British guitarist reacts to Al Di Meola's deceptively brilliant playing in 1978!

[@Eurynomea]

I’m so grateful that I’m a child of this genre (since high school in the 70’s). Privileged to have seen him live several times.

[@jazzcat8786]

From the album Elegant Gypsy, a must have in your cd collection! He was only 24 when this was filmed, a total fusion monster. Incredible acoustic player as well...

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he has it all!

[@johnthomas6042]

He was the guitat player of the year from guitar player magazine for this record

[@johnthomas6042]

I saw this tour at saratoga performing arts center in up state new york

[@JoeBlow_4]

This album got me through college. It was heads above anything else out there.

[@fishfinder6427]

Love Mediterranean Sundance .

[@deeperwithgod7932]

Phil, I love the honour and respect that always comes with your excellent analysis!!! James Ponak

[@JoeBlow_4]

Unbelievable album. Played it til I killed it in college. It's still in my iPhone. Saw him with Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin. Epic show.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

You lucky dog !! I would have given a months pay to see the 3 of them together. Have seen some videos but nothing like being there. Watching them made me want to "Pete Townsend" my Takamine.

[@johnleonard3806]

I discovered Al from a pile of records my friends brother kept in his basement. I had never heard of him. MINDBLOWING. I became obsessed. When I heard he was playing at a local club I had to be there. None of my friends would go. I hitchhiked by myself in a driving snow storm and was picked up by a young college kid. He asked where I was headed and when I told him he said Al just played his college gymnasium and the show was insane. He wound up going with me. I have seen Al many times since and am of the opinion his acoustic playing is his best talent. His RIGHT hand is like something I have never seen, that is where his music is made. Incredible rhythms, muting, strumming changes etc. Crazy good. And he has HUGE stretch in his left hand, especially his pinky finger. Thanks for reviewing one of my all time favorites. Do a few acoustic reviews, I bet you would get a good response from your followers. My picks; another AD and a David Lindley.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool story! Thanks!

[@johnleonard3806]

Wings of Pegasus I don't want to be thought of as long winded, but many of the posts of the older artists bring me back to my youth. I grew up in upstate New York and then moved to San Diego. Every touring act passes through both places. I was a club, concert hall junkie. Saw so many great players From Al and the Allman Bros to Santana, Zappa and everything inbetween many times over. Love your channel. Every show has a story.

[@sjd5750]

You're right in my wheelhouse, John. Probably about the same age. (61) I grew up on Long Island...I only saw Al that once, but have seen Stanley Clarke 4 times, Saw Jaco just before he was killed, with Pat Metheny (Now there's an amazing guitarist!) Santana a bunch of times, Allman Bros. was MY band..I was 14 when I first saw them at the Hofstra Fieldhouse ('72)..I was even at Watkins Glen..I was 16, and me and a friend hitched up there..Crazy 3 days!..That's what we did back in the day, right?..Shit, we used to go to the Seven up, and the Miller, and Shaeffer beer concerts in Central Park for $2 dollars!!!...I remember when The Nassau Coliseum had the nerve to ask $6.50 to get in to see Traffic, and Paul Rodgers and Free!...Lol!

[@sjd5750]

You know when you're a real man when you can play acoustic like this (Clapton actually said something to that effect I'd read in an article)...These guys play a lot with Tommy Emmanuel, and are local guys to me on Long Island..In fact, an old friend of mine started a band (he was big into 20'and 30's stuff. Still is..Django, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Ella..People like that) and he hired Frank as his first guitarist..I think Frank was about 16. As Frank got a little older they took to the road, did a lot of dates around the country in a van. My friend wasn't as serious as Frank was, so Frank quit the band, and went on to do his own thing...Vinny is his Protege, and a great guitarist in his own right...Sorry Fil. didn't mean to go on..I thought you might appreciate this...kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKO3c2BobNiDfpI&frags=pl%2Cwn

[@vmat1000]

What a cool story, John. Wow. Those were the days when hitch hiking was safe (maybe). I did almost the same thing for a John MacLaughlin gig at The Keystone SF, "Mahavishnu' tour. Thankfully i had a car but since i couldn't convince guys i knew to go on short notice (that week night) i went by myself. No SynthAxe but still great.

