****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Al Di Meola as a guitarist and writer has few peers. His technique and individuality is beyond question. Hear but a little of his music and it is quite who you’ll be listening to.What has enabled Al to remain such a popular artist is his willingness to move into a wide variety of genres and styles. From Latin flavoured acoustic ballads,Flamenco to high octane fusion often incorporating exotic eastern textures as he does so. For me, the template of Al’s vision can be seen on ‘Splendido Hotel’ to wonderful effect. It is hard not to enthuse over the joyous ‘Roller Jubilee’, the lovely melody of ‘Bianca’s Midnight Lullaby’ or the precision and drive of tunes such as ‘Alien Chase on Arabian Desert’.This two disc release features albums that will appeal to fans of Al’s frenetic electric approach or those who enjoy his more relaxed offerings. ‘Electric Rendezvous’ (featuring a very active Jan Hammer) is a direct ‘rock’ orientated album.‘Splendido Hotel’ no less energetic then its stable mate is perhaps a slightly more varied affair. Both albums are highly enjoyable. If you like jazz- fusion they are well worth hearing. If you have reservations about jazz –fusion, then some of the music might appear somewhat overblown and overly technical. Still, that is part of the form. But here, Al, great guitarist that he is, manages display his obvious abilities without detriment to the structure or accessibility of the music. Listen to the beautiful ‘Passion Grace and Fire’ a duet with Paco de Lucia as evidence of how virtuosity works when applied properly.Both great albums. The remastering is first rate and the sleeve notes informative. A bargain set.Highly recommended.ps: Listen out for the Al/ Les Paul duet on 'Spanish Eyes'. Great stuff.
