Al Di Meola
 

Al Di Meola is a virtuoso guitarist who became popular playing with Chich Corea's band Return to Forever where he really did some amazing stuff which I know some people here appreciate. But does anyone have any interest in the guy beyond that?

I personally love his style and I'm getting more into his solo material these days. An early favourite for now is of course the track "Mediterranean Sundance" from his 1977 release Elegant Gypsy. Paco De Lucia also contributes on this track and, of course, the two plus John McLaughlin makes the guitar trio who are also famous for playing this Meola composition.

Here it is in all it's glory from Elegant Gypsy :)



Any more love out there for this amazing latin/fusion jazz guitarist?

I'm not a huge fan of fusion jazz (if that's what he is), but Di Meola is an amazing guitarist. I like his style.

Nice vids Burning Down :)

I discovered an interest in Meola mainly when listening to the Return to Forever album Romantic Warrior. The wholly acoustic title track from that record is amazing and also has some brilliant playing by Meola .. as well as everyone else of course.



As far as interesting Meola vids go, this is probably one of the more interesting ones to watch. It's him, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin playing Mediterranean Sundance (again) on stage :)



There's a live recording of this song by this trio on the album "Saturday Night in San Fransisco" from 1981 .. Which of course belongs in any record collection!

One of the greatest guitarists to ever walk the face of the earth. The performance with DiMeola and McLaughlin was as good as it gets, three virtuoso's killing it gently.

Reviving this year old thread.
I love Meola, he has fantastic phrasing and I can hear that Steve Vai was heavily influenced by him. I especially adore Casino, it's full of virtuosity and melody at the same time.

Wanted to chime in that I love Al as well. His work with Return to Forever was great, but his solo discography is just as amazing. He really makes some sweet sounds, and I haven't really heard much bad come out of discography (they can't all be zingers...)

I'm a fan. I like his work with Ian Hammer.

His acoustic stuff is MUCH better than his electric. And his newer albums sound more lost and directionless. Just my opinion.