You have picked an excellent song with which to dive into the Spyro Gyra rabbit hole. The lineup has changed through the years but they've always put out excellent music, whatever genre you want to try and put them in.
I like this - they used to play this on the light jazz FM radio station, along with Chuck Mangione and Bob James -- speaking of the latter, the electric piano reminds me of "Angela" by Bob James, which could have been heard regularly on the weekly comedy TV show Taxi. Just part of the 80s instrumental jazz culture back then.
This song is so popular since eighties and up to this day in the phils...this jazz song is being used as background music in beauty pageants.. commercials and mostly being played by our local bands in their live stints but i always forget the title...filipinos are happy people and we do appreciate this kind of beat😊
I didn’t know this song by name, but the instant it started, I knew it. I would have been about 12 when this was a big hit on the radio stations that my Mom listened to in the car. It’s not unpleasant, but not something that I still listen to.
I was so happy to see you react to Spyro Gyra! Those guys are from my hometown, Buffalo N.Y. In fact, their original drummer Ted Reinhardt left the band to form a higher octane jazz fusion band called Gamalon. I saw them perform probably close to a hundred times. They have live videos on UA-cam if you ever care to check them out. Mid to late '80s is when they were at their peak. "Billy's Saloon" and "Cabin 14" are smoking hot jams!
This song was Spyro Gyra's one and only Top 40 hit. The song did peaked at the #24 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the summer of 1979. Some people said that this song is a old-school smooth jazz classic. A definitely banger of a song indeed!!!
Wow! I didn't think that I would find Spyro Gyra on UA-cam. Catching The Sun was my introduction to Spyro Gyra and after that I had 6 more; Spyro Gyra, what a surprise, I hope you react to more, and please continue your journey with my favorite band Kansas!
from reading the comments-and then having my own connection to this song from my youth-i agree with everything being said about "morning dance". I think it is an excellent happy fusion jazz song. Also, I think it is what you hear as the credits roll for the local morning show in the 80's in Indianapolis. both of these things are true about "morning dance". And it plays more on my heart, than my head and understanding of what is good or bad in music. so unabashedly do I say, I love this song. but I do know what makes me love it-is that very nostalgia it brings up from my heart and to my heart when I hear it. It is honestly like a time-machine for me, and that gives it a kind of magic that many much better songs do not have for me. that simple beginning starts with the steel drums, and I am taken suddenly to a time when I was 13/14 and this song made me happy. I am a teen-ager. I am just discovering music that isn't either popular music on the radio-or show tunes or soundtracks. I loved popular music/rock and roll. but I was also a broadway kid. and truthfully, I don't even know how I came to know this song. I had this album even? how did that happen? maybe it was my dad's? I don't know. but I do remember when I first heard it, and how it grabbed me right from the start. There is a sunny spirit that exists in this song that feels like possibility and happiness to me. it is what I felt when I first heard it. it is what I feel when I hear it tonight. Sadly, speaking honestly, those feelings are more rare for me to feel today vs. when I was 14. This was over 40 years ago, and the world was a very different place. and I was young, and a very different person. A lot has happened in 40 years. So I understand the limitations of this song, and the frustrations folks can have with it. basically every criticism towards the song, I can agree with. but I also have to say, when it first starts, once again, wow, light looks different, there is a sweet feeling that comes over me, and casts its spell once again, and I still love it. yes, it warms my heart and soul when I hear it. music does have magic in it somehow. thank goodness.
'Ole Audiophile to JustJP: You nailed the exact album to play first off. I own a half dozen of their albums, they are pretty consistent. Their first self titled wonder is very near this album which it should be since this was their second. Great evaluation of an excellent choice sir. Thanx.
Justin, In the early 90's I was searching for a new sound. I've always loved hard rock/heavy metal but started getting sucked into the world of New Age. I spent most of my extra money buying CD's at a Rolling Stone record store. I dove deep into three particular groups. The first was this band Spyro Gyra. I probably bought around 20 CD's from them. Soon after I got hooked on Tangerine Dream. The third, I was so surprised I would fall deep for was Yanni. All I can say is his music back then really touched my soul. I highly recommend that you listen to some Yanni. I forgot if you have listened to him but I know you would love it. One of my favorites from him is "The Rain Must Fall". Thanks for reading my comment. :)
It took me quite a while to notice that this music is by Spiro Gyra, and not a British band called Spirogyra. Musically, the difference is quite substantial, the British band worked in what was probably referred to in the 1970s as progressive folk, somewhere in the neighbourhood of early Strawbs, Steeleye Span and The Incredible String Band. For me it's the presence of Barbara Gaskin that signifies as she later worked with Hatfield And The North, National Health, and in a duo with Dave Stewart, a noted keyboard player of that parish.
What hath Steely Dan wrought… I remember on Late Night On David Letterman, Hiram Bullock’s work with Spyra Gyra… just a long lost rusty nut shaking around my head.
Upbeat, joyful, classy, smooth as silk. Just like I remember them. Light and airy. I remember mentioning them, I don't think I was recommending them, just comparing something else you played to them. Not a complaint though, it's good music, and carries a mood that really elevates the heart. Great background or driving music. I can't remember track names, but there is a deeper end of the pool, I'm sure someone here can suggest one. I'd be sure to listen.
Blast from the past! A lot of prog/rock starved fans in the late 70's turned to Jazz Fusion bands like Spyro Gyra, Tim Weisburg, Chick Corea, Return to Forever, Jon Luc Ponty, etc. You mentioned pop jazz and I have to agree. For a harder edge to this jazz fusion movement, try Passport's album Cross Collateral. Killer!
I suspect that many of those recommendations were about the 70s prog/folk band of the same name, which I believe featured Barbara Gaskin (Hatfield & The North). It's a pretty rare occurrence - Nirvana and Oasis are the only examples I can think of, though doubtless there'll be a few more I'm unaware of.
I've mentioned Spyro Gyra here before. Check out their 1983 live album Access All Areas. It is great!!! I was fortunate to see them live in Chicago in 1979, I think. They were beyond amazing! The song here may be a bit "yacht-rock"-ish (see Michael McDonald), but the majority of their stuff isn't.
Made me think of Spirograph, one of the best toys I ever had! Decent tune too. Here's one for you if you're running out of stuff, check out Green Haze by Elvis Hitler, it is the lyrics from the TV show Green Acres sung to Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. Enjoy!
Midnight at the Oasis (who sang that?) for fans of Kenny G. I'm on a Downer and this pops up. Don't tell me to cheer up Coz I'm Just about to Vomit. No Soul Consumerism presents Night time Tourist Advertising 4u. Now. Ha you've just said Kenny G. Life? Don't talk to me about life. Imagine how depressed Marvin The Paranoid Android felt when he saw the film version upgrade. That's how this made me feel. Wouldn't have missed it for the world .
@@scotstevens5263 I rarely google trivia, so thanks!... I hope you've inspired me to recall correctly.... as I venture "The Brand New Heavies" too? Twas their version that inspired the comparison...
Spyro is one of the Best Classic-Fusion bands Justin, but they have songs and albums far better than this one. In the 80s when soft Jazz and Fusion was in most nightclubs this band was one of the Top acts along with The Yellowjackets ! 👍🎶🎼✌
Along with Rippingtons, too. But I agree. I usually wish Justin had come to us and asked, "I want to listen to Spyro Gyra (or XYZ band), what do you all recommend?" We would be happy to be his Virgil.
Hi Justin, I got inspired to check out Spyro Gyra, and found that the track "Opus D'Opus", on their first album 'Spyro Gyra', has the kind of pizzazz you'd look for in this genre. Check it out if you will.
Oh this... Not unpleasant, but a style of jazz fusion that can get dangerously close, border on, cheesy lift (elevator) music. Type of stuff, BITD, when telly wasn't on 24hrs you'd hear played over the test card. PS. People who liked this would also love the soundtrack to Gregory's Girl 🙂
I don't like this. Sounds like elevator music to me. I used to listen to Spyro Gyra, they have some very good tracks. You should try "Swamp thing" or "Pacific sunrise". Sure you will like these much much better ! ('Cause i know you love groovy bass ;-) )
Come on. Library music/muzak. I'm the first one to admit to enjoying a lot of fluff, but this is even almost too inoffensive to pass as background music.
They can't all be Peter Hamill ;) it's nice! Sincerely meant, and the rhythm section bops, almost Stevie Wonder-like. If you figure this is so easy, try playing it like it's being played here :)
You have picked an excellent song with which to dive into the Spyro Gyra rabbit hole. The lineup has changed through the years but they've always put out excellent music, whatever genre you want to try and put them in.
I like this - they used to play this on the light jazz FM radio station, along with Chuck Mangione and Bob James -- speaking of the latter, the electric piano reminds me of "Angela" by Bob James, which could have been heard regularly on the weekly comedy TV show Taxi. Just part of the 80s instrumental jazz culture back then.
every student alto sax player wanted to learn this when I was in school... I still listen to this when I'm driving!
Love Spyro Gyra. This is a wonderful album.
Wow that is really nostalgic. I loved this when I was about 12 years old. This was a top 20 single in the U.K. back in 79 👍
Such a happy song!
a brillian+ song; and awesome skills on horn, vibes, percussion, piano.......simple, & gorgeous
This song is so popular since eighties and up to this day in the phils...this jazz song is being used as background music in beauty pageants.. commercials and mostly being played by our local bands in their live stints but i always forget the title...filipinos are happy people and we do appreciate this kind of beat😊
I didn’t know this song by name, but the instant it started, I knew it. I would have been about 12 when this was a big hit on the radio stations that my Mom listened to in the car. It’s not unpleasant, but not something that I still listen to.
I know, same here… back when smooth jazz radio existed.
I was so happy to see you react to Spyro Gyra! Those guys are from my hometown, Buffalo N.Y. In fact, their original drummer Ted Reinhardt left the band to form a higher octane jazz fusion band called Gamalon. I saw them perform probably close to a hundred times. They have live videos on UA-cam if you ever care to check them out. Mid to late '80s is when they were at their peak. "Billy's Saloon" and "Cabin 14" are smoking hot jams!
Beautiful driving or lay back song for enjoyment of the day 😊
This song was Spyro Gyra's one and only Top 40 hit. The song did peaked at the #24 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the summer of 1979. Some people said that this song is a old-school smooth jazz classic. A definitely banger of a song indeed!!!
Wow! I didn't think that I would find Spyro Gyra on UA-cam. Catching The Sun was my introduction to Spyro Gyra and after that I had 6 more; Spyro Gyra, what a surprise, I hope you react to more, and please continue your journey with my favorite band Kansas!
from reading the comments-and then having my own connection to this song from my youth-i agree with everything being said about "morning dance". I think it is an excellent happy fusion jazz song. Also, I think it is what you hear as the credits roll for the local morning show in the 80's in Indianapolis. both of these things are true about "morning dance". And it plays more on my heart, than my head and understanding of what is good or bad in music. so unabashedly do I say, I love this song. but I do know what makes me love it-is that very nostalgia it brings up from my heart and to my heart when I hear it. It is honestly like a time-machine for me, and that gives it a kind of magic that many much better songs do not have for me.
that simple beginning starts with the steel drums, and I am taken suddenly to a time when I was 13/14 and this song made me happy. I am a teen-ager. I am just discovering music that isn't either popular music on the radio-or show tunes or soundtracks. I loved popular music/rock and roll. but I was also a broadway kid. and truthfully, I don't even know how I came to know this song. I had this album even? how did that happen? maybe it was my dad's? I don't know. but I do remember when I first heard it, and how it grabbed me right from the start.
