Due at retail on February 28, 2006, Wrapped in a Dream r eaffirms Spyro Gyra’s status as jazz fusion’s most original group. This coolly textured and cleanly produced collection is filled with subtle melodies and accomplished solos that blend easily into a lush instrumental backdrop. The album is also scheduled for SACD release in 5.1 Surround Sound ( HUSA 9107). “After 24 albums, it’s not always easy to develop new material,” says leader/saxophonist/ producer Jay Beckenstein. “We usually try to veer away from what we did on our previous record. But we also try to embrace anything that explores new ground – in any way we can.”
In addition to Beckenstein, Wrapped In A Dream features keyboardist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez, bassist Scott Ambush, and drummers Josh Dion and Ludwig Afonso. Rounding out the project, special guests include marimba/vibraphone master Dave Samuels, trumpeter Nathan Eklund, trombonist Eric Oliver and percussionist Cyro Baptista.
One of the ways that Spyro Gyra did things a little differently with this album was to go to some younger talents for guest appearances as well as technical assistance rather than the superstar session musicians who have graced earlier releases. Both Josh Dion and Nathan Eklund are musicians in their mid-twenties as is Eric Carlinsky, the main recording engineer on the album.
Spyro members penned most of the twelve compositions. Beckenstein continues to show his mastery of the fusion idiom, composing four tunes for the album, including the jazzy title track. On his ingenious “Impressions of Madrid” Beckenstein plays keyboards and percussion, and even sings and plays flute for the first time on disc. He also handles vocals on the gospel-infused closer, “Woogitybop.” Indeed, the saxophonist seems ready to do it for another thirty years.
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