Christmas Gifts Ideas

A Night Before Christmas – Spyro Gyra

Price: $10.20

The Night Before Christmas is a Jazz twist for that magical night. Get into the holiday groove with Spyro Gyra, a jazz fusion band that was originally twisted in the mid-1970s in Buffalo, New York, USA. Their music, which has been influential in the enhancement of smooth Jazz as they combine Jazz with elements of R&B, Funk and Pop music. Although generally considered to be more Jazz than smooth, Spyro Gyra’s music emphasizes melody over improvisation. Spyro Gyra – A Night Before Christmas Track List

1. O Tannenbaum
2. It Won’t Feel Like Christmas
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Christmas Time Is Here
5. Baby It’s Cold Outside
6. Carol Of The Bells
7. Have Yourself A Merry Small Christmas
8. The First Noel
9. Silent Night
10. This Christmas
11. The Christmas Song

Customer Review for A Night Before Christmas – Spyro Gyra at Amazon

I have a large collection of Christmas CDs and have pretty eclectic tastes. This is the first jazz holiday CD that I really feel is worth owning. I'm not hugely into jazz and feel "smooth jazz" is probably the most accessible. I did see Spyro Gyra in concert many years ago. I thought they were fun to watch but I didn't get into the music that much. After that long intro to me, I have to say I love this CD! It's the first holiday jazz CD that doesn't sound like background music to your chichi holiday party. My favorite song is Baby It's Cold Outside which is just really energetic and, well, jazzy. I feel like it ups my personal cool quotient just listening to it. My impression of SG is that they're pretty experimental, and the comment by the reviewer that this was a more traditional album than expected would support that impression. Still - once the holidays are over, I'm ready to try more Spyro Gyra. -- Best jazz Christmas CD ever!

I was most surprised by this very traditional release from this group of musicians. I was thinking it'd be more jazzy or new wave and here it was VERY traditional in the more classical style of 19th century presentations or "churchy" and that is not to say I didn't like it. I did. And if you like the old-fashioned arrangements, you'll like this too. -- Very traditional Christmas from Spyro Gyra

I'm somewhat biased because I'm an ardent fan. I have all except two Spyra Gyro LPs. This was especially pleasing especially the cover of the Donny Hathaway tune "This Christmas". -- Outstanding!

Finally, after more than 20 years of making wonderful music together, the best jazz fusion band ever has produced a Christmas album. If you like SG, you'll not be disappointed with this release.

The arrangements are superb and the performances are immaculate. The vocals are just great, with the possible exception of drummer Bonny's opening to "The Christmas Song." To me it is a silly bit of unneccesary nonsense, but many will probably like it.

The best vocal is Christine Ebersole's lovely interpretation of Jay Beckenstein's original "It Won't Feel Like Christmas." This promises to be an annual favorite, especially so long as we have loved ones apart at the Holidays. Bonny redeems himself well in his duet with singer Janis Siegel on "Baby It's Cold Outside", which is an excellent arrangement and a clever vocal counterpoint.

The other charts are typical SG, with interesting and clever reworks of familiar tunes, sparked with high quality playing by all members. As an extra treat, Dave Samuels returns for cameos on "Carol of the Bells" and "Winter Wonderland" - great to hear his fine vibes' work again.

Rhythmic, harmonious and excellent describes SG's work over all these years, and "A Night Before Christmas" fills in the missing niche exactly the same way. -- It's About Time