[@kevinblake7078]

Land of the midnight sun, turned me on to him and chic correa's return to forever, fluid jazz exceptional guitarist

[@ellenfalls1330]

I am learning so much from you. You are a true musicologist.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@davdavsin]

Again, what a pleasure to watch your videos!

[@mitchlong8077]

I was introduced to Al Di Meola by a roommate of mine (Steve Chelius, a gifted guitarist in his own rite) while attending BYU. Having grown up listening to The Beatles, The Eagles, and other guitarists of that genre, this was a new world for me. At first I thought, "This is too complicated to appreciate, and WAY TOO MANY NOTES!!!" As I listened to it more and more, I began to realize that this is a guitarist who has complete mastery of his instrument. Di Meola is way ahead of the more popular, well-known guitarists of the pop era (You know to whom I am referring). I am literally in awe of his precision and lightening speed!!!! And, as Phil said, his melodic touch. He is the caliber of musician who makes you realize how much dedication and hard work it would take to achieve that level of musical craftsmanship in a lifetime!!! Mitch Long

[@guringai]

Such an evocative song title, there's a lot happening on that highway. That, in combination with the richness of the music sets my imagination alight. I love the heavy baseline that walks us into the next heavy bit, where Al plays the riff in parallel. Percussion is brilliant, keys what a brilliant band & composition. One of the greatest tunes!

[@davidgolz9410]

I saw him at that time. My friend plays guitar, he went because Santana was on the bill .I told him Santana is going to get a guitar lesson. They presented an award to Santana, he asked Al to join him they traded solo licks and Al blew him off the stage, you could see Santana was getting pissed. Al took him to school. It was during Al’s Electric Rendezvous period, Berkeley,CA.

[@michaelhogan6770]

I saw Al open for Santana in the 80's at the Mann in Philly, I think they played Evil Ways for the encore. Carlos was good, but Al is Al.

[@toddflowers8052]

Man I discovered the album" Elegant Gypsy" around 1982 and wow what a masterpiece ! Thanks for this Fil it's on my top 10 of all time album list.

[@RMGCBG]

Left hand is what you learned, right hand is who you are. Fil, love your videos

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Rick!

[@TruthSurge]

1:32 that sideways vibrato was badass. 4:43 HAHA! Sounds a bit like a Malmsteen lick then at 4:50 WHAT? He plays harmonic minor and ends on the maj 7 of the min key! haha He was damn good, all right. I should quit typing cuz now I'm doing my own analysis vid! good vid!!

[@billbillbillbill9457]

Nah.... Malmsteen occasionally plays what sounds like an Al DiMeola lick.

[@anthonytester3285]

Exactly!

[@livingbeing1113]

That vibrato was sick! And that melodic phrasing, awesome.

[@jamespennington9719]

Super analyses Fil! As per usual you spot things that few would and do a nice job of explaining to us the unwashed! Rock!

[@glassslide]

Awesome video, great analysis; its amazing that Al, for all the burning runs he executes flawlessly, has such unbelievably great rhythm, makes everything so dynamic, from light to shade and back again. Keeps everything very interesting musically.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@sterlingprice5963]

I love the way Al just owned the stage. He was totally confident and it showed. The drum and cowbell made me grin! Cool video and great analysis Fil! Peace.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@genbenjamin23]

Fil, you reviewed another of my favorite guitarists! Fabulous. If you can, do another or more of his performances. Land of the Midnight introduced me to Al's unique music and playing style! Great stuff.

[@imoffthegrid2158]

This was when Al was at his very best . With Jan Hammer and Anthony Jackson .

[@AlexVonCrank]

This was Jan at his best too imho.

[@christophersolis5731]

It’s Tim Landers on bass.

