LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

I like Al Di Meola's music. During last three years I saw him playing 3 times: once in Jazz Festival in Kaunas, next time - in his "New Sinfonia" tour with italian musicians, and third time - at the first european concert of RTF re-incarnation.

And whenever during last long years we are waiting from him different acoustic guitar shows, his perfect time was long ago, in late 70-th. I believe, that many of young generation fans even didn't know how perfect electric guitarist he was!

So, there aais Al Di Meola's solo debut album - soon after he left RTF. List of musicians participated is very solid,including god of fusion bass Jaco Pastorius , perfect latin-jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon and keyboardist Barry Miles.

And the music is hot latin-fusion, still in key of RTF, but with leading Al's electric guitar. His playing speed is as fast as usual, but it isn't technique in the name of technique. It's a real high standart music, with melodism and energy.

Some compositions are still a bit raw, album generally isn't too much focused. But you can clearly hear the hand of genius there yet.

Even if I like some Al's acoustic works, I absolutely prefer his alectri guitar sound. And this album is strong example of his best electric playing. Still not the best, but between them for sure.

Highly recommended to anyone with interest to fusion, latin-jazz or just guitar virtuossos.