Jazz / Fusion; Jazz-Rock; Guitar Virtuoso
Recorded:
* The Power Station, The Hit Factory
* Manhattan Center Studios, New York, New York
Al DiMeola - acoustic, electric, classical & 12-string guitars, Kurzweil piccolo flute, pipes, violin, Hawaiian string harp, santour, piano, synthesizer, drums, tablas, cymbals, shakers, percussion, finger snaps
Hernan Romero - vocals, acoustic guitar, double-neck charango, piano, synthesizer, bells, finger snaps
George Dalaras - vocals
Noa - vocals
Andres Boyarski - saxophone
Mike Pinella - trumpet
Conrad Herwig - trombone
Simon Shaheen - violin
Mario Parmisano - strings, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, keyboards, bass, finger snaps
Marc Johnson - acoustic bass
Pino Palladino - electric & fretless basses
Peter Erskine - drums
Manu Katche - drums
Steve Gadd - drums
Gumbi Ortiz - congas, bongos
DiMeola's passion for the acoustic guitar has not diminished his love of electric music. Upon collaboration with Gibson, the Al DiMeola Jazz Guitar was issued. In stark contrast to his customary Les Paul, this guitar is a large hollow-body similar to an L-5. The jazz guitar allows DiMeola to achieve a warmer tone; however, he seemed to be going through a Pat Metheny stage at the time of this recording. The upside is that DiMeola's solos combine his remarkable control with a newfound sense of swing, the downside being that he seems to have lost some of his identity. "Chilean Pipe Song" stands as one of DiMeola's most memorable compositions. The supporting cast of Mario Pamisano and Peter Erskine greatly enhance the music, as each is a distinguishable and tasteful musician. Erskine particularly shines on "Summer Country Song." The one burner here is "Casmir," a fast-paced tune reminiscent of the Elegant Gypsy days. "On My Own" features DiMeola's debut on piano. It is by no means anything spectacular, but it does reaffirm his continued exploration and growth. The strong playing and quality of the compositions make this recommended despite the Metheny flavorings.
---Robert Taylor, allmusic |