[@davidscroggins7728]

Ahhhhh yes...... Al. Then there is everybody else. Thanks Pegasus. So refreshing ! He set the bar for many players

[@othusa]

Al DiMeola was my favorite guitarist of the late 70's. I've seen his live electric show many times from 1978-1982, and also was blessed to see the incredible acoustic trio of Al D, John MacLaughlin and Paco De Lucia Live at Carnegie Hall in NYC in 1981. Al's tone is FEROCIOUS here on "Race with the Devil.."..this is vintage AL! Back then I was obsessed with copying Al. In my senior year high school talent show in 1980 I played "Chasin' the Voodoo" on guitar from the Casino album with an incredible drummer, bass, and keys and we brought the house down. Recently I just listened to our performance, believe it or not, it still survives (barely audible) on an old cassette tape. Definitely a highlight of my teenage years! Thanks for taking me back to my high school years, Fil!!

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Al Di, the man who got me into Jazz and beyond Rock music. Saw him live at an early age and it floored me how good he is. Better on acoustic than electric but, WOW on both really. Cheers, nice vid.

[@castormontesquintillan6752]

I love this authentic pioneer, thank you very much !!!!!!!!!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@markhudson1499]

What I love about these videos is I learn something about the artist and their playing but meet new ones too. AL - of him but will listen to his music from here on. Thanks Phil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem Mark!

[@Tickbryan]

It was because of Al I installed Dimarzio super distortion pickups in my Les Paul in 1977.

[@marcscordato4385]

He is the most awarded guitarist of all time he may well be the fastest guitarist on the planet . In the 70’s he was very Popular Pat Metheny was an obscure start up. In the 80’s his popularity began to fade as Pat Metheny was churning out Gold Albums . He still enjoys a large following in Europe . In fact he recently collaborated with a Europe star Egidijus Buozis “Labyrinth” its a superb album and Al still sounds amazing .

[@johnsmith-pw7oj]

men i love your reaction videos, you sound like a very knowledge and cool guy to hang around, kudos to you brother

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks John!

[@Carpythesharky]

Elegant Gypsy is one of the greatest albums of all time. Mediterranean Sundance with Paco de Lucia and John Mclaughlin is incredible.

[@maras0007]

John McLaughlin didn't play on that album.

[@westrokker]

I was fortunate to see Al Dimeola live at Riverbend here in Cincinnati in the 90’s. Guy is just incredible. Thanks for this analysis.

[@RMGCBG]

Deceptive? It’s freaking brilliant! Saw Return to Forever back in the day, Al is a frightening guitarist

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he makes it look deceptively easy! 😅

[@RMGCBG]

Captain Beyond debut is one of my all time favorites! I'm dancing madly backwards!

[@RMGCBG]

Fil you love that vibrato don't you! Haha

[@nkcbrazil]

Good for you, we were lucky! saw him many times back then too and in small venues so up close. To see him live is mind blowing!

[@williamsporing1500]

Saw them at UC field house in the 70’s….Chick, Al, Stanley, Lenny….killer. I lived next door to Al’s sister in law early 2000’s. Got to sit in front row a couple times at the 20th century and hang with him. He’s a monster player and a pretty nice guy too. He ALWAYS has great musicians with him too. Enjoyed every show I saw.

[@cazgerald9471]

I've seen Al Di Meola a few times. I also got to see Di Meola, Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin at the Roxy in West Hollywood which was pretty awesome.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Nice to see this break down on Al Dimeola, the first time i saw him was whe he was only 19 years old.He was the new guitar player in Return to Forever.It was the tour promoting No Mystery.A really great concert in allaspects,the birth of jazz fusion, perfect sound.A friend of mind knew him and said he developed his fast muted techniques was broght on because he did not want to wake up his roomate in late nite practice.Thank you for this post.

[@gregmardon6973]

That was really wonderful to listen to Fil, me and my girl went to see him in the early 80s. She ended up getting me into jazz because she was a fanatic over everything jazz, and I did not think it was possible but I ended up discovering so many great guitarists within the Jazz world! And also let me say amazing musicians,period ♡

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@davidscroggins7728]

Thanks Pegasus. You're always spot on !

