Electric Guitar
Speak a Volcano: Return to Electric Guitar
- After 30 years of a splendid career and exploring a variety of styles, Al Di Meola still ranks among the most popular guitar-masters of jazz and jazz-rock. Here, on his first “electric” DVD, Di Meola shows up with “Speak A Volcano” in Leverkusen in November 2006. Surrounded by a band including his old companion and superb percussionist Gumbo Ortiz, he rediscovers his love of the el
DescriptionAfter 30 years of a splendid career and exploring a variety of styles, Al Di Meola still ranks among the most popular guitar-masters of jazz and jazz-rock. Here, on his first ‘electric’ DVD, Di Meola shows up with ‘Speak A Volcano’ in Leverkusen in Novem. . . More >>
Speak a Volcano: Return to Electric Guitar
this dvd blew me away,what mastery al di meola has with with instrument,avery hard act to follow,hope he has more of the same to follow in the near future, a must for all you guys and gals out there in music land
Ever since his days with Return to Forever with Chick Chorea(spell?) Al Di Meola has dropped my jaw.
This DVD where he effectively “returns” to electric guitar causes my lower jaw to take a bigger scoop of dirt.
He also masterfully talks to you acoustically as well.
And his band, especially his percussionist, are state of the art.
Go get it !
Touring in support of “Consequence of Chaos”, this performance has Al bringing his electric fusion roots back to the fore for half the show, while his acoustic “world” music and Astor Piazzola stylings of the past few years are nicely balanced in between.
Gumbi Ortiz, Mario Parmisano, Mike Pope & Joel Taylor support him in this stellar show. Al’s electric performances on his Paul Reed Smith solid body are as fine as any of Al’s 70’s & 80’s material; “San Marco” “Tao” and the medley of “Hypnose / Red Moon” highlight the newer material.
“One Night Last June”, “Senor Mouse” & Piazzola’s “Fugata” round out the electric performances, all of which are stunning. Al still burns. . .
A solo set of Piazzola classics highlights the acoustic set, which showcases Al’s sensitive side, as well as his love of rhythmic phrases.
The performance itself is flawless, but the DVD itself is not sequenced properly, and you’ll have to watch all the way through to find where all the tracks begin and end.
For example, the “Hypnose / Red Moon medley are not where their chapter index says they are.
Other than that, Al’s back. . . and it’s electric.
This is the 4th Al Di Meola DVD in my collection and I have been a huge fan for years and years so this is a very biased review. As I have not watched this all, (saving it to watch later), I have read other reviews and must agree that any return to electric is welcome. All his phases are acclaimed by his fans but the electric seems to hold a near and dear place in our hearts. It takes us back and reminds us that Al can shred with the best. And he has immense style. If your any kind of a Di Meola fan at all, this is a must have.
Once again, Al shows an excellent command over the guitar. Over the years, I have seen his skills and artistic variance have grown. He has increasingly collaborative with diverse musicians around the world, and put his heart on creating the finest compositions.
Among the DVD products he has released so far, this is by far the best in terms of the sound and camera work. His guitar still sounds a bit softer compared to the drums that are on higher volume. I think the pianist has done a great job on this album.
Di Meola takes the stage backed by a foursome of equally impressive musicians; Mario Parmisano (keyboards), Joel Taylor (drums), Mike Pope (bass), and his longtime companion Gumbi Ortiz on percussion.
I highly recommend buying this DVD. You will be glad, and proud you owned it. And you will have a good reason to play it frequently.