Al DiMeola - Elegant Gypsy - Vinyl (Big Papi) 1977 Jazz Guitar Fusion Meola

Al Dimeola, at the time of this release, was the best fusion guitarist on the planet. (Mclaughlin lacked the energy that he had before Mahavishnu broke up and Holdsworth had yet to reach the great heights that he would find in the eighties). Dimeola is at his best composition wise as well as in his playing. "Flight Over Rio" and "Midnight Tango" are examples of this. Al and a Les Paul are meant to be together. "Mediterannean Sundance" is a duet with Paco DeLucia and a complete acoustic extravaganza.The guitar artistry displayed by both is unbelievable. This is a piece that can be listened to over and over. "Race With the Devil on Spanish Highway" is the electric extravaganza and a favorite of anybody that has heard it. Unison 32nd note lines are just a part of this Dimeola classic. The writing is amazing and Al has never sounded better. The rest of the disc consists of a percussion piece and then finally there is the title track which is another Dimeola masterwork. The band on this disc is incredible. Jan Hammer, Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, and Mingo Lewis all are phenomenal musicians in there own right and Dimeola has all of them playing at their usual amazing heights. If you are only familiar with RTF and are wondering why Al would leave them for a solo career this disc has the answers. A must have for any jazz/fusion fan or guitar enthusiast.