In 1992, I was still a novice to this music. I was discovering the hidden treasures this genre of music had to offer. I had no help at that time. None of my friends were into this music. I had no computer. And Baltimore, at the time, had no smooth jazz radio station. I would wander into Borders and flip through the CDs in the jazz section. One day I landed on Three Wishes. I was familiar with Spyro Gyra‘s music because of the classic tune, “Morning Dance,” so I thought I'd give it a try.

From the opening track, “Pipo's Song” invites you into this CD. The additional horn section only serves to increase the quality of this song. This is one of guitar player Julio Fernandez's excellent tunes, written for his father. He's at his song-writing best when he goes back to his Cuban roots. Listening to it, and to the entire CD, one comprehends what it means for a band to be tight. The sounds of the instruments mesh perfectly, fitting each song like a custom-made glove. This is even more surprising when you realize that this is the first recording with Scott Ambush as the band's bass player.

On “Jennifer's Lullaby,” the song finds Julio and keyboard player Tom Schuman playing a rich melody throughout. Their playing in the first part and the last part of the song sandwiches some serious sax playing by Jay Beckenstein.

“Whitewater” is one of my favorite tracks on this CD. It features an interesting opening with Tom on keys and Scott on the bass. At first listen, the musicians are playing seemingly random notes, but you soon realize the song comes together when Jay plays sax and the other musicians join in.

I came to understand that these are master craftsmen at work. As I continued to purchase each subsequent Spyro Gyra release, I hear the same cohesion woven throughout each one of their CDs. Despite the fact that they receive little or no commercial radio airtime, this group has stood the test of time with the quality of their music and their fans love it.

Stumbling upon Three Wishes proved to be a stroke of luck or genius.

- Mary Bentley