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@ExtremeRecluse]

He always opens with this tune at every concert

[@briansbrain426]

My Les Paul doesn't make those sounds; obviously I need a new one!

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@bensonstein3993]

Only a $10,000 Custom Shop LP will make you play like Al.

[@joelsimms4636]

I have some golf clubs like that!

[@bob4919]

You beat me to the punch! lol

[@bradyspears2723]

... A NEW PICK ..? ...

[@KarmaKraze_11]

I just heard about this guy and I’m blown away. Flight Over Rio is my favorite so far but I haven’t even scratched the surface.

[@DeltaFoxtrot5190]

Just came back to this as a followup to your just released Chick Corea / Al Di Meola analysis (2-19-21). It's great to hear your take on Al Di Meola.

[@seanwoodburn2616]

A blast from the past! I hope some of the metal guys make the connection. I was a lucky kid, saw Al with Paco and John at A night in SanFrancisco . My entire band went. This after RTF with Chick and Stanley...so formative. Fill, I love the breadth and depth of the analysis you do. More real dimension and grasp than most players. Your observations have been a treat!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Sean!

[@kenhughes009]

Great analysis. Incredible musicianship. The bass player was holding all that together quite well.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@ianroberts4981]

Rumchuppa!!!!! Another great video, sir! That chap certainly knows his way around a guitfiddle!! Such yutferkig sustain!! I wish I could make a bag of Hula Hoops last that long! Keep those dutetsey vids coming!!! Koipy rewget to you, sir!!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Will do!

[@mariorabottini5687]

You would have to say he's one of the godfather of guitar !! I don't think there are many players he hasn't influenced!!!! He's just incredible!!!! Loved his work with John Mc Laughlin playing Mediterranean Sundance !!! Absolutely beautiful honed skills and melody!!!! Amazing how blends jazz fusion with flamenco !!!! Genius!!!!!! Great Fil!!!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@johnthomas6042]

Also pacomdelucia

[@bzbzob]

Speaking of McLaughlin, Wings of Pegasus, please check out Mahavishnu Orchestra's Wings of Karma if you get a chance. Thanks!

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

John Thomas You mean Paco Mcdelucia 😂

[@snapperco]

My teenage years....listened to him all day long...I was speed addict : ). saw him play that year as well....

[@SteveMurrayMusic]

That was so cool, such great playing, love the style of keyboards that blend with the guitar, the whole band is top notch... and super cool....

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@johnmartinez6954]

When i first heard Al Di Meola i was amazed on how accurate he was and mistake free as far as i was concerned and incredibly fast .

[@kakavinci3759]

saw him in the 80s on college campus. was one of most stunning and enjoyable shows I have seen. He plays with the audience as attentively as he does his music

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Without a doubt, Al DiMeola has been my main influence, the 1st time I heard him was in the summer of 1981, my guitar buddy, guitar great Andy Rios, introduced me to 'Elegant Gypsy' & RTF's ' Romantic Warrior' at the same time & I was not only blowen away by his unbelievable speed & technique, but his melodies & compositions were so strong, & still is to this day, that's why he's my biggest influence, thanks for sharing, Rock On & God Bless!!!

[@yourontheair]

Thanks to my musician friends Bob, Pete, Nick I tagged along with them and saw Mr. Di Meola in concert. Maybe on this tour.. Thanks guys. Thank you for posting Wings of Pegasus .

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@rkb2092]

I saw this band twice in '78 and once in '79. Perfectly enjoyable every time. Hard to believe he was in his mid 20s and playing like this.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@richardturk7162]

You have a good take on Al's playing. Guitar is 90% practicing so I understand your analogy. I have a friend that is a calm and collected person in his daily life but get him on stage with his guitar and he is an animal and pure showman and commands the stage.

[@WheatonBrad]

These commentaries are really great, Fil. The perfect time-filler length.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Brad!

