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 - 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).