Spyro Gyra - Lifetime Achievement Award :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

One of my first memorable experiences in music was the first time I heard morning dance . I didn't know who or what I was hearing I just knew it was perfect. Congrats - Walter Beasley

"From the seventies to now, from 'Morning Dance' to the current project, Spyro Gyra has been a legendary group in the Contemporary Jazz movement. One of the pioneers of a sound that is still copied today, I'm very happy Spyro is getting this recognition and lifetime achievement award." - Deservingly so, congratulations! - Lee Ritenour

""Congradulations to Syro Gyra for receiving this award. I wish you much continued success , and respect for your years of committment to the music industry artistically. Peace sincerely." - Gato Barbieri

"This great American band is an inspiration to me and has been for 30 years now. They keep exploring and expanding the definition of what contemporary jazz is and can be and for me, that's what it's all about. Jay, Tom, Julio and Scott - I can't wait to hear what you do next and I look forward to seeing you all the next time we're on a festival bill together. Thanks for all of the incredible music you have given us." - Ken Navarro

"I've had the pleasure of playing in the time slot before Spyro Gyra at a several jazz festivals. It's great to see a band that has stayed together as long as they have and still perform their music with energy and taste"! - Daryl Stuermer

"When I was a student at Berklee School of Music in Boston I heard some music that left a lasting impression on me forever! That band was Spyro Gyra. The Saxophone sound was inspiring and infectious. I am now a colleague and label mate of Jay Beckenstein the man behind that sweet sound. Julio Fernandez has played on several of my own projects and I share a band with Dave Samuels, (one of the original members) called the Fantasy Band. I guess I can say that. When I first heard Spyro Gyra, I would have never guessed that these guys would have such an impact on my life. Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award! It's well deserved!" - Marion Meadows

"What can be said about these guys that hasn't been said already? Some things in this world are quickly forgotten, and some things remain to become a classic. Checkered pants may have come and gone, but Spyro Gyra, like the tuxedo, has never veered far from the course for sake of change, and they remain classy and upscale today, the standard by which all are measured.

Timeless music requires solid musical content, memorable melodies, and classic production to remain fresh and viable years after the recording, and that is no easy feat. Spyro Gyra combines all those elements and more into a recognizable sound that amazingly, has no expiration date!"
- Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

"The fact that Spyro Gyra has been in existence long enough to even qualify for such an award is an achievement! With several 'classic' smooth jazz hits to their credit, Spyro Gyra continues to be a musical driving force filled with creativity and true passion. They have touched us all inside and outside the smooth jazz community with their never-ending love for music. It's truly inspiring to see that musicians of such high caliber can also be nice, down-to-earth people. My hat goes off to you my friends and I wish you many, many more years of continued success and great music! Thanks", - James Lloyd, Pieces Of A Dream

"Congratulations to Jay, Tom, Julio, Joel & Scott on receiving the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award. I have had the great pleasure to appear on the same bill as Spyro Gyra at the Palm Springs Jazz Festival and Monterey Concerts by the Bay. It is always fantastic to hear them perform and they approach their music with Joy and Passion. They also happen to be great people as well. We deserved Spyro Gyra, Enjoy!" - Best Wishes, - Brian Hughes

" Spyro Gyra is one of the true pioneers of "Smooth Jazz". Their sound will always stand the test of time and is as fresh today as it was back when they first started. Great writing and playing guys. Congratulations on the Lifetime Achievement Award." - Dave Dunlop, Trumpet

"It seems Spyro Gyra's musical presence has followed me since I first began playing music! I remember I first heard Spyro Gyra when I was in public school, and even then I recall admiring the musicianship." Many blessings
- Johannes Linstead

"I've been a fan of Spyro Gyra for many years, and they've brought us some of the best music in jazz today. Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award. You all are truly deserving. Keep the great music coming." - Gerald Albright

"Spyro Gyra, cool intelligent music as well the Crusaders and Larry Carlton on guitar formed the basis and platform of where I knew I wanted to be Musically. We, my fellow band mates and I, cut our teeth, proud in the fact that we knew greater bands than those who where forced on us by POP and Rock radio stations, formulated with drivel. It was always a pleasure to sit back and enjoy the wonderful sound of Spyro Gyra." - Alfie Zappacosta

"I remember hearing SpyroGyra on a NY station "Shaker Song" and it was a hot instrumental-pop tune that had this cross-over appeal. Funny that I would hear that same song 25 years later in a live setting and they had completely evolved into this hip, always working band. Not only that, they are one of the warmest bunch of cats you'll ever meet.....their warmth comes across on stage and in the studio. They love what they do!!

The history of these fine young men run deep, which once included my alumni friends Dave Samuels, and drummer Joel Rosenblatt, who has worked on a couple of my CD's in the past. The company that they keep is pretty impressive.

These guys are top-notch and well-respected in the business, not only by their fan base, but by their peers.

Kudos to one of the great contemporary jazz bands in the business!!"

Warmest Regards,
Bob Baldwin

Kudos to Spyro Gyra, the original contemporary jazz supergroup. Jay Beckenstein and his bandmates have inspired a generation of musicians to find a new way to swing. Spyro Gyra continues to push the boundaries of jazz with it's restlessly innovative sound. - Gerald Veasley

" When I think of Spyro Gyra I think of warm summer nights down at the Ontario Place Forum. We used to go down during our university days and chill out on the grass under the stars and just soak it all in. They were part of my summer sound track then and now." - Tony Grace Four80East

"In 1979 I was doing a Canadian tour with a 10 piece band called Young. It was early in the morning and the sun was coming up on the prairies heading to Calgary. We were playing Morningdance by Spyro Gyra and it was one of the most memorable moments of my life. The energy of first light and the music was a perfect match.Jay and the band are among the elite of what we now call Smooth Jazz." - Greg Kavanagh Artist/Composer/Producer

Listen to Mindi Abair's special message to Spyro Gyra - Mindi Abair
Click here

Chuck Loeb gives Spyro Gyra props in this very special message - Chuck Loeb Click here to listen

"There were some very influential records that I bought when I was in my young teens. Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell, Rush - 2112, and then of course, Spyro Gyra's Morning Dance! Together they make a great dinner party compilation! But seriously... in 1979 I was both a rock guitarist and a novice saxophonist. Hearing the catchy melodies and virtuoso sax of Jay Beckenstein at the impressionable age of 13 was a monumental paradigm shift for me. Spyro was the first jazz concert I ever attended at the Ontario Place Forum. I still remember it as being one of the best instrumental concerts I have ever seen. They paved the way for contemporary jazz in the 80's and they are one of the cornerstones of Smooth Jazz today. Thanks to you Spyro Gyra, for being such an enriching part of my life!" - Warren Hill