[@kieranmoore784]

Was fortunate to see him twice back in very early 1980's. One was the Mediterranean Sundance tour with John and Paco, all flamenco, and one was electric. I had all the records at the time, and, for the electric concert, I was about 15ft from the stage. I kept expecting him to dumb down on some of the playing, as I couldn't believe anyone could play it live as it was on vinyl. I was wrong, he was note perfect, and that was the time I realised I wouldn't bother playing the guitar.

[@jimithy47]

Awesome! I became familiar with him around '77 and was impressed enough I bought this album. Race With the Devil was one of my favorites. Right after I moved to southern California I missed free tickets to see him by a single day, oi! A great musician thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@NickThunnda]

His album Elegant Gypsy totally blew my mind back in the 70s! My main influence back then. He is fast and precise but also a great composer.

[@marvinbanjo]

This guy is amazing to see in concert . very rare one in a million talent.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@ivonsmith3095]

Tremendous take & analysis of a tremendous performance by a tremendous guitarist! Thnx Phil! Great to see these (apparently) old world fusion players getting the recognition they rightly deserve!! Was great to see your take on John Mclaughlin too. You should check out his electric stuff or with Shakti/Remember Shakti!

[@javadude54]

Another great analysis of a great player. I just wanted to mention that the 'snares' Al was playing are actually a very common, and popular, percussion instrument called timbales, and they are actually closer to a tom than a snare. To see a master musician using them check out Pete Escovedo (Sheila E's father).

[@axiomist1076]

First I ever heard of Al was when I saw Return to Forever in Central Park (NY) in 1976. These guys who play this fantastically hard music all seem to have that ability you mentioned to play and be extroverted so they deal well with the audience. They all have that : Chic Corea, Stanley Clark, Jaco etc, etc. You should do a review of Stanley Clark. I love him. He can play the double bass just as fast as the electric and hits all the notes spot on. Looking forward to watching you watching him.

[@brandonbailey3705]

back in my teen years this song (from the tour de force album) drew me into fusion and many styles beyond - loved Antony jacksons bass tone

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@brianjomansenstinesmith5132]

Thanks! Always love Al.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@marcelboogaard5449]

Thanks Fil for analysing Al for us. Takes me back to my teens when we borrowed this album off my mates brother in law. He lived above a bakery and the customers used to complain about the loud music and funny smell. Good job we didn’t have a cowbell.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@sinnertrain7405]

I saw Al Di Meola play live with Return to Forever when I was in, or just out, of high school in the mid 70's and he was amazing. The crazy thing is that he doesn't look much different now than he did then (picture of Dorian Gray?). His palm muting is such an integral part of his electric guitar playing. A wonderful musician, I'm so glad he's still pursuing his art.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he hasn't aged!

[@williamroark]

jealous for sure!!!!

[@ciliaris2]

Race wit h the Devil on a Spanish Highway Saw it live, blew me away and made me a fan

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@SKB1955]

I’ll admit it ,I had no inkling of who this was ! I just clicked on it cause I know your analysis videos are well done ,packed with interesting points and feature awesome musicians Well you sir , have educated me once again! Wow🔥🎸. Egyptian scale? Now I have to go look that up also!

[@SKB1955]

Constantinopla he’s incredible ! Wow!

[@woody816]

Hey fil. Another cat I haven’t listened to much but still tune in and smash that 👍 button. A lot of these infusion bands go over my head but it doesn’t stop me from appreciating how badass they are ✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@sailorgregor]

I saw Al DiMeola about this time ... brilliant concert. Hard to believe, but he pulled out "Jumpin' Jack Flash" into the set list. I took my younger brother to the concert, who was a dedicated metalhead at the time. He was ready to laugh it off, but came away a believer!

[@jamessullivan9574]

Definitely in my top ten favorite guitar master's.... Damn!!!!

[@danieljunk4548]

I met Al at a guitar Clinic back in the late 80s. Was always a fan of his and when I had the chance to see him in a more intimate setting it was absolutely incredible. I remember at the time I think he was playing the Adamas Ovation acoustics at that time. Anyways some good memories from an awesome player..

