Record Reviews

AL DI MEOLA ~ ELEGANT GYPSY & MORE - LIVE EAR MUSIC 4029759122494 (Barcode: 4029759122494) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is a live album by American guitar hero Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded during his 2017 US tour, on which he was supported by a splendid group of musicians, which included keyboardist Phil MagallanesFind albums by this artist, percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist, bassist Elias TonaFind albums by this artist, drummer Luis AliceaFind albums by this artist and violinist Evan GarrFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Philippe SaisseFind albums by this artist replaces Magallanes on three tracks. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which were composed by Di Meola, one is by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, another one is by Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist and finally one is a surprising gesture towards Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist. The recording quality and sound are a bit loud, but appropriate for the energy that prevailed on stage. As the title suggests, Di Meola revisits three tracks from his 2nd solo album “Elegant GypsyFind albums with this title”, one from the “Kiss My AxeFind albums with this title” album and the rest reflect the entire span of his long career, including his stint with Corea, his fascination with Piazzolla and his early Rock influences. All the compositions have been rearranged and “upgraded” to contemporary sound and speeded up to contemporary steroidal tempi. All the musicians are of course superb performers and Di Meola lost nothing of his phenomenal abilities and virtuosity, so the album becomes a nice nostalgic trip down memory lane and a showcase of spine-chilling guitar pyrotechnics, which should keep Di Meola’s fans utterly happy. Overall, this is an excellent live recording of the Jazz-Rock Fusion chapter of Di Meola’s splendid chapter. Personally I much prefer his laid-back, acoustic Jazz-World Fusion recordings, which are absolutely stunning, but of course it is very difficult not to enjoy this facet of his career, which brought him to the world’s attention at the first place.

Updated: 11/08/2024Posted: 11/08/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ MOROCCO FANTASIA IN-AKUSTIK 9132 (Barcode: 707787913225) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2017 This is a live album by American guitarist / composer / bandleader Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded live in Morocco with his World SinfoniaFind albums by this artist ensemble and local guests. The ensemble includes accordionist Fausto BeccalossiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Peo AlfonsiFind albums by this artist, bassist Victor MirandaFind albums by this artist, percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter KaszasFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Di Meola and one is by Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. The music is nothing short of sublime, especially with the live ambience, continuing Di Meola’s fascination of World Music, especially the Mediterranean musical cultures. The brilliant amalgam of Flamenco, Spanish, Italian, Eastern European and Arabic elements is completely unique and this period of recordings with the World Sinfonia is definitely the most refined and satisfying in his long and prolific career. Although the local guest musician’s contributions are only marginal, they add to the entire atmosphere of Word unity in music, strengthened by the enthusiastically worm reception by the audience. The concert was also released in video version, for those interested. Overall, this is spectacular illustration of how music can be completely borderless and universal, and how well it can work together regardless of its origin. Di Meola is not only a great virtuoso, but perhaps more importantly a superb integrator of World Cultures, for which he deserves the highest applaud. This album is a must to all Jazz-World Fusion fans.

Updated: 21/03/2024Posted: 21/03/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ PURSUIT OF RADICAL RHAPSODY TELARC 32835 (Barcode: 888072328358) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is an album by American guitarist / composer / bandleader Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded with his World SinfoniaFind albums by this artist ensemble, which includes Italian accordionist Fausto BeccalossiFind albums by this artist, French guitarist Kevin SeddikiFind albums by this artist, American percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist, Hungarian drummer Peter KaszasFind albums by this artist and Cuban bassist Victor MirandaFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, thirteen of which are original compositions by the leader, one is a standard and one is a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song. Following his early years dedicated to Jazz-Rock Fusion, Di Meola immersed himself completely in the amalgamation of his amazing virtuosity as a guitarist and his rare melody weaving talent with World Music, creating over the years a brilliant collection of Jazz-World Fusion albums, definitely some of the best specimens of the genre. This album offers a wide spectrum of influences, from his natural strong Latin roots, to European and Middle Eastern Folklore, some Classical and other sources, creating a sizzling, beautifully melodic and rhythmically fascinating music, which is both accessible and highly aesthetic. Over the years Di Meola emerged as one of the most consistent American Jazz and Jazz-World Fusion recording artists, with unparalleled Artistic vision. Overall, this is another masterpiece by a Master musician, who never fails to bless his listeners with his music. Brilliantly recorded with superb musicians, all Masters of their instruments, full of great compositions and diverse selection of Folkloristic sources of influence, this is another instant classic.

