They are a jazz fusion band formed in Buffalo in 1974. They are a blend of jazz, R&B, funk and pop. This song came from Incognito, their 6th album in 1982. Magical blend of beautiful brass instruments, keyboard, guitars,drums, piano, giving a great bluesy, jazzy retreat into absolute distraction. Amazing. Shades of Chuck Mangione. 🎶🎶🎶 Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Greybearded Music Man. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Harri, every time you do a song like this I think to myself “I’ll not comment, probably not something he will do again.” It’s been several, now, and they’ve all been great reaction videos. I worked extensively with musicians playing this kind of music from 1992-2002. Many of them thought of themselves as reformed rockers. I was the promoter for 54 contemporary jazz concerts, including one with Spyro Gyra. Toward the end of that period I worked exclusively promoting one artist for 5 years. There was some overlap for a couple years where I was both a buyer and seller of talent, as we were called. I am a rocker myself, not entirely reformed but partially expanded I guess. I mean a fan, not a musician. What I loved about these live performances was there were no do-overs, no editing, no covering up mistakes with volume - though we had plenty of that. I used to tell people who called this ‘elevator music’ you’ll feel differently when it’s 90 decibels and the guy is sweating on you! I had a lot of fun during those years. There is SO much great music like this out there that goes unnoticed by 90% of music fans. Please keep bringing it.
True story- Few years ago, I went to upgrade my home audio system. Played a couple of Fourplay tunes and then this song. Couple of customers asked me what’s the song’s title and the group. I said- Old San Juan by Spyro Gyra. They said they were blown away when the store guy blasted and played it for the whole store. What a treat after all these years❤
I started listening to jazz in the 80s when someone turned me onto the genre. Spyro Gyra was a go to many times. I need to go back to listen to this album again.😍
Wow blast from the past for sure - I used to hang out at a couple of bars in Buffalo where they played so I heard them a lot and loved every minute. In fact a kid I grew up with was their drummer for years not sure if he was a founding member or not but probably.
Hey Greybeard! Nice to hear from you. I remember hearing one or two songs from this group on the radio but couldn’t name one and definitely never heard this one. It’s great. Merry Christmas and be well. 🎄✌️
I used to watch these guys when they were a house band in Dallas, TX. They had their own club and wow, they were fantastic then. Keep up the great work.
Good stuff. I missed this tune. That guitar solo was pure bliss! In fact, I don't think they've ever recorded a bad solo on any instrument. Harri, if you want to get some more "happy and cheerful", check out their album "Morning Dance". It's a masterpiece. I can never hear just one song from it. Desert Island essential. Despite being led by a sax, there is a lot of fantastic and tasty guitar on that disc. A pro-saxophonist buddy pointed out that alto sax is hard to play in tune, but this dude nails it. He had studied him in music school in the 1980's.
Spyro Gyra is an "ELITE" Jazz Band and I love this "tribute" track to beautiful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico...By all means please react to their amazing track titled: "Morning Dance" it too is a "VIBE!!!"
I've ALWAYS wanted to see these guys live and have never been able to. Check out Spyro Gyra "Not Unlike That" @ Jazz in Marciac 2014. Scott Ambush's bass solo is fantastic.
You have do MORE of Spyro Gyra! Their range and depth is extensive and their catalog of music is a fascinating place to explore. I've been a fan of theirs since the late 70's and I will buy anything they put out "sight unseen" because I know it will be great. Good choice Harri but there are others that are better (IMO); "Bright Lights", "Kindred Spirit", "Havana Moonlight", "Jam Up", "Extrovertical"...I could go on and on and on...
They are a jazz fusion band formed in Buffalo in 1974. They are a blend of jazz, R&B, funk and pop.
This song came from Incognito, their 6th album in 1982. Magical blend of beautiful brass instruments, keyboard, guitars,drums, piano, giving a great bluesy, jazzy retreat into absolute distraction. Amazing. Shades of Chuck Mangione. 🎶🎶🎶
Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Greybearded Music Man.
Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Jay wrote that just 10 minutes from i'm writing this. He missed his flight to NY on his bday, went to Old San Juan and wrote this masterpiece🙏🏾
Harri, every time you do a song like this I think to myself “I’ll not comment, probably not something he will do again.” It’s been several, now, and they’ve all been great reaction videos. I worked extensively with musicians playing this kind of music from 1992-2002. Many of them thought of themselves as reformed rockers. I was the promoter for 54 contemporary jazz concerts, including one with Spyro Gyra. Toward the end of that period I worked exclusively promoting one artist for 5 years. There was some overlap for a couple years where I was both a buyer and seller of talent, as we were called.
I am a rocker myself, not entirely reformed but partially expanded I guess. I mean a fan, not a musician. What I loved about these live performances was there were no do-overs, no editing, no covering up mistakes with volume - though we had plenty of that. I used to tell people who called this ‘elevator music’ you’ll feel differently when it’s 90 decibels and the guy is sweating on you! I had a lot of fun during those years. There is SO much great music like this out there that goes unnoticed by 90% of music fans. Please keep bringing it.
