HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AL DI MEOLA!
TUESDAY, JULY 22 AT 21:00
On July 22, 1954, a future guitar virtuoso was born in Jersey City, New Jersey: Al Di Meola. From joining Chick Corea’s legendary band Return to Forever in 1974, to launching a prolific solo career, Di Meola’s musical journey has left a lasting mark on both jazz and rock guitarists. His groundbreaking collaborations, especially the best-selling album ‘Friday Night in San Francisco’ with Paco de Lucia, broke new ground in fusion and Latin jazz. Always expanding his horizons, Di Meola embraced acoustic world music in the 1990s, paying tribute to icons like Astor Piazzolla and The Beatles. In celebration of Al Di Meola’s birthday, Stingray DJAZZ presents his 2004 performance from Ludwigsburg, Germany, titled “One of These Nights.” In this extraordinary concert, Di Meola takes the stage with his group and a string quartet. The set includes fan favorites ‘Innamorata’, ‘Libertango’, ‘Beyond the Mirage’, and ‘Egyptian Danza’. Join us in celebrating Al Di Meola’s 71st birthday: July 22 at 21:00 on Stingray DJAZZ!
Al Di Meola: One of These Nights
TUESDAY, JULY 22 AT 21:00
"One Of These Nights" was a very special event for Al Di Meola - a night like his legendary "Friday Night In San Francisco", recorded almost a quarter of a century ago. Al Di Meola assembled a thoroughly excellent group of musicians for this review of the highlights of a career spanning almost three decades - a fantastic combination of romantic chamber music, traditional Latin American music and free jazz, constantly switching between off-the-cuff improvisation and intricate set-pieces. Time and again the musicians manage to vary familiar pieces with surprising rhythm changes and brilliant soundscapes. Pianist Mario Parmisano and the two master drummers Ernie Adams and Gumbi Ortiz are always congenial partners, and Hungary's Sturcz String Quartet give the music an unusual flavor. Masterful solos, riveting, sometimes humorous dialogs and fascinating group playing round off this live recording, a stroll through Al Di Meola's rich repertoire of classics in a new, attractive sound. A truly magical concert.
