VINCE MENDOZA | ARIF MARDIN — Jazzpaña (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

"JAZZPAÑA, the most ambitious recording project ever undertaken by Siggi Loch in a most active and extensive music business career, fuses American jazz and the flamenco music of Andalusia in a most imaginative, adventurous, and inspirational way. JAZZPAÑA is a showcase for the special compositional and arranging skills af Arif Mardin and Vince Mendoza, for the impeccable and dynamic section work of the WDR Big Band, for the exotic, extrovert artistry of Ramon El Portugues and Los Jovenes Flamencos, and for the assured and articulate playing of top jazz guest players Michael Brecker, Al Di Meola, Steve Khan, and Peter Erskine. Furthermore, JAZZPAÑA reveals Vince Mendoza as a composer and arranger of immense talent and imagination. This music inevitably prompts comparism with the classic Gill Evans - Miles Davis collaboration of 1959, Sketches of Spain. ...but Mendoza has his own individual identity, approaching the task of composing and arranging rather like a painter creating a landscape of canvas."
Nominated for two GRAMMY AWARDS in 1994. ACT
Tracklist :
1    El Vito Cante    3:44
2    Tangos    8:38
3    Entre Tinieblas    5:30
4    Tanguillo    7:46
5    Soy Gitano    4:49
6    Bulería    9:31
7    Suite Fraternidad (First Movement Generalife)    4:50
8    Suite Fraternidad (Second Movement Albacin)    8:22
9    El Vito El Gran Tamaño    9:19
Credits :
WDR BIGBAND conducted by Vince Mendoza
Guests:
Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxaphone
Al Di Meola - Electric Guitar
Peter Erskine - Drums
Dieter Ilg - Bass
Steve Khan - Electric Guitar
Freddie Santiago - Percussion

Al DI MEOLA & LEONID AGUTIN — Cosmopolitan Life (2005) APE (image+.cue), lossless

On COSMOPOLITAN LIFE Russian guitarist, singer, and rock star Leonid Agutin teams up with six-string virtuoso Al Di Meola for a tour through a collection of songs that spans borders and styles. Elements of jazz, Cuban, gypsy music, African, tango, and mainstream pop are brought together to dazzling effect, and while Agutin’s distinctive voice is one of the album’s most notable qualities, it’s the guitar interplay between the two artists that makes COSMOPOLITAN LIFE a satisfying listen. This disc comes recommended to fans of either artist, as well as those that enjoy crossover jazz and music with an international flavor. Anthony Tognazzini
Tracklist :
1    Cuba Africa    5:36
2    Cosmopolitan Life 4:11
Backing Vocals [Back Vocal] – Beatriz Malnic, Lilian Viana, Pedro Ferreira, Rogerio Moura
3    Nobody    4:47
4    Price To Learn    5:30
5    Tango    3:55
6    Smile    4:23
7    Portofino    3:37
8    If I'll Get A Chance... 4:09
Vocals – Angelica Varum
9    Blue River 4:44
Drum [Drum Track] – Vinnie Colaiuta
Recorded By – Ego Works
10    Shade Of Your World    6:15
Video    Cosmopolitan Life    4:08
Personnel :
Acoustic Guitar [Acoustic Guitars], Electric Guitar [Electric Guitars] – Al Di Meola
Acoustic Guitar [Additional] – Anatoly Kotov
Arranged By – Al Di Meola, Albert Fedoseev, Leonid Agutin
Backing Vocals [Back Vocal] – Albert Fedoseev, Artia Lockett, Aster Wilson, Farah Lopez, Randy Singer Group, Ron Taylor, Angelica Varum
Bass – Anthony Jackson, Julio Hernandez, Sergey Korolev, Oleg Tarkhov
Composed By – Leonid Agutin
Drums – Lee Levine, Vinnie Colaiuta, Arthur Gazarov
Keyboards, Piano, Electric Organ [Hammond] – Albert Fedoseev
Lead Vocals [Leading Vocal], Keyboards [Keyboard], Acoustic Guitar – Leonid Agutin
Lyrics By – Alex Sino
Percussion – Gumbi Ortiz, Richard Bravo, Arthur Gazarov
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Soloist [All Solos], Guitar – Al Di Meola
Trombone – John Kricker
Trumpet – Tony Concepcion