Greybeard sir, how much do I love Spyro Gyra? 23 albums worth over the years. A diamond pick my friend. 👍👍👍
Thanks my brother! I have 21 of their albums, you got me beat...lol
One of the best jazz group of all time.
Spyro Gyra is phenomenal! One of the few bands I’ve seen in concert.
True story- Few years ago, I went to upgrade my home audio system. Played a couple of Fourplay tunes and then this song. Couple of customers asked me what’s the song’s title and the group. I said- Old San Juan by Spyro Gyra. They said they were blown away when the store guy blasted and played it for the whole store. What a treat after all these years❤
I started listening to jazz in the 80s when someone turned me onto the genre. Spyro Gyra was a go to many times. I need to go back to listen to this album again.😍
Thanks for reminding me that it's been too long since I've played those albums. Great grooves.
Dang, that's a quality pick and a quality reaction, too. Been too long since I last heard these guys.
GBMM, This Spyro Gyra submission was an excellent choice on your part. Harri, your review was enjoyable as always!
Great band and fantastic song. Thanks Greybeard. Listen to them weekly along with Yellowjackets and Weather Report.
Excellent song. Thanks for sharing Greybeard and Harri.
So glad you picked that tune, one of my favorites. Spyro Gyra is just a great treasure; and still going.
Wow blast from the past for sure - I used to hang out at a couple of bars in Buffalo where they played so I heard them a lot and loved every minute. In fact a kid I grew up with was their drummer for years not sure if he was a founding member or not but probably.
Hey Greybeard! Nice to hear from you. I remember hearing one or two songs from this group on the radio but couldn’t name one and definitely never heard this one. It’s great. Merry Christmas and be well. 🎄✌️
Thanks my dear friend! Glad you enjoyed this one. Merry Christmas to you as well my dear!
Spyro Gyra is one of my favorites when I just want to listen and relax.
I used to watch these guys when they were a house band in Dallas, TX. They had their own club and wow, they were fantastic then. Keep up the great work.
Julio Fernandez is one of my favorite guitarists. He's penned some awesome tunes over the years as well.
Thanks! I was trying to remember who played guitar back then!
Jazz to me is a living music. It's a music that since its beginning has expressed the feelings, the dreams, hopes, of the people.
Dexter Gordon
Good stuff. I missed this tune. That guitar solo was pure bliss! In fact, I don't think they've ever recorded a bad solo on any instrument. Harri, if you want to get some more "happy and cheerful", check out their album "Morning Dance". It's a masterpiece. I can never hear just one song from it. Desert Island essential. Despite being led by a sax, there is a lot of fantastic and tasty guitar on that disc. A pro-saxophonist buddy pointed out that alto sax is hard to play in tune, but this dude nails it. He had studied him in music school in the 1980's.
This is one of my favorite Spyro gyra songs. It really communicates a mood to me. I've never been to San Juan, but It's on my bucket list :).
This was certainly a jem!! Love this mix of jazz/fusion, latin, funk and i agree with you the early part does indeed gives you some Fragile vibes.
I still listen to Spyro Gyra on a weekly basis.
Two of my favorites from these guys were Morning dance and Heliopplis, I dare you to sit still while listening to that one.
Spyro Gyra is an "ELITE" Jazz Band and I love this "tribute" track to beautiful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico...By all means please react to their amazing track titled: "Morning Dance" it too is a "VIBE!!!"
Heard them jambing at the UNT school of music years ago , playing to and with their peers . WILD
Brilliant band. Definitely check out more of their stuff.
I've ALWAYS wanted to see these guys live and have never been able to. Check out Spyro Gyra "Not Unlike That" @ Jazz in Marciac 2014. Scott Ambush's bass solo is fantastic.
A great song of theirs is "Morning Dance."
You said it.👍👍👍 I just wrote a comment extolling that whole album.
Could hear both Sting and Santana in this. Sting was very much influenced by jazz. Like the Latin vibe. Great reaction
This is such a beautiful song Greybeard.
Why thank you Cynthia! I'm so glad you enjoyed.🤘✌️🤘
The guitar solo on this track is by Steve Love 🎸 On piano it's Tom Schuman 🎹
Fattburger is an awesome band too !
You have do MORE of Spyro Gyra! Their range and depth is extensive and their catalog of music is a fascinating place to explore. I've been a fan of theirs since the late 70's and I will buy anything they put out "sight unseen" because I know it will be great. Good choice Harri but there are others that are better (IMO); "Bright Lights", "Kindred Spirit", "Havana Moonlight", "Jam Up", "Extrovertical"...I could go on and on and on...
Great tune! Now try reacting to Morning Dance by Spyro Gyro!
listen to Old San Juan live version is on the lp Access all areas❤👌
Check out Shakatak ‘night birds’ in fact the entire album is great and was pretty unique when released back in the 80’s😜
1982, I believe
Correct