Original Cinema

Saxophonist and bandleader Jay Beckenstein was a master of the smooth jazz sound before the genre had a name. He hasn't lost his touch on this outing, but it's clear that his bandmates--guitarist Julio Fernandez and bassist Scott Ambush--are also learning the art of crafting a pop instrumental hook. Compositions by the former, "Bump It Up" and "Close-Up," and the latter's "Handheld" highlight this 13-song outing that finds the group firmly back in the smooth jazz pocket after being a bit more adventurous on their last album. Songs from perhaps the band's best writer, Tom Schuman, are conspicuously absent, but he makes up for it with a couple of stunning piano solos, particularly on the not too dark, "Film Noir." The vibraphones of former permanent recording member, David Samuels, used to define the sound of Spyro Gyra, and whenever he makes a guest shot the old '80s Spyro Gyra comes out. But with other voices emerging, Spyro Gyra is becoming a less predictable unit, and they're headed in a good direction, which is important for a group with a quarter century of history behind them. --Mark Ruffin