TOUR DE FORCE: LIVE

This is an excellent live performance by the guitar master Al Di Meola whom I knew for the first time through his excellent performance with Chick Corea's Return To Forever with Lenny White and Stanley Clarke. This live recording is full with dynamic and powerful song with stunning guitar work by Al. "Race With The Devil On Spanish Highway" shows how speed guitar playing can contribute excellent composition of this track. I especially like on segments performed relatively complex followed up with harmonious works between guitar and bass (played by Anthony Jackson). Jan Hammer, whom I knew the first time through his collaborative work with Jeff Beck, contributes his dynamic keyboards to accentuate the performance of the song. Steve Gadd - the great drummer in jazz who also helped Peter Gabriel's studio album - as usual plays unpredictable drum beats through his toms and snares. "Elegant Gypsy Suite" is taken from the album with the same title and is performed excellently by the band. I really enjoy the speed guitar playing by Al Di Meola that characterizes his style. Through this live set AL Di Meola has proved that his virtuosity was not only writing and playing the music at the studio but he can also deliver the music live with an excellent performance. I hope Al also included "Land of The Mignight Sun", but it's not.

It's an excellent addition to any prog music collection - especially for those who like a fusion of jazz and rock music. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW