Spyro Gyra and Scott Ambush

Saw Spyro Gyra at a local establishment the other night. It was an okay show, but I've got to admit that I've been to a number of previous shows of theirs that got my attention a lot more than this one did. Now, let's be clear, this was not a bad show, not by a long shot, and never has Spyro Gyra disappointed me. Never have I wanted my money back or walked away saying that taking the time and spending the money to see them play was a waste. Not even close. But what I did really want to see and hear, what I love the most about them, is the big-band tour, the fat, boss-band sound, with six or seven members, and that unmistakable, full, studio sound that radiates from the stage and the speakers as they all cut loose together.

Last night's lineup was just five, with Beckenstein, Schuman, and now more or less fully inducted and accepted SG member Julio Fernandez on guitar and Scott Ambush on bass. And Alfonso Ludwig--or was it Ludwig Alfonso?--was on the drum kit. I missed Dave Samuels on the vibes and marimba, that depth of genuine sound from those percussive musical instruments. We had that sound, but it was electronic, coming from Schuman's keyboard. Same thing with backup horn accompaniment. It was okay, just not that full, rich sound.

Fernandez got his over-indulgent solo right after the opening number, this overdone, rambling thing that started all syrupy and Latin, and morphed into agood 15 minutes of jam. By the time it warmed up, it was an okay tune, but it just wouldn't go anywhere. Ludwig/Alfonson got his big, long drum solo, and my wife took off for the bathroom. She went, did her bid'ness, and came back, and this guy was still tapping on the cymbals, thumping on the bass drum, all of that ridiculous noise that some folks just absolutely love in a drum solo. It's never done a thing for me, not once.

And right near the end we finally got the showcase of sweet, rocking Scott Ambush. I mean, goddamn, super-bitchen, thrumming Scott Ambush. Man, is it a treat for the ears and for the eyes, and when he's really rocking and the board is turned up loud for your quivering internal organs, to attend a show where he gets to work out and lay down. There are some seriously serious electric bass guitar players out there, and I've been a big fan of Stanley Clarke since forever, along with Jaco Pastorius, Chris Squire, Will Lee, Steve Rodby, and BB King's iconic bass player, Michael Whateverthehell, but I do love to listen to Scott Ambush play. It's not just popping and rumbling, the guy does the harmonics, the chords, and can make that thing sing, almost like it wasn't a bass. He's got a beautiful 5-string he plays, and he was working out all over the place. He got about ten minutes all to his own, with and without the band, and it was fantastic. If you ever get a chance to read this Scott, or if you're someone who knows him, send this along: keep up the good work; I love what you're doing.

And if you're a bass player in need of a new axe, check out Scott's own custom bass business at .