gyra is one taletned band and Dreams Beyond Control is no exception. Some people may criticize the vocal songs but they are not bad by any means. Its just the band broadening their horizons and Alex Ligertwood sings both with much emotion.Nonetheless, the instrumental prowess of this fine band stands tall on many cuts especially Waltz For Isabel and Kindred Spirit. The piano solos on the later just blow me away. The Marimba touches on South Beach and Bahla are also worth noting. After a while many of the songs become quite tuneful. It certainly soothes my needs so why not give it a try?"
A review of Spyro Gyra's Dreams Beyond Control.
T.J. Wiebe | Paulding,OH USA | 06/04/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Dreams Beyond Control is a pretty good album by Spyro Gyra. It was released in 1993.(The mid-90's didn't have that good of Spyro Gyra music, in my opinion). This cd does have good tracks on it and has many relaxing and well-played solos. It isn't their best work, however. Especially considering the addition of vocals in today's modern jazz, including a couple of songs off of this record. The first one is good, though. In my opinion, the addition of certain vocals in today's jazz has made a lot of the music sound the same and has placed a stereotype on the genre. But that's a whole different story.My top 3 favorite songs off of this record would be 8,10, and 11. Kindred Spirit is a beautiful and powerful song with fantastic piano playing by Tom Schuman. Same Difference is a great song with an extraordinary beat and tempo. The Delicate Prey has very good bass, guitar, and keyboard parts in it and is a good song.All around, this is a pretty good release. However, the songs that are featured in the middle of this recording aren't that good. I don't know what happened in the thick of this cd. It is worth the purchase. Thank you for taking the time and generosity to read my review."