Spyro Gyra was created in 1974 in Buffalo, New York, playing a combination of pop, funk, R&B, and jazz. Its founding members were Jay Beckenstein, saxophonist, and Jeremy Wall, a keyboardist, along with keyboardist Tom Schuman, drummer Tom Walsh, and Jim Kurzdorfer on bass.
They started by playing gigs in the Buffalo club and bar circuit and got their name when a bar owner asked what they were called. Beckenstein replied “Spirogyra,” which is a genus of green algae he had learned of in college. The barman wrote the name incorrectly, but it stuck.
Peers in the world of contemporary jazz have described the group as a “well-oiled road machine,” a reference to the heavy schedule it has maintained in during its almost 50 years in existence. Thus far, they have appeared on six continents, given over 10,000 shows, and dropped 35 albums, earning gold and platinum status on a number of them. Their longevity is impressive, and they bring joy and energy to every concert they give. A review says:
“Amazing, phenomenal and breath taking. Enjoyed myself, Times 10!! Still tapping my foot and snapping my fingers. Thank you.”
Spyro Gyra will be at the Ludlow Garage on May 3. Shows like this are often promoted with Posters, which organizers can have created by local Print shops.
Get a Free Quote for Print Get a Free Quote for Posters