Spyro Gyra – Morning Dance

This one’s a bit of a unique beast. Side 1 has the original Masterdisk cutting whereas Side 2 has the W1 recut. Side 2 feels somewhat lacking in the bass department, but I don’t think it’s too bad (unless I have an original double Masterdisk cutting to compare).

I don't know how this compares to the original Infinity release, but I have to say that this pressing is fantastic. Beckenstein's sax is truly wonderful and cuts through with such power, absolutely awesome. The rest of the mix is excellent, and Jordan's drumming simply shines, on Starburst especially. Brecker's contribution on that track is also amazing. Quite something that Beckenstein himself agreed to almost let Brecker upstage him on this track, fantastic.

Highly recommended!

Gli anni '70 furono un periodo vibrante per il jazz strumentale, con artisti come Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson e Herb Alpert (oltre a Spyro Gyra) che si classificarono tutti nella Top 40 dei singoli. Beckenstein ha candidamente ammesso nelle interviste che non si sarebbe mai aspettato nulla al di là dell'omonimo album di debutto di Spyro Gyra, che è stato registrato e distribuito “con il proprio denaro”; il successo inaspettato di quell'album ha portato a un contratto discografico con una major completo di "più soldi di quanto potessero immaginare" per produrre e pubblicare Morning Dance - e il resto è storia del jazz. Mentre Spyro Gyra ha debuttato all'ombra di super-gruppi come Weather Report e Return To Forever, hanno avuto lo stesso successo commerciale, superandoli tutti!

Early '80s fusion by one of the groups that defined the style.
I'm not a huge fan of this sound anymore, but in my youth, I got around to see SG on the jazz festival circuit. t that time, they were experimental and very satisfying to see live.

The nice collection of songs in the proto-smooth jazz arena. The soloists are awash in reverb as per the era. The Brecker Brothers appear on a few songs and really raise the bar here, no question. That tenor solo on "Starburst" is off the hook!

Mastering is wonderful. Great pressing. Recommended.

The known issue for this promo release is bubbling/melting. To a point that a certain track is jumping. Got mine in pristine condition and now it is just more on wall display

I have an AMH 8008-2 version that is made in Canada. Maybe a separate release?

With so many pressings, issues and re-issues even my MINT copy from 1979 not worth much at all. Good album though.
The Vinyl inner sleeve I have has lots of info on all the musicians involved for each track , and instruments used etc..
Info not shown on my CD copy.

Jay Beckenstein and friends burst onto the scene in the mid-70's with this vibrant, joyful, upbeat latin-influenced jazz fusion, led by Jay's sax and driven by non-stop percussion. The infectious music on their second album, 1979's "Morning Dance", garnered them international fame and a large fan following. It puts your entire body into motion, plants a big grin on your face, and breaks you out of any possible funk you might be in.

Spyro Gyra a good band and always good art covers

The "Flaco" Spinetta used to listen to this band while he was composing...