AL DI MEOLA — Electric Rendezvous (1982) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Al di Meola's fifth of seven fusion albums as a leader for Columbia is a typically fiery effort, with di Meola joined by keyboardist Jan Hammer, electric bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Steve Gadd, percussionist Mingo Lewis, and guest spots for flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía ("Passion, Grace & Fire") and keyboardist Philippe Saisse. This lesser-known effort is easily recommended to fans of rock-ish jazz guitar. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 God Bird Change 3:57
Composed By – Mingo Lewis
2 Electric Rendezvous 7:55
Composed By – Al Di Meola
3 Passion, Grace & Fire 5:40
Composed By – Al Di Meola
4 Cruisin' 4:19
Composed By – Jan Hammer
5 Black Cat Shuffle 3:06
Composed By – Philippe Saisse
6 Ritmo De La Noche 4:21
Composed By – Al Di Meola
7 Somalia 1:40
Composed By – Al Di Meola
8 Jewel Inside A Dream 4:06
Composed By – Al Di Meola
Credits
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Drums – Steve Gadd (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Guitar – Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia (tracks: 3)
Keyboards – Jan Hammer (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 8), P. Saisse (tracks: 5)
Percussion – Mingo Lewis (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)

AL DI MEOLA — Cielo e Terra (1985) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Having grown a bit weary of playing loud fusion, Al DiMeola recorded a largely acoustic set on his debut for Manhattan. DiMeola, who augments his acoustic guitar with the orchestral Synclavier guitar, plays five unaccompanied solos and is joined on the other four numbers by percussionist Airto Moreira. Other than Keith Jarrett's "Coral," all of the moody selections are by the guitarist. An interesting, if not overly memorable, atmospheric set. Scott Yanow
 Tracklist :
1 Traces Of A Tear 7:57
2 Vertigo Shadow 3:16
3 Cielo E Terra 10:41
4 Enigma Of Desire 2:45
5 Atavism Of Twilight 5:16
6 Coral 3:23
Composed By – Keith Jarrett
7 When Your Gone 4:31
8 Etude 7:05
9 Solace 4:42
Credits :
Composed By, Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [Synclavier] – Al Di Meola
Percussion – Airto Moreira (tracks: 1, 3, 7, 9, 10)

AL Di MEOLA — World Sinfonia (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Comparing early Al di Meola dates like Land of the Midnight Sun and Casino to his albums of the 1990s, it's clear how much his playing has softened. The exceptional World Sinfonia, an entirely acoustic CD, makes it clear that what hasn't changed is his unpredictable, spontaneous nature. Di Meola's right-hand man throughout this highly introspective date is the soulful bandonean player Dino Saluzzi, with whom he enjoys an undeniably strong rapport. A long-time lover of world music, di Meola incorporates South American, Spanish, and Middle Eastern elements, and makes Argentine tango a very high priority. The improvisor's reverence for Argentina's musical heritage is especially evident on Astor Piazzola's haunting "Tango Suite" and di Meola's soul-bearing ode to the tango legend, "Last Tango for Astor." But World Sinfonia's standout track and most pleasant surprise of all is a 12-minute interpretation of Chick Corea's 1975 Return to Forever classic "No Mystery," which works quite well in an acoustic setting. Alex Henderson

Tracklist :

1. Perpetual Emotion 3:30

2. Orient Blue 2:57

3. Tango Suite Part I 8:49

4. Tango Suite Part III 8:50

5. Falling Grace 4:21

6. Last Tango For Astor 6:20

7. No Mystery 12:37

8. Lustrine 9:12

9. Little Cathedral 1:45

10. La Cathedral 4:37

Credits :