Updated: 14/04/2023Posted: 14/04/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ TWENTYFOUR EAR MUSIC 4029759197126 (Barcode: 4029759197126) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2020 - 2024 Released: 2024 This is an album by American guitar hero Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, his first studio release in four years, recorded in several studios around the world and with many different musicians participating on selected tracks. The recording details are not specified on the album’s artwork, but Di Meola states that the music was developed during the last four years, starting during the “dark period” of the Pandemic and slowly taking the shape presented here. Di Meola played many different instruments on this album: guitars, bass, keyboards and percussion, as well as wrote the orchestral arrangements. Some of the musicians participating on the album include keyboardist Derek WielandFind albums by this artist, guitarist Hernan RomeroFind albums by this artist, percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist, tabla player Amit KavthekarFind albums by this artist and others. The 2CD album presents fifteen tracks, all composed and arranged by Di Meola. The album offers stunning recording sound and aural quality. Stylistically Di Meola continues his magnificent journey through the infinite varieties of World Music, spiced with Jazzy improvisational accents, this time also enhanced by orchestral arrangements, which touch upon Flamenco, Latin, Gypsy, Indian, Middle Eastern and other musical traditions. In many respects this album sums up Di Meola’s musical path during the last four decades, since he switched from Jazz-Rock Fusion towards World Music inspirations. As an avid follower of his work, I’d say that this album is his Magnum Opus, considering the wealth of musical ideas and the artistic and aesthetic consistency of its contents. It is a true Masterpiece, embracing music without boundaries and respecting the diversity and magic that World Music is able to bestow upon the listener. Overall, this is a triumphant return by one of the most creative and honest musical personalities, which offers an abundance of beautiful Jazz-World Fusion vistas, which take the listener literally on an “around the world” musical journey, presented elegantly and played magnificently. There is not a dull moment on this album from start to finish, and once the music is over, one simply compelled to repeat the experience again! Beyond recommendation!

Updated: 13/08/2024Posted: 13/08/2024

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ WORLD SINFONIA EAR MUSIC 4029759153726 (Barcode: 4029759153726) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by American guitarist / composer Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1990 and the first to feature the “World Sinfonia” moniker, which would become the name of the ensembles accompanying him on his future recordings. He is accompanied here by Argentinean bandoneonist Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, Armenian percussionist Arto TuncboyaciyanFind albums by this artist, American percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist and guitarist / luthier Chris CarringtonFind albums by this artist (born in Venezuela). The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Di Meola. The album marks a dramatic change in Di Meola’s musical direction, switching exclusively to acoustic guitar and choosing Jazz-World Fusion as his main interest, often playing tribute to the legendary Argentinean bandoneonist / composer Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely exquisite and Di Meola obviously embraces the World Music elements wholeheartedly. Despite the delicate, intimate and almost minimalist setting, the music is rich and embraces many melodic and rhythmic tapestries, which sound absolutely marvelously and lost nothing of their grace and elegance over time. It is one of my favorite Di Meola albums since the day of its release. Overall, this is a beautiful and highly influential Jazz-World Fusion album, which presents Di Meola not only as a Master guitar player, but also as a great composer. Strongly influenced by South American elements, it is one of his best albums, and offers a brilliant voyage, which is everlastingly enchanting. For Jazz-World Fusion fans and guitar aficionados, this album is an absolute must!

Updated: 14/05/2024Posted: 14/05/2024

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend