The Al Di Meola Interview

[@RickBeato]

This interview like my entire channel is self funded. If you would like to see more content like this you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate For ongoing support consider becoming a member of the Beato Club. The Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.

[@BaroqueBlues]

Hey Rick there's a song with 3 BILLION + views plagiarized from the Al Di Meola & Barry Miles song "Southbound Traveler" it's called LEAN ON by Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ. Please check it out.

[@robertoribeiromarques5817]

i will for sure

[@bradalker5332]

Thank you so much Rick Beato for this interview with Al. Outstanding. One of my all time favorite guitar players. Loved the interview with breaks of Al playing in between and showing how Al composes his songs and how he likes to put the Latin touch rhythmically on his picking.

[@jonobester5817]

Wow! way to go dude! Now find out about Flora Purim and Co. :-)

[@PaulGentryK4BWG]

I'll buy something from you Rick so you can wear some nicer jeans for your next interview! Ask Al where he shops.

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

In the future these Beato interviews will be part of the historical record of the greatest musicians of our time (thank you Rick)

[@BassByTheBay]

Great point. So many musician interviews are conducted by people who don't really ask the questions that musicians would ask. Rick asks the questions we would ask if we could.

[@brunoborela4161]

he's doing god's work I hope he gets to interview donald fagen

[@LeBator]

@@brunoborela4161 YES YES YES!!! I hope he does that.

[@thewaldfe9763]

I agree! As great he is as an educator, musician, interviewer etc., Rick must be the most annoying person to stand close to during a concert though 🤣 whoooooooo! 🤬

[@awboat]

@@thewaldfe9763 He is pretty good at air guitar so I would be right at home.

[@raycummings8754]

When Al Di Meola says you are “the foremost professor”, that is some sky-high praise, Rick! Congrats on this landmark interview!

[@fredcampbell4536]

Well deserved sky-high praise indeed.....

[@owenchapman971]

Great comment! And quite right

[@mikewallace1270]

That was literally in the last 60 seconds of the whole video. I guess you watch the whole thing!

[@jsamc]

@@mikewallace1270 you did too !

[@thesuncollective1475]

True, the live performances were a real treat..Damn that was unreal. 54:30 when he goes into Strawberry Fields..too good

[@davidjohn8743]

His playing is INSANE. What a master. So clean, zero mistakes and makes it look easy.

[@cyanhallows7809]

1:16:39 even fusion legends make mistakes

[@davidjohn8743]

@@cyanhallows7809 I stand corrected. lol Still...

[@krob5375]

Everyone makes mistakes. The best players just disguise them the best

[@UniMatrix_1]

I like it when artists say there are no mistakes in music. Even his missed note accompanied by a chuckle to get back on track adds to the unique musicality of this moment.

[@michellegault4122]

He made plenty of mistakes and it's fine.

[@MonkeyDolphin]

Rick, this is the loosest and most relaxed Al interview I've ever seen. I believe this is due to being comfortable in his own home, and his respect for you. He knows you're the real deal. Fantastic stuff - thank you for this.

[@DRAGONGOD008]

I was coming to the comments to say exactly that. Glad I'm not the only one who noticed.

[@AncientWisdomTeachingsLLC]

Agree! ❤️

[@jfo3000]

Al does seem more open here than I've ever seen.

[@robertbeatty1633]

This is great 👍.

[@richvanc100]

What an honour to just listen to this musical experience of experimental glimpses of eccentricity.

[@ron88303]

The level of guests that you get on your show is a testament to the respect they have for you. Congrats.

[@howlinhog]

Yeah! My thoughts exactly. I thought Pat Methany was the pinnacle, but really, there's no such thing and Al proves that point.

[@christophertaylor9100]

I agree, he's scoring some of the best musicians alive who rarely do this kind of sit down with anyone.

[@67gto56]

this format with playing intertwined with discussion is just great. I wish Pat Metheny had played a bit, get him back on! Al is just amazing. Great job everyone involved.

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

This is the most relaxed I've seen Al in an interview or on stage. Must be his respect for you, Rick.

[@percyvolnar8010]

No. Remarrying and fatherhood has relaxed him significantly. :)

[@trekbsg]

He's definitely "relaxed". 😉

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

This is a common thread with Rick Beato Interviews. He is the best. No one before Rick really got a true, honest amicable interview with Maynard James Keenan, before or after. Rick is as masterful at his art of interview as the musicians he interviews.

[@theodosios2615]

@@trekbsg 😯

[@PeterLacis]

Rick, you are like the 60 Minutes of Music. Only you could have conducted this interview with an artist of this caliber. Thank you for all you do.

[@PRIESTWORLD]

💯

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Watch the Sting interview

[@carlosayala243]

Rick you did it again! This is why I love your channel! Mr Di Meola is "MASTER!His chord melodies are off the charts pardon the pun! Not to mention his palm muting and a single note lines. Not to mention that he can shred like crazy but still has some melody in there unlike some shredders who just like the wank off! His speed is purposeful but not for the sake of showing how fast he can play! And his work with RTF was outstanding! Keep up the good work Rick and God bless Al Di Meola! We are still listening Al!!!!🎸🎵🎼

[@rp2358]

Perfect comment. That's exactly where Rick is at.

[@whitemellon]

That is so true. He knows how to listen and he ask the right questions.

[@ChipBooth]

In college I was practicing Fantasia Suite outside on the porch of a multi story dorm. As I played someone joined in from another porch on another floor. We finished the song and without a word started playing it again, this time switching parts. I never spoke to or found out who the other guitar player was. One of the most magical musical moments of my life.

[@ChickenatorJr]

@BodhiSvaha It was Al in disguise :)

[@BernardYin]

Love it!

[@cleverclover7]

awesome story!

[@rk41gator]

Just.....WOW!

[@allenayers4919]

That I could only imagine(for myself and another)..truly awesome moment in your life..

[@pdubb9754]

A friend sat me down one afternoon and played Land of the Midnight Sun and Elegant Gypsy. This was the day I started listening to music.

[@keithbarry3057]

Underrated aspect of this interview: Di Meola's subtle impressions of other musicians. The McLaughlin one is perfect!

[@govindacalcutta2078]

Time stamp?

[@augareth]

@@govindacalcutta2078 35:15

[@lazyfingers4382]

i noticed it too 😅

[@tonygavilan]

As a Spaniard, listening to him talk about Paco de Lucía with that admiration is so thrilling! Congrats again Rick!

[@deldia]

The people that know, know. Paco was a guitar legend. If only people could see what he could have done with Al’s Conde guitar 😂

[@NobodySpecial512]

Doesn't everyone who has ever heard him talk about Paco de Lucia that way? If they don't, they should. But then my mother's family is Spanish.

[@syntaxlost9239]

Don't think it'll happen, but it'd be cool if Rick did a video on Paco de Lucia. E.g. What makes this song great? Entre Dos Aguas

[@rogercudney8238]

@@syntaxlost9239 Zyryab and Almoraima are much better.

[@syntaxlost9239]

@@rogercudney8238 Sure. I don't really have a strong opinion on that, just providing an example.

[@scottlowell493]

I discovered Al's music when I picked up "Kiss my axe" on a whim. I was blown away by the eclectic tapestry of world music. The dynamics...the sounds...incredible musicianship.

[@macumbeiro_xx]

The best thing about "being" Al Di Meola is that when you want to listen to Al Di Meola live you just get your guitar and play.

[@manami793]

The Most real Musician ive seen interviewed yet , Al didnt hide behind persona or stature and you can tell he was enjoying Ricks company and fellowship as a musician. much respect!

[@jimh3267]

Note that he allowed Rick to accompany him. That alone is high praise.

[@juliosanchez95]

real ?

[@TheAgentAssassin]

These old school session guys are just next level. The talent is so refined.

[@rk41gator]

Yes, no false modesty. Shy but forceful. That comes with age and experience. Some might be confused to think arrogance, but no. This is knowing. This is true wisdom.

[@rk41gator]

@@juliosanchez95 Absolutely. If you can not see and hear it, you do not know what 'real' is.

[@edwardbinion7485]

This is one of the best interviews of a guitar player I've ever heard. Great job Rick. Al is the best. What a great dude

[@WilliamSilva-dq6zj]

Best interview I've seen of Mr. DeMeola. Like two friends just talking.

[@terjero]

These series of interviews are most certainly going to be important for the future generations of musicians and listeners. My prediction is that it is going to be a lot more important that you think right now.

[@LeastTango]

Seems to be almost identical to another comment one day earlier😀

[@SaloLoyo]

You are so right, this are priceless treasures, like museum pieces.

[@guuskaitjily8581]

In future these interviews will be mandatory if you wanna attend music school

[@andresbarriga5305]

It's amazing to me right now.

[@bws1971]

Agreed. These guys are the last fully analog generation of brilliant artists and virtuosos. We will never see the likes of them again

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

From Steve Vai to Sting to Pat Metheny to name a few and to now bag this interview with Al Di Meola is not only unbelievable but a hell of a coup. Rick you are the man and thank you so much for giving us this amazing insight into the minds of one of the true guitar legends. Keep up the good work.

[@sdemosi]

His Strawberry Fields is mind blowing. There are fast players & technically adept virtuosos but Al combines fast clean runs with vast chord knowledge & improvisational fluency. Then he adds his varied syncopation & Latin influences and you get something unique.

[@anthem7777]

totally

[@aleaallee]

Sounds more like Flamenco influences, which is Spanish, not Latin.

[@sdemosi]

@@aleaallee Latin music is a broad title which includes Hispanic, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, samba and bossa nova.

[@BradConroy_guitar]

"It was a great era, we had no cell phones to distract us, we had no computers, we only had our room to practice." It was a great era, and thank you for the inspiration, sir!

[@wesboundmusic]

This... is gonna go down in contemporary music history, there is no doubt. And I must reiterate what many have said: His, Mr. di Meola's appreciation for what _you_ do shows. He wasn't just being nice, but honest. "Let's call this a 'Rick Beato run' " - whoa! Accolade, man! That was genuine in my ears!