Al Di Meola - Acoustic Guitars

Dino Saluzzi - Bandoneon

Arto Tuncboyacian - Percussion, Voice

Gumbi Ortiz - Congas, Percussion
Chris Carrington - Classical Guitar

STALEY CLARKE | AL DI MEOLA | JEAN-LUC PONTY — Rite of Strings (1995) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Any time the likes of Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola and Jean-Luc Ponty are assembled, there is a good chance the results are going to be impressive. Clarke and DiMeola had played together in the legendary Return to Forever, producing some of the most intense playing in all of fusion; Jean-Luc Ponty had also made several excellent, very diverse recordings. The chops of these three musicians are pretty much unsurpassed in the industry, which in itself makes Rite of Strings worthy of a listen. The real treat, however, is in the song selections. Three of DiMeola's more recent compositions are here, including the uplifting "Chilean Pipe Song." On this song, Clarke and Ponty's dual-bow sound provides a nice backdrop to DiMeola's introduction before DiMeola and Ponty state the melody together. Ponty has always been one of the more interesting violinists, mostly because he experiments with the instrument's tonal possibilities. His plucking introduction to "Renassaince" and the strumming on "Change of Life" are evidence of this. Clarke's finest moment comes on his own beautiful "Topanga," on which his bow playing is enough to evoke tears. This is a classic recording that should not be missed; the integrity, musicianship, compositions, and improvisations are all first-rate. Robert Taylor  
Tracklist:

1 Indigo 7:15

Written-By – Al Di Meola
2 Renassaince 4:32
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
3 Song To John 6:00
Written-By – Chick Corea, S. Clarke
4 Chilean Pipe Song 6:12
Written-By – Al Di Meola
5 Topanga 5:50
Written-By – Stanley Clarke
6 Morocco 5:45
Written-By – Al Di Meola
7 Change Of Life 5:30
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
8 La Cancion De Sofia 8:30
Written-By – Stanley Clarke
9 Memory Canyon 6:00
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
Credits:
Band, Acoustic Bass – Stanley Clarke
Band, Acoustic Guitar [Acoustic Guitars] – Al Di Meola
Band, Violin [Acoustic] – Jean-Luc Ponty
Producer – Al Di Meola, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke

AL DI MEOLA / JOHN MCLAUGHLIN / PACO DE LUCÍA - Friday Night in San Francisco (1981) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Loose and spontaneous, this (mainly) live album is a meeting of three of the greatest guitarists in the world for an acoustic summit the likes of which the guitar-playing community rarely sees. Broken up into three duo and two trio performances, Friday Night in San Francisco catches all three players at the peaks of their quite formidable powers. The first track features Al di Meola and Paco de Lucía teaming up for a medley of di Meola's "Mediterranean Sundance" (first recorded by the duo on di Meola's classic 1976 album Elegant Gypsy) and de Lucía's own "Rio Ancho." It is a delightful performance, full of the fire and inhuman chops that one expects from two players of this caliber. However, the two guitarists obviously have big ears, and they complement each other's solos with percussive, driving rhythm parts. There is a laid-back, humorous element to Friday Night in San Francisco as well, best witnessed in di Meola and John McLaughlin's performance of Chick Corea's "Short Tales of the Black Forest." Rapid-fire licks from the pair soon give way to atonal striking of the body of the guitar, running picks along the strings, etc. Before the farce is completed, they have played a blues and quoted the Pink Panther theme. It is funny stuff, and it serves to dispel the image of the trio, especially di Meola, as super-serious clinicians more concerned with technique than music. The other great piece of evidence against such a narrow-minded claim can be found in both the quality of the compositions featured on Friday Night in San Francisco as well as the sensitivity and dynamic variation brought to the performances. A perfect example of this is the sole studio track, a McLaughlin composition entitled "Guardian Angel" (the opening theme of which is taken straight from "Guardian Angels," a song that appears on McLaughlin's 1978 Electric Dreams album). It is a fine piece, and one that features a haunting melody as well as some of the best solos on the record. All in all, Friday Night in San Francisco is a fantastic album and one of the best entries in all of these guitarists' fine discographies. by Daniel Gioffre 

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN | AL DI MEOLA | PACO DE LUCÍA – Passion, Grace & Fire (1983) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Two years after they recorded Friday Night in San Francisco, John McLaughlin, Al di Meola and Paco de Lucía reunited for another set of acoustic guitar trios, Passion, Grace and Fire, If this can be considered a guitar "battle" (some of the playing is ferocious and these speed demons do not let up too often), then the result is a three-way tie. This guitar summit lives up to its title. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Aspan

2. Orient Blue Suite

3. Chiquito

4. Sichia

5. David

6. Passion, Grace & Fire

Credits :