There is a sunny spirit that exists in this song that feels like possibility and happiness to me. it is what I felt when I first heard it. it is what I feel when I hear it tonight. Sadly, speaking honestly, those feelings are more rare for me to feel today vs. when I was 14. This was over 40 years ago, and the world was a very different place. and I was young, and a very different person. A lot has happened in 40 years. So I understand the limitations of this song, and the frustrations folks can have with it. basically every criticism towards the song, I can agree with. but I also have to say, when it first starts, once again, wow, light looks different, there is a sweet feeling that comes over me, and casts its spell once again, and I still love it. yes, it warms my heart and soul when I hear it. music does have magic in it somehow. thank goodness.
Always loved this.... most Spyro leaves me a bit cold but this is a classic...
'Ole Audiophile to JustJP: You nailed the exact album to play first off. I own a half dozen of their albums, they are pretty consistent. Their first self titled wonder is very near this album which it should be since this was their second. Great evaluation of an excellent choice sir. Thanx.
Justin, In the early 90's I was searching for a new sound. I've always loved hard rock/heavy metal but started getting sucked into the world of New Age.
I spent most of my extra money buying CD's at a Rolling Stone record store. I dove deep into three particular groups. The first was this band Spyro Gyra. I probably bought around 20 CD's from them. Soon after I got hooked on Tangerine Dream. The third, I was so surprised I would fall deep for was Yanni. All I can say is his music back then really touched my soul. I highly recommend that you listen to some Yanni. I forgot if you have listened to him but I know you would love it. One of my favorites from him is "The Rain Must Fall". Thanks for reading my comment. :)
A different band sounds more interesting to me, Spirogyra were a British folk rock/prog band that released three albums between 1971 and 1973.
Ha! I have the Morning Dance album, but haven't played it for so long (at least 25 years) I came on here to listen, to remind me.
It took me quite a while to notice that this music is by Spiro Gyra, and not a British band called Spirogyra. Musically, the difference is quite substantial, the British band worked in what was probably referred to in the 1970s as progressive folk, somewhere in the neighbourhood of early Strawbs, Steeleye Span and The Incredible String Band.
For me it's the presence of Barbara Gaskin that signifies as she later worked with Hatfield And The North, National Health, and in a duo with Dave Stewart, a noted keyboard player of that parish.
Yeah, this Spiro Gyra is dreadful fuzak. Spirogyra were pretty good though never quite as good as the other bands mentioned.
Agreed!@@kenl2091
@@kenl2091 I was similarly confused.
u should hear live version......on double live album ; he elongated saxophone solo; Amazing
Being a member of jazz bands in high school and college, I am familiar with this band. Catching the Sun was a popular chart to arrange in the 80’s.
This used to end the radio Morning Show where I live decades ago. Indeed a morning tune
I had completely forgotten. Thx for jogging my memory.
What hath Steely Dan wrought…
I remember on Late Night On David Letterman, Hiram Bullock’s work with Spyra Gyra… just a long lost rusty nut shaking around my head.
Yeah!! Awesome…this is called fusion jazz which has pop elements.
Upbeat, joyful, classy, smooth as silk. Just like I remember them. Light and airy. I remember mentioning them, I don't think I was recommending them, just comparing something else you played to them. Not a complaint though, it's good music, and carries a mood that really elevates the heart. Great background or driving music. I can't remember track names, but there is a deeper end of the pool, I'm sure someone here can suggest one. I'd be sure to listen.
Blast from the past! A lot of prog/rock starved fans in the late 70's turned to Jazz Fusion bands like Spyro Gyra, Tim Weisburg, Chick Corea, Return to Forever, Jon Luc Ponty, etc. You mentioned pop jazz and I have to agree. For a harder edge to this jazz fusion movement, try Passport's album Cross Collateral. Killer!
I suspect that many of those recommendations were about the 70s prog/folk band of the same name, which I believe featured Barbara Gaskin (Hatfield & The North). It's a pretty rare occurrence - Nirvana and Oasis are the only examples I can think of, though doubtless there'll be a few more I'm unaware of.
That group spelled it Spirogyra, with no space. They put out a couple of good proggy folk records about a decade earlier in England.
I've mentioned Spyro Gyra here before. Check out their 1983 live album Access All Areas. It is great!!! I was fortunate to see them live in Chicago in 1979, I think. They were beyond amazing! The song here may be a bit "yacht-rock"-ish (see Michael McDonald), but the majority of their stuff isn't.
Saccharine laden jazz fusion at its best.
Made me think of Spirograph, one of the best toys I ever had! Decent tune too.
Here's one for you if you're running out of stuff, check out Green Haze by Elvis Hitler, it is the lyrics from the TV show Green Acres sung to Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. Enjoy!
Wow! That provoked s memory. When I bought this SG album I used to think of Spirograph too. Great toy. Is it still sold?
"Old San Juan" by Spyro Gyra !!! You HAVE to react to it !!!
Midnight at the Oasis (who sang that?) for fans of Kenny G. I'm on a Downer and this pops up. Don't tell me to cheer up Coz I'm Just about to Vomit.
No Soul Consumerism presents Night time Tourist Advertising 4u. Now.
Ha you've just said Kenny G.
Life? Don't talk to me about life. Imagine how depressed Marvin The Paranoid Android felt when he saw the film version upgrade. That's how this made me feel.
Wouldn't have missed it for the world
.
Nah, if it was Kenny G it would be a lot sharper :)
@@airwindows Andy Gardiner 's channel agrees with you... He appraised Kenny G positively I recall. Check it out! (Btw, I'm happier now) :>)
Maria Maldaur sang Midnight at the Oasis 😊
@@scotstevens5263 I rarely google trivia, so thanks!... I hope you've inspired me to recall correctly.... as I venture "The Brand New Heavies" too? Twas their version that inspired the comparison...
the other hit was the shaker song and i think cafe amore believe it not spyro gyra has a lot of fans especially musicians like myself !
Spyro is one of the Best Classic-Fusion bands Justin, but they have songs and albums far better than this one. In the 80s when soft Jazz and Fusion was in most nightclubs this band was one of the Top acts along with The Yellowjackets ! 👍🎶🎼✌
Along with Rippingtons, too. But I agree. I usually wish Justin had come to us and asked, "I want to listen to Spyro Gyra (or XYZ band), what do you all recommend?" We would be happy to be his Virgil.
@@dannylgriffin Yes 👍🎶
Hi Justin,
I got inspired to check out Spyro Gyra, and found that the track "Opus D'Opus", on their first album 'Spyro Gyra', has the kind of pizzazz you'd look for in this genre.
Check it out if you will.
Love it when jazz snobs and other armchair critics come in to diss music. ☺
Great song. Spyro Gyra was either very good or just boring. I listened a lot as a teen.
Oh this... Not unpleasant, but a style of jazz fusion that can get dangerously close, border on, cheesy lift (elevator) music. Type of stuff, BITD, when telly wasn't on 24hrs you'd hear played over the test card.
PS. People who liked this would also love the soundtrack to Gregory's Girl 🙂
'Oh this' indeed! 🙄
New subscriber, I enjoy your reactions, can you react to George Benson “Take five” live video , thank you
I don't like this. Sounds like elevator music to me. I used to listen to Spyro Gyra, they have some very good tracks. You should try "Swamp thing" or "Pacific sunrise". Sure you will like these much much better ! ('Cause i know you love groovy bass ;-) )
Come on. Library music/muzak. I'm the first one to admit to enjoying a lot of fluff, but this is even almost too inoffensive to pass as background music.
They can't all be Peter Hamill ;) it's nice! Sincerely meant, and the rhythm section bops, almost Stevie Wonder-like. If you figure this is so easy, try playing it like it's being played here :)