Search - Spyro Gyra :: Point of View

A review of Spyro Gyra's Point of View.

James Houser | NY, NY | 04/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Point of View is definetly one of Spyro Gyra's best cd's, from what I've heard of them.They definetly put a lot of hard work, time, and dedication into this cd.It does a good job of displaying their talent.All of the tracks come together to make a terrific piece of music.The songs are all, basically, built up in an organizational manner.This feature is a definent pro.In fact, I have some of their songs from this cd memorized.My top three favorite tracks on this cd would have to be 1,6,and 11.They are great.All of the songs are great, and feature Spyro Gyra at their best.There are great rythms that are constant throughout the whole cd.Also, Julio Fernandez does the rythm guitar on Hannibal's Boogie.All and all, this cd does deserve 5 stars.I am a major fan of Spyro Gyra. I have 15 of their cd's.Let me tell you that this cd is one of their best, if not the best.It's the very first Spyro Gyra cd that I purchased.It is definetly worth it to buy this great album.Thank you for taking the time and generosity to read my review."

Nice Album Cover!

Dr. Of Style | Saginaw, MI | 04/25/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Greetings!



Perhaps this great album cover is a metaphor for the music contained herein. It has a desperate-looking lizard trying to get out of a wet and polluted gutter (just one bit of pollution, actually; what appears to be a crumpled-up gum wrapper). IMHO, this was a very bad period for the group. They were definitely NOT like the SG of old.



"Swing Shift" is a nice swing number. It is a more traditional-like jazz song (ala big band-like) with a very nice acoustic bass line. By far, the best tune on this album is "Fairweather." This is more like the SG of old, with some exciting new and vibrant twists. This should be included on any BEST OF collection by the group. "Carolina" has nice bass & melody lines, but in the greater SG grand scheme of things, this tune is rather weak and innane. "Counterpoint" is a very listenable song with excellent marimba work by Dave Samuels.



However, all of this being said, there are two absolutely terrible, embarrassing songs on this album. "The Unknown Soldier" is the most embarrassing inclusion. It is a syrupy, Kenny G-like (yes, that should be embarrassing enough right there, eh!) number that seems to go nowhere, and I'm glad it doesn't! The song "Swamp Thing" is unlistenable garbage. This kind of song is what typifies what was wrong with this great group during this period; mainly, electronic-influenced music that is aimless and meandering - not to mention, once again, unlinstenable!



This recording is definitely not an accurate indication of the greatness of Jay & the boys. This album is ONLY necessary for the SG fan that must have every great song the group has ever made, and that tune is "Fairweather."



Thanks for taking the time to read my review.



Rock On, Kids,

Dr. Of Style"

A must have for Spyro Gyra fans!

James Houser | 10/26/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is truely a great peice of work, by an influential jazz group. My favourite tack would have to be 'swamp thimg' which is a really good example of the Spyro Gyra sound (driving music) The album has suttle reflections of their latest album 'Got the Majic'"