Acoustic Guitar [Ovation 6-string Acoustic Guitar - Steel Strung] – Al Di Meola

Guitar [Spanish Flamenco Guitar, Built In Spain - Gut Strung] – Paco De Lucia

Guitar [Yamaha Classical Flamenco-type Guitar - Gut Strung] – John McLaughlin

PACO DE LUCÍA / AL DI MEOLA / JOHN MCLAUGHLIN - The Guitar Trio (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The acoustic guitar trio of John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, and Paco DeLucia can always be relied upon to create quiet but fiery music. The three virtuosos always sound restrained and tasteful (yet inwardly explosive) when they play together. This 1996 effort has three originals apiece from McLaughlin and DiMeola, two by DeLucia and a beautiful McLaughlin-DiMeola duet on "Manha de Carnaval" that makes one wish they would more fully explore bossa nova. Most of the selections are thoughtful, but there are also plenty of explosive outbursts for contrast (along with the jubilant closer "Cardeosa") on the highly arranged yet spontaneous-sounding program. by Scott Yanow

Al DI MEOLA - Land Of The Midnight Sun (1976-1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the guitar heroes of fusion, Al di Meola was just 22-years-old at the time of his debut as a leader but already a veteran of Chick Corea's Return to Forever. The complex pieces (which include the three-part "Suite-Golden Dawn," an acoustic duet with Corea on "Short Tales of the Black Forest," and a brief Bach violin sonata show di Meola's range even at this early stage. With assistance from such top players as bassists Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke, keyboardist Barry Miles, and drummers Lenny White and Steve Gadd, this was a very impressive beginning to di Meola's solo career. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:

1.    The Wizard (James Mingo Lewis) – 6:46

        Al Di Meola - 6- and 12-string guitars

        Mingo Lewis - keyboards, percussion

        Anthony Jackson - bass

        Steve Gadd - drums

2.    Land of the Midnight Sun (Al Di Meola) – 9:10

        Al Di Meola - electric guitar

        Barry Miles - electric piano, Mini-Moog synthesizer

        Anthony Jackson - bass

        Lenny White - drums

        Mingo Lewis - percussion

3.    Sarabande from Violin Sonata in B Minor, (Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002) (Johann Sebastian Bach) – 1:20

        Al Di Meola - acoustic guitar

4.    Love Theme from Pictures of the Sea (Al Di Meola) – 2:25

        Al Di Meola - 6- and 12-string acoustic and 6-string electric guitars, vocals, synthesizer, chimes

        Patty Buyukas - vocals

        Stanley Clarke - bass, vocals

        Mingo Lewis - percussion

5.    Suite Golden Dawn - (Al Di Meola) – 9:49

        I. Morning Fire - 1:15

        II. Calmer of the Tempests - 1:11

        III. From Ocean to the Clouds - 8:38

    Al Di Meola - electric guitar

    Barry Miles - electric piano, Mini-Moog synthesizer

    Jaco Pastorius - bass

    Alphonse Mouzon - drums

    Mingo Lewis - percussion

6.    Short Tales of the Black Forest (Chick Corea) – 5:41

        Al Di Meola - 6-string acoustic guitar, gong

        Chick Corea - acoustic piano, marimba

AL DI MEOLA - Elegant Gypsy (1977-1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Al di Meola's second record as a leader is generally an explosive affair, although it does have a fair amount of variety. With Jan Hammer or Barry Miles on keyboards, electric bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Lenny White (Steve Gadd takes his place on the "Elegant Gypsy Suite"), and percussionist Mingo Lewis on most of the selections, di Meola shows off his speedy and rock-ish fusion style. He was still a member of Return to Forever at the time and was a stronger guitarist than composer, but di Meola did put a lot of thought into this music. The brief "Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil" (an acoustic guitar solo) and "Mediterranean Sundance" (an acoustic duet with fellow guitarist Paco de Lucía) hints at di Meola's future directions. A near classic in the fusion vein. by Scott Yanow

Trackslist:

1. Flight Over Rio (7:16)

2. Midnight Tango (7:28)

3. Mediterranean Sundance (5:14)

4. Race With Devil On Spanish Highway (6:18)

5. Lady Of Rome, Sister Of Brazil (1:46)

6. Elegant Gypsy Suite (9:16)

Credits:

   Al Di Meola: Electric guitars, acoustic guitars, piano, synthesizer, percussion.

   Paco de Lucía: Acoustic guitar (track 3).

   Anthony Jackson: Bass guitar (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6).

   Jan Hammer: Keyboards, synthesizer (tracks 1, 6).

   Barry Miles: Piano, keyboards, synthesizer (tracks 2, 4).

   Steve Gadd: Drums (tracks 1, 6).

   Lenny White: Drums (tracks 2, 4).

   Mingo Lewis: Congas, synthesizers, organ, percussion (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6).

AL DI MEOLA - Casino (1978-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Following up the superb Elegant Gypsy was no mean feat, but Al di Meola gave it his best shot with the similarly styled Casino, released in 1978. Featuring a core band of Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, and Barry Miles (whom di Meola came up with before the guitarist was invited to join Return to Forever), the playing is sharp and fiery, matching the youthful intensity of the leader. Di Meola is a good composer in the fusion idiom, and the four original compositions on Casino, although clearly bearing the mark of Chick Corea's influence, are strong. His "Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars," featuring di Meola accompanying himself via multi-tracking, is beautiful and dramatic, and hints at the guitarist's later all-acoustic works such as Friday Night in San Francisco. "Dark Eye Tango" opens with a slow theme before turning into an uptempo vehicle for di Meola's darting Les Paul. In fact, it is the leader's solos that frequently prevent the Latin grooves and rhythms found on Casino from sounding stale and a bit dated. His trademark staccato phrasing and high-velocity improvisations are what is noticed upon first listen, but di Meola does have an excellent sense of phrasing that is undeniably present. Contrary to popular opinion, he knows how to use his technique to good effect. Casino is not as strong as either Elegant Gypsy or Romantic Warrior, but is nevertheless well worth picking up for fans either of di Meola himself or of the entire 1970s fusion scene. by Daniel Gioffre  
Tracklist:
1 Egyptian Danza 5:57
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Organ [Yamaha], Piano [Acoustic] – Barry Miles
2 Chasin' The Voodoo 5:05
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Piano [Acoustic], Organ, Marimba – Barry Miles
3 Dark Eye Tango 5:25
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Organ [Yamaha] – Barry Miles
4 Señor Mouse 7:21
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Organ [Yamaha], Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Barry Miles
Fantasia Suite For Two Guitars (5:12)
Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Castanets, Handclaps, Congas, Bongos – Al Di Meola
5.1 Viva La Danzarina
5.2 Guitars Of The Exotic Isle
5.3 Rhapsody Italia
5.4 Bravoto Fantasia
6 Casino 9:29
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos, Percussion – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar, Percussion – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Marimba, Organ [Yamaha] – Barry Miles
Timbales, Percussion [Roto Toms] – Eddie Colon

AL DI MEOLA - Splendido Hotel (1980-1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Talk about ambitious. This two-LP set finds guitarist Al di Meola performing with his quintet of the time (featuring keyboardist Philippe Saisse), with studio musicians, solo, in a reunion with pianist Chick Corea, singing a love song, and welcoming veteran Les Paul for a version of "Spanish Eyes." Most of the music works quite well and it shows that di Meola (best-known for his speedy rock-oriented solos) is a surprisingly well-rounded and versatile musician.  by Scott Yanow
 Tracklist  
1 Alien Chase On Arabian Desert 8:55
Bass – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
2 Silent Story In Her Eyes 7:32
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
Piano [Solo] – Chick Corea
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Peter Cannarozzi
3 Roller Jubilee 4:44
Acoustic Guitar [6 & 12 String], Celesta – Al Di Meola
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electronic Drums [Syndrum], Percussion – Mingo Lewis
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Peter Cannarozzi
4 Two To Tango 4:13
Acoustic Guitar – Al Di Meola
Piano – Chick Corea
5 Al Di's Dream Theme 6:47
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Bass [String Snaps On Second Section] – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Electronic Drums [Syndrum Bomb] – Mingo Lewis
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Al Di Meola
Keyboards – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
Synthesizer [Moog Solo] – Jan Hammer
6 Dinner Music Of The Gods 8:33
Bass – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Fylde] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
7 Splendido Sundance 4:52
Acoustic Guitar [Ovation] – Al Di Meola
8 I Can Tell 3:58
Keyboards, Synthesizer [Moogbass], Backing Vocals – Philippe Saisse
Lead Vocals, Drums, Guitar – Al Di Meola
9 Spanish Eyes 5:10
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Guitar [Left Channel] – Les Paul
Guitar [Right Channel], Acoustic Guitar [Fylde 6 & 12 String], Mandola [Mandocello], Percussion [Castanets] – Al Di Meola
10 Isfahan 11:34
Acoustic Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Cello – Dennis Karmzyn*, Raymond J. Kelly*
Piano – Chick Corea
Viola – Carol Shive
Violin – David Campbell
Vocals – The Columbus Boychoir
11 Bianca's Midnight Lullaby 1:54
 Guitar [Fylde], Mandola [Fylde Mandocello] – Al Di Meola

RETURN TO FOREVER - Where Have I Known You Before (1974) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Return to Forever set finds guitarist Al DiMeola debuting with the pacesetting fusion quartet, an influential unit that also featured keyboardist Chick Corea, electric bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Lenny White. On this high energy set, short interludes separate the main pieces: "Vulcan Worlds," "The Shadow of Lo," "Beyond the Seventh Galaxy," "Earth Juice" and the lengthy "Song to the Pharoah Kings." Acoustic purists are advised to avoid this music, but listeners who grew up on rock and wish to explore jazz will find this stimulating music quite accessible. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1. Vulcan Worlds (7:54)

2. Where Have I Loved You Before (1:01)

3. Shadow Of Lo (7:34)

4. Where Have I Danced With You Before (3:11)

5. Beyond The Seventh Galaxy (3:11)

6. Earth Juice (3:45)

7. Where Have I Known You Before? (2:20)

8. Song To The Pharoah Kings (14:21)

Credits:

Chick Corea / organ, synthesizer, percussion, piano, clavinet)

Al DiMeola / acoustic guitar, guitar, electric guitar

Stanley Clarke / organ, bass, percussion, bass guitar

Lenny White / percussion, bongos, conga, drums

RETURN TO FOREVER — Romantic Warrior (1976-1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The most popular and successful lineup of Return to Forever -- Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, and Al Di Meola -- was coming off the Grammy-winning No Mystery when it recorded its third and final album, Romantic Warrior. It has been suggested that in employing a medieval album cover (drawn by Wilson McLean), using titles like "Medieval Overture" and "Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant," and occasionally playing in a baroque style, particularly in Clarke's "The Magician," Corea was responding to Rick Wakeman's successful string of albums on similar themes. Certainly, the music suggests that the musicians have been listening to Wakeman's band, Yes, among other progressive rock groups. But they bring more of a traditional jazz approach to their sound, particularly in the opening statement of intent "Medieval Overture" and the original side one closer, "The Romantic Warrior," both of which feature extensive acoustic piano soloing by Corea. The original side two -- Di Meola's "Majestic Dance," "The Magician," and "Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant" -- is much more in a jazz-rock style, with Di Meola particularly rocking out on extensive, fast-paced electric guitar solos. Meanwhile, the rhythm section of Clarke and White is always extremely busy, maintaining a funky, driving pulse and several cross rhythms no matter what's going on above it. This is particularly noticeable, naturally, on White's sole composition, "Sorceress," but it continues to keep the music in the fusion camp even when Corea is sounding like a more traditional jazz pianist. Romantic Warrior is the sound of a mature band at the top of its game, which may help explain why it was Return to Forever's most popular album, eventually certified as a gold record, and the last by this assemblage. Having expressed themselves this well, they decided it was time for them to move on.  by William Ruhlmann  