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@sbardellajulio3114]

🤘🎸 great video👍 Al di meola another legend 🎸👍 The video with paco de lucia & al di meola really 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@nickgironda4002]

GREAT ANALYSIS!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Nick!

[@RonHallKungFuBro]

Al di Meola is one of the most skilled and accomplished guitarist in the world, of any genre. His technical ability, lightijng fast chops and skill at composing all make for a triple treat when it comes to his playing. What is equally amazing is your informative and passionate anaylsis of the elements that make him great, as they are as entertaining as the great guitar performances themselves, Kudos to you. I look forward to you covering even more jazz guitarists such as Pat Metheny, John Mclaughlin and one of my personal favorites, master guitarist Tuck Andress, whose version of Carlos Santana's "Europa" is one of the most emotional and techinically dazzling guitar performances I've ever witnessed.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@RonHallKungFuBro]

Thank you, Fil, have listened to your singing and playing and you are a talent in your own right......much success to you.

[@foggy4180]

Tuck Andress, that's a great suggestion! Seen him live with his wife Patti in the ninetees in Amsterdam.

[@kayredburn930]

HI FIL. AL PLAYED GOOD HE WAS REALLY GETTING IN TO IT. WOW. THATS COOL WHAT HE DID. GREAT SHOW. THANKS. YOU DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB YOURSELF. LOVED IT.STAY COOL. STAY SAFE OUT THERE.PEACE AND LOVE.

[@williamfranzesquire5059]

Saw him during his 40th Anniversary Tour of Elegant Gypsy a few years ago. It was a real treat

[@paulrobichaud7410]

Al and I need to add thoses great musicians that he plays with are just (SUBLIME) !!!👍🏻✊🏻👍🏻

[@Leatherfacet]

I started listening to Al in 96'. Bought Electric Rendezvous cause of the badass cover. I was convinced he was Brazilian for the longest time for some reason.

[@allans2642]

When I saw return to forever live I was hooked....brilliant musician...oh and Stanley Clarke was there too !

[@nickgironda4002]

Thank you so much Bro!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@marrkhicks]

As always the best critique in you tube

[@onolicious9147]

Though fusion jazz wasn't my favorite music (when I was a kid), I love it now because Al Di Meola...one of my picks for all time top 5 guitarists in the world....! Thanks for the commentary on him!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@vmat1000]

Another great pick, Fil. I was lucky to see Al twice, once opening for Weather Report in '76 then later as part of the Trio with Steve Morse as the opener. Both were great. Cool thing about Winterland was Carlos Santana showed up for the encore. Nice memory.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool! No problem!

[@luckyirvin]

at the Paramount Theater, they blew me away thumping my chest and blowing my mind in seattle

[@uncleremus5046]

He had a wicked tone & attack back then with the Dimarzio SD, Marshall, & the Paul!🤘

[@mikemckool6645]

Very cool. I've met Al D. and he is a very down to earth and engaging guy...I took my friend (a "metal-head") to the Al, Paco(rip), and John Mcs' "Evening in San Fransisco show back in the early '80s. He was completely transformed. I wonder if Al's still performing?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he's still playing!

[@brainsareus]

oh hell yeah.. saw him in full form at BB Kings a couple of yrs ago!

[@sarty23]

One of my favourites from Al.

[@pennyantewest]

Saw Al with Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter at Universal Amphitheater. Turned out to be Chick's birthday, so his surprise was when Herbie Hancock and Al Jarreau joined them to jam. Night to remember. Oh, those where the days. Love watching your videos! Tasty and brings back memories. You have so many guitarists I've love and now some I miss. RIP Allan Holdsworth and SRV. I know this guy is a bass player but would you consider a Jaco Pastorius salute?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sjd5750]

