Thursday, October 3, 2013

Al Di Meola - One of These Nights



For Many Nights to Come
Those who have kept up with Al DiMeola's career will know just by looking at the song titles and the list of musicians what kind of concert this is going to be. Most are from the post Tirami Su period during which Gumbi Ortiz has been a fixture on percussion. That, and the fact that he is playing before a sophisticated audience backed by a string quartet ought to tell us that One of These Nights is going to be no thrash-fest a la Casino or Electric Rendezvous.

And indeed it is not. Instead, it is an exquisite presentation of some of the best DiMeola pieces of the last ten years. I could carp about what was left out, but I can't fault most of what is here. My favorites are Innamorata, Azzurra, Fugatta, Libertango, and the big nod to his past that closes the set, Egyptian Danza. The Sturcz String Quartet strengthens the selections, while the well-rehearsed interplay between DiMeola and Ortiz is often dazzling

DiMeola is generally relaxed and in control, but his...

AL hits a Homerun
I eagerly awaited the release of this DVD. When I received it in the mail I immediately popped it in the DVD player. The DVD was filmed and produced in Germany. The sound quality is very good and the picture quality as well. The DVD comes with a little booklet that is in German and English and briefly discusses Al's career. There are 11 Songs spanning several of his albums. All the songs are played on Acoustic guitar, and Al has a traditional acoustic sound or electric and synth sound all played with the acoustic guitar.

Al's performance is just brilliant. And I think the addition of the string quartet is phenomenal and adds immensely to his performance. The string quartet consists of 2 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello. The rest of the band is rounded out with a keyboardist (Mario Parmisano), a Drummer (Ernie Adams), and finally a percussionist (Gumbi Ortiz). The bands performance is awesome, and the lead violinist (Gabor Csonka) trades licks with Al was the highlight of the...

Great DVD!!!! For Al Di Meola Fans Only!!!!
Okay before I review this DVD, I just want to clarify why I said this is for fans of Al Di Meola only. The songs he performs are not the same kind of "fusion" flare that you, the casual listener, are going to be accustomed to. He was a jazz fusion pioneer, sure, but things have changed since then. He's more into the classical side of arranging and playing now.

Having said that, his playing on this DVD is amazing. The sound quality and video are also good. The band he's playing with are all very well-versed musicians. The pianist he's playing with, I think he's name is Mario Parmisano, suprised me greatly. Al wouldn't be playing with a musician that isn't fantastic, so hats off to Al for his choice in musicians. Very strong rhythmic presence throughout.

As to comment on something a reviewer said in the review prior to mine, he mentioned how he was disappointed that Al Di Meola didn't talk to the audience more. Look, I think I can say wholeheartedly that you DON'T...

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