Tracklist :
1  Medieval Overture  5:14
Written-By – Chick Corea
2  Sorceress  7:34
Written-By – Lenny White
3  The Romantic Warrior  10:52
Written-By – Chick Corea
4  Majestic Dance  5:01
Written-By – Al Di Meola
5  The Magician  5:29
Written-By – Stanley Clarke
6  Duel Of The Jester And The Tyrant (Part I & Part II)  11:26
Written-By – Chick Corea
Credits
Bass [Alembic Bass With Instant Flanger, Piccolo Bass], Acoustic Bass, Bell Tree, Bells [Hand Bells] – Stanley Clarke
Drums, Timpani, Congas, Timbales, Bells [Hand Bells], Drums [Snare Drums], Cymbal [Suspended Cymbals], Other [Alarm Clock] – Lenny White
Electric Guitar [Electric Guitars], Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [Soprano Guitar], Bells [Hand Bell], Slide Whistle – Al Di Meola
Piano [Acoustic Piano], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Clavinet [Honer Clavinet], Synthesizer [Mini Moog, Moog 15, Micro Mini Moog, ARP Odyssey, Polymoog], Organ [Yahama Organ], Marimba, Percussion – Chick Corea

AL DI MEOLA – Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Al Di Meola has enjoyed an impressively long career as a recording artist. The guitar virtuoso was only 22 when he recorded his first album as a leader, Land of the Midnight Sun, back in 1976 (although he had joined Chick Corea's Return to Forever at 19), and a 56-year-old Di Meola was still going strong when 2011 arrived. Di Meola's playing has evolved along the way; the shredding, intensity, speed, and pyrotechnics of his early albums were replaced by a more lyrical and introspective approach that shows some awareness of Pat Metheny yet is distinctively Al Di Meola. But one thing about the guitarist that hasn't changed is his affection for world music, which was a major influence on early albums such as Land of the Midnight Sun, Elegant Gypsy, and Casino, and is also a strong influence on his 2011 release Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody. This excellent album is jazz-rock fusion, but it is also world jazz; Di Meola maintains a decidedly international perspective throughout the CD, incorporating everything from Argentinian tango to Spanish flamenco to Middle Eastern and North African music. Afro-Cuban salsa is also part of the equation, and two of Di Meola's guests are people with definite Latin credentials: bassist Charlie Haden (let's not forget Haden's Revolution Music Orchestra of the '60s and '70s, or the boleros he played on 2000's Nocturne), and Havana-born pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The Afro-Cuban influence is especially strong on "Gumbiero" and "Destination: Gonzalo," although "Gumbiero" also incorporates flamenco and tango elements. Most of the material on Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody was composed by Di Meola himself, but two exceptions are the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields" and Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow." And Di Meola, behaving like the jazz improviser that he is, genuinely interprets those well-known popular songs and brings something personal to the table instead of playing the type of lame, note-for-note covers that smooth jazz (which Di Meola has adamantly stayed away from) is infamous for. Granted, Di Meola is by no means a jazz purist or a straight-ahead bebopper; he never claimed to be Barney Kessel or Tal Farlow, but his mentality is very much an improviser's mentality, and that mentality serves him consistently well on Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody. Alex Henderson

Tracklist :

1. Siberiana 8:28

2. Paramour's Lullaby 7:45

3. Mawazine Part1 2:07

4. Michelangelo's 7th Child 7:30

5. Gumbiero 6:18

6. Brave New World 1:54

7. Full Frontal Contrapuntal 4:52

8. That Way Before 3:06

9. Fireflies 4:01

10. Destination Gonzalo 5:16

11. Bona 6:00

12. Radical Rhapsody 5:02

13. Strawberry Fields 4:09

14. Mawazine Part2 2:54

15. Over the Rainbow 3:04

World Sinfonia is :

Al Di Meola - acoustic and electric guitars,percussion,keyboards

Fausto beccalossi - accordion

Kevin Seddiki - 2nd guitar parts

Gumbi Ortiz - percussion

Peter Kaszas - drums,percussion

Victor Miranda - acoustic upright baby bass

Special Guests :

Charlie Haden - acoustic bass on tracks 13,15

Peter Erskine - drums on tracks 4,10,12,

Gonzalo Rubalcaba - piano on tracks 5,10,12,13

Barry Miles - string arrangements,additional keyboards

Mino Cinelu - percussion on tracks 3,4,13,14

Hungary's Sturcz String Quartet :

Gabor Csonka - violin

Viktor Uhrin - violin

Gergely Kuklis - violin

Gyula Benk - viola

Andreas Strurcz - cello