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

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AL DI MEOLA ~ SPLENDIDO HOTEL / ELECTRIC RENDEZVOUS BGO 0927 (Barcode: 5017261209276) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1980 - 1982 Released: 2010 This is a reissue / remaster of the 4th and 5th studio albums by American guitarist / composer Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist: “Splendido HotelFind albums with this title” from 1980 and “Electric RendezvousFind albums with this title” from 1982, released on ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records. He is supported by his regular band at the time with keyboardist Philippe SaisseFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim LandersFind albums by this artist, drummer Robbie GonzalesFind albums by this artist and percussionist Eddie ColonFind albums by this artist. Many guest artists appear on these albums, including pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist, drummer Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, guitarist Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist, percussionist Mingo LewisFind albums by this artist and others. “Splendido Hotel”, originally a 2LP album, presents eleven tracks, seven composed by De Meola, one co-composed with Saisse, one by Saisse, one by Corea and one a pop standard. “Electric Rendezvous” presents eight tracks, five composed by Di Meola, and one each by Saisse, Hammer and Lewis. The music is the usual splendid mixture of superb melodies, Jazz licks, Fusion Groove and Spanish / Latin / Mediterranean / Flamenco Folkloristic accents, which was De Meola’s home turf. There is plenty of brilliant guitar playing by Di Meola and excellent parts by the guest artists, and although these two albums are not surprising or innovative as far as Di Meola’s output in the first decade of his career is concerned, they withstand the test of time splendidly and still sound great today. Overall, this is a marvelous reminder of the early days of Di Meola’s recording career, full of virtuosity, superb compositions and passionate performances by him and his cohorts, which were the leading American Fusion musicians at the time. They are a must in any serious Jazz-Rock Fusion / Jazz-World Fusion record collection.

Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: 28/02/2024

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