ProJazz.net

Heart of the Night is the nineteenth album by the American jazz group Spyro Gyra, released in 1996 by GRP Records.

Reception

AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars out of 5 and stated:”There are a few departures from their previous efforts on this Spyro Gyra CD. Dave Samuels, the group’s longtime marimba and vibraphonist, was no longer a regular member of the group but does make guest appearances on four of the 11 selections. Trumpeter Randy Brecker solos on “Midnight,” and the “No Sweat Horns” (a three-piece horn section) pop up on two other selections. In addition, background vocalists are utilized on “Heart of the Night” and a couple of cellists are added on two numbers. Most interestingly, some of the numbers have straightahead sections and, not too surprisingly, altoist-leader Jay Beckenstein shows that he is quite capable of jamming in that setting. The 1996 version of Spyro Gyra (Beckenstein, guitarist Julio Fernandez, keyboardist Tom Schuman, bassist Scott Ambush and drummer Joel Rosenblatt) also performs some funkier and more commercial tunes but overall this is a stronger-than-usual recording from a jazz standpoint, and a good example of this popular band.”

Track listing
“Heart of the Night” (Jay Beckenstein) – 4:34
“De La Luz” (Julio Fernandez) – 5:14
“Westwood Moon” (Tom Schuman) – 4:56
“Midnight” (Jeremy Wall) – 4:26
“Playtime” (Beckenstein) – 4:34
“Surrender” (Beckenstein) – 4:47
“Valentino’s” (Schuman) – 4:56
“Believe” (Fernandez) – 5:11
“As We Sleep” (Scott Ambush) – 4:58
“When Evening Falls” (Beckenstein) – 4:59
“J Squared” (Beckenstein, Joel Rosenblatt) – 4:49
“Best Thing” (Beckenstein) [Bonus track] – 4:34

Personnel
Spyro Gyra:

Jay Beckenstein – saxophones
Tom Schuman – keyboards
Julio Fernandez – guitars, vocals (2)
Scott Ambush – bass
Joel Rosenblatt – drums

Additional personnel:

Steve Skinner – programming (1)
Bashiri Johnson – percussion
Dave Samuels – marimba (2, 7, 9, 10), vibraphone (2, 7, 9, 10)
Randy Brecker – trumpet (4)
Jesse Levy – cello (2, 9)
Eugene Moye – cello (2, 9)
Chieli Minucci – arrangements (1)
Jeremy Wall – vocal arrangements (1), cello arrangements (2, 9)
Porter Carroll – vocals (1)
Vaneese Thomas – vocals (1)

The No Sweat Horns (Tracks 3 & 5):

Scott Kreitzer – saxophones, flutes, horn arrangements
Randy Andos – trombone
Barry Danielian – trumpet

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Released: April 23, 1996
Recorded: 1996
Studio:
Bear Tracks Studios (Suffern, New York)
Length: 53:24
Label: GRP
Producer:
Jay Beckenstein, Jeremy Wall