I met him back stage in an 3 day outdoor jazz fest in Melbourne fl., back in the early 90's..He, and his Conga player, Gumbi Ortiz, who bummed a cigarette from me...We talked for a bit, but don't ask me what was said. It was so long ago, and I was just excited to even talk to them..Very down to earth guys...If I had beers I'm sure they would have drank a few....In fact, I remember thinking how they seemed a little goofy (in a good way) for guys that played this unbelievable music. I just couldn't imagine it...He remarked on stage how we have to destroy the scourge of Rap music...Don't know how he feels about it these days.....I was into Jazz in that period of my life...If you want to REALLY hear just how good this guy could be listen to the album, "Casino"...(I bought it in the 70's, and wore a groove in the record..It was him, Chick Correa, and Stanley Clark who got me into Jazz)..Casino is balls to the walls guitar playing, but not just for the sake of the guitar. He served the music..He is the fastest guitarist, that actually that makes beautiful music.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@benzell4]

Thanks, Fil! I have a DiMeola cd from the’80’s… .. …’Cielo y. () Gotta look for it, can’t remember full title just now…

[@davidbennett420]

I still have the vinyl...truly a master ......

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@clintatk]

I spent a year in the mid 70s, living in a beautiful valley far back in the Canadian Rockies. The house had a handful of albums Elegant Gypsy being one. I listened to it so many times it's burned into my brain to this day, note for note. I didn't know anything about him, but his music was so unique, full of exotica, bravado, and amazing technique. P.S., I also remember that handsome, confident face looking out at you that said, "Yeah. I got the goods!" 😂

[@blankpallet2435]

I met Al Di Meola at a food harvest charity event concert ,I was getting auto graph and the band said stay wait dont worry about it so i stayed and hanged out with some of his band and just talked and he came out and talked a little and signed my CD and I got a pick ,he was very cool

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@Rassskle]

Also on feed back control....... Peter Greens “ Supernatural” was written to win over the Eric Clapton fans who booed and heckled him constantly. Supernatural is also the best control of feedback I have ever heard........crystal clear and precise. It worked......... The heckling stopped and the boos turned to applause.

[@papunAlicea]

Genious Ever...Great memories...

[@UngaBunga1966]

Al DiMeola was such a pioneer. His paradoxical formula of over the top melodic virtuosity was a template for endless shred guitarist trying to emulate his mind numbing chops. There are so many famous and not so famous players but to me the obvious ones were Vai, Satriani, Malmsteen, & Eric Johnson, just to name a few. Al, John McLaughlin, and Steve Morse (Dregs) were there 40 years ago showing use musically what was to come.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@Skypor]

Thanks, Fil! One technique to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them - alternate picking!

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@michaelhendricks1206]

Hiya Mr Fil. Never knew.u did race with the devil. Played this album until the grooves were worn out. Enjoyed this song very much. Thanx much Fil

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

I totally forgot about him! Great sound!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@johnglielmi6428]

The song turned me on to Al was of course Sequencer off his Scenario album. Then I started listen to all his works as an artist. I've always been a fan of the whole Guitar and keyboard aspects of any Genre of music.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

I see by your smile your enjoy Al as much as I do. Saw him just after " kiss my axe" came out, one of his best. People forget that he plays beautiful ballads also. He doesn't just tear it up on electric, his acoustic work is also beautiful. Love Al Dimeola!!!! Check out his world sinfonia work if you haven't already. Peace

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@rumblebars]

One thing that I would say, is that even at this earlier stage in his career, Al surrounded himself with other players who operated at his level, AND, he dialed himself back to let them work. Yes, he was a precise mega-picker (some call him a pioneer of "shredding" but I'm not sure if I'd call it that) , but it was not constant, he knew how to arrange, and give his ensemble something to do. I'm not a player myself, I'm more of a mixer, but I remember noticing this back a quarter century ago when I was first introduced to Al Di.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@modularmuse]

I love how he combines classical vibrato technique with traditional, plus he sometimes uses economical hand technique and other times more animated fingering.

[@TheOneAboveAll]

I think he can attribute his vibrato to his rock influence. I can hear him slip in some Santana and even a bit of Clapton into some of his stuff.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he seamlessly blends so many techniques 👍