THE INFLUENTIAL, GRAMMY-NOMINATED JAZZ-FUSION BAND TO PERFORM A SPECIAL HOLIDAY SHOW – “A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
SAN DIEGO, CALIF – Oct. 31 – Jazz-fusion masters Spyro Gyra will treat listeners to their highly influential sound at Anthology for two special holiday shows, “A Night Before Christmas” on Dec. 16 and 17.
As the seasons change and the end of the year draws near, even the most forward thinking and cutting-edge artists take a nostalgic moment to count their blessings.
Spyro Gyra has spent more than three decades pushing the boundaries and definitions of jazz beyond the commonly accepted parameters. In so doing, they continue to forge an edgy, enduring sound that incorporates some of the best elements of jazz and merges them with R&B, pop, Latin and various other styles.
But it isn’t always about breaking new ground. All five of these talented innovators – saxophonist Jay Beckenstein, pianist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez, bassist Scott Ambush and drummer Bonny B – agree that there’s a time and a place for reconnecting with tradition and celebrating the fundamental values at the core of their music and their lives.
This year, Spyro Gyra celebrates the holiday season with two holiday performances at Anthology inspired by their new CD: A Night Before Christmas, a collection of music that captures the yuletide spirit with a decidedly traditional jazz vibe.
“We’ve always had a yearning to do a record that was kind of a straightahead record – or at least something closer to a straightahead record than what we normally do,” says Beckenstein. “But it’s always been very difficult to make that work in the context of what we do on most of our records. But a Christmas record was sort of an opportunity to really go someplace a little more subtle, a little more acoustic and more traditional.”
Beckenstein brings his own perspective to the project. “Christmas has always been a huge part of my life,” he says. “There’s so much about it that’s universal, separate and apart from the religious aspects. It’s a celebration of all the things that are good and redeeming about humanity – compassion, hope, generosity, forgiveness, renewal, family, all those things.”
The traditional “O Tannenbaum” opens the set with an improvisational vibe. “It was set up as kind of a jam, and it went to some nice places,” says Beckenstein. “It sounds sort of contemporary, without really losing the acoustic feel of the song.”
If Christmas is about tradition, then Spyro Gyra has tied both together in a festive package. “There’s something about traditional jazz that harkens back to my childhood,” says Beckenstein. “On top of that, I have many nostalgic memories of Christmas. The holiday, and this kind of music, have created some of the fondest memories of my youth. These connections make this a very heartfelt record for me and for everyone in the band.”
Put another log on the fire. A Night Before Christmas might well be the best musical moment of this holiday season.
ABOUT SPYRO GYRA
Spyro Gyra’s jazz-fusion sound originated in the mid-1970s in Buffalo, New York. The band is one of the most prolific and commercially successful in the genre, with more than 25 albums and 10 million copies sold. Hit singles include “Shaker Song” and “Morning Dance,” which has enjoyed heavy rotation on popular music radio stations.
Their music has been influential in the development of smooth jazz, combining jazz with elements of R&B, funk and pop music. They have received a string of Grammy nominations, going back as far as 1980 and continuing up to 2008.
The band’s line-up includes well-rounded musician Jay Beckenstein on saxophones
(who contributed his sax playing to progressive-metal band Dream Theater’s song “Another Day”), Tom Schuman on piano/keyboards, Julio Fernandez on guitars, Scott Ambush on bass and Bonny Bonaparte on drums/percussion.
ABOUT ANTHOLOGY
Anthology is San Diego’s internationally acclaimed, award-winning music venue and fine dining restaurant. Anthology provides an intimate, up-close-and-personal live-music experience unlike any other venue in the world.
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in downtown San Diego, Anthology comes to life in the spirit of a 1940s supper club—with a decidedly swank and modern spin—to deliver a harmonious gathering of food, music and world-class ambience. On the stage, Anthology plays host to local, regional and international recording artists in jazz, rock, blues, Latin, singer-songwriter and world music in a performing space that boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and incomparable acoustics.
Anthology’s New American cuisine is crafted by Chef de Cuisine Kevin Ables, and inspired by consulting chef and award-winning culinary superstar Bradley Ogden. In just over a year, Anthology has garnered such acclaim as “Best New Jazz Club” by CityBeat, “Best Restaurant Design” by Riviera Magazine and “Best Live Music Venue” by CitySearch.
For a complete listing of upcoming events, with more details about and tickets and artists, and to find more information about private party events, visit www.AnthologySD.com.
Anthology is located at 1337 India Street (between A and Ash Streets).
Tickets are available at the Anthology Box Office, by calling 619.595.0300 and at www.AnthologySD.com.
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“One of the things I noticed as I hit my 30s is that, too often, we don’t differentiate between musicians and instrumentalists,” he said.
SAN DIEGO, CALIF., December 13 – Anthology presents Tony® & Grammy® Winner DUNCAN SHEIK in concert Feb 18 with special guest LAUREN PRITCHARD of the original Spring Awakening cast.
