Smooth is Fast

Spyro Gyra's first album for MCA after their longtime label, GRP-Crescendo, was absorbed into its corporate parent, 1990's Fast Forward carries the curious band subtitle "featuring Jay Beckenstein." Saxophonist Beckenstein has certainly always been the band's leader, writing a good chunk of the material and producing the albums, but given that the lineup is basically unchanged from the previous few Spyro Gyra albums, the new nomenclature is puzzling. It also goes against Spyro Gyra's entire musical aesthetic, as the group's unabashedly commercial and melodic style works against the traditional jazz concept of soloists and sidemen. Everyone on Fast Forward plays the melody, the whole melody, and nothing but the melody, with no improvisations or sidebars.

In terms of harmony nobody can compete Waters. You can hear it on the starter Dreaming Of You. He even skillfully integrates improvisations. Perfect is also his way of overdubbing, which he often love to use in the field of bridges. On A Mission is a good example. Inimitable are his ballads like Stay Together, on which his silky voice starts sounding in addition to the saxophone. Slack and easy it goes on Go-Go Smooth. This character is supported by the shuffle beat. Anything You Need features Kim Water's wife Dana Pope, who has already been involved in several of his projects. A true vocal enrichment. If everything is in the right place as on Cruising Round Rock, you should just sit back and enjoy it. John Legend's tender ballad All Of Me is implemented in all excellence by Waters. A good reminder to buy Legend's wonderful album. The highly talented and gorgeous vocalist Zendaya shines on Fireflies spellbinding the audience with her outstanding voice. With Let's Make Love Waters endows the lovers with a dreamy affectionate ballad.