[@biswas01]

This wasn't an interview, it was a Masterclass! Thank you SO MUCH for getting all these insights into his background, his collaborators, his philosophies, and most importantly, his actual playing. There should be a KZbin Grammy for this!

[@percyvolnar8010]

This was not a masterclass. His REH instructional video was one hell of a Masterclass. :)

[@eyelidman09]

A living guitar legend. Along with maestro John McLaughlin and the late great Paco De Lucia ‘Friday Night in San Francisco’ (1981) is the stand out seminal album and game changer for me. Utter respect. Thank you Rick. 🙏🇬🇧🌞🙏24.2.22.

[@JoeContiMusic]

Great album. I saw them the next night in LA. Fantastic

[@abelzeliang7877]

Rick. Your contribution to us musicians with real in depth interviews like this with living legends will be remembered and forever cherished. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you and wishing you tremendous success.

[@DrProgNerd]

Back when I was learning guitar and listening to hair-metal in the early 80's, my older brother had me listen to Race With the Devil on a Spanish Highway and Mediterranean Sundance. I couldn't believe those sounds could be pulled from a guitar. Friday Night ...and Romantic Warrior are glorious. Honestly, as good as he has always been, I think his playing now is even better. His dynamics - and the clarity with which he executes is sublime. There aren't many players of his caliber left.

[@stevenjones6780]

It''s amazing how good he looks, seems very healthy and happy...

[@onecarnivore]

No one else has done 40 years of prep for an interview. It was perfect Rick.

[@aymenlouhibi5775]

After all these years of record releasing and live performances, I still think of Al Di Meola as an underrated guitarist and one that should have had more a lot more recognition and appreciation from music lovers all over the world. To me, give Al an acoustic guitar, shut your eyes and you're guaranteed an unprecedented astronomical voyage. Thank you for this episode Rick

[@italoop7850]

Rick---- John McLaughlin is a MUST for an interview! The man IS a legend as he's been the first playing things all others picked up later. HE is THE MAN! Please... it's a well deserved thing to do..

[@joestefanoni2139]

Totally. He's played with some of the best musicians of our time and is a virtuoso guitarist himself.

[@Revelator2025]

Agreed!

[@ArtfulDodgerM]

Really?!!

[@skyhorseprice6591]

Oh _hell_ yes!

[@italoop7850]

@@ArtfulDodgerM OF COURSE! He's a MUST!

[@stellarrat]

A long time ago, probably 1981 or something like that, I took my friend to see Al DiMeola. It was really an evil plot by me to surprise him. He was a huge Rush fan and didn't know anything about DiMeola, but he was a rock guitar player and had an open mind about music. We were young beginner/intermediate guitarists and used to play together all the time. He kept telling me how Rush were greatest musicians because their songs were so complicated and they played so precisely, etc, etc... Anyway, I got the tickets and asked him if wanted to see DiMeola with me without really telling him too much other than he was a good player. We got up to Portland at the Paramount theater. The Paramount had great acoustic properties because it was originally built as playhouse and a music hall. It's now the home of the Oregon Symphony. So, we get our seats and Al walks out then band immediately opens up with Egyptian Danza. I look over at my friend and his jaw is just about hanging on the floor. It was hilarious. I just started laughing. He pretty much just stood there the entire show transfixed just blown away. They sounded better live than on my records. After the show he said, "Rush aren't the greatest musicians, I just saw the greatest." From then on he was a huge DiMeola fan, but we could never come close to even attempting to play anything by him. We just admired him from afar as mere mortals.

[@alexdven]

This is the best interview I've seen in years. I thought Sting was the top interview but Maestro Di Meola has been in so many unbelievable musical situations.

[@dgax65]

I think this has to be your best interview to date. I really enjoyed the Sting interview, but it took him a while to open up. Al was open and engaged from the start. The format of going back and forth between the dialogue and playing really works well.

[@beyondinfinity3876]

i agree!

[@gun_toting_lefty]

Ditto! Best interview I've heard Rick do yet.

[@rk41gator]

Sting was wonderful. It was interesting to see it blossom, but this was special.

[@fcamiola]

Sting was so pretentious I had to turn it off. I dig his music but he's insufferable as a person. Copeland was great though!

[@HowCommunicationWorks]

This is a great interview. Al is incredibly interesting and open. His music intimidates me, but as a person, he’s very mellow and down to earth. Rick is putting down some archival quality stuff here.

[@TimmyGMusic]

I could listen to Al noodle around on his classical all day… always captivating and beautiful in his choices of melodies and chords, which seem as much inspired by classical music as they are jazz and Latin. Very few guitar players can do what he does, if there are any at all! Al is IL MAESTRO.

[@domfox]

An interview of this calibre with McLaughlin would be really something too. The way Di Meola talks about rhythm, the way he moves his body when talking about rhythm, told me so much about how his music works, what moves him to make it the way he does. A really great encounter.

[@bofad6074]

That would be amazing McLaughlin seems like a wonderful human

[@drdre4397]

Wow that Norwegian wood rendition was beautiful. I know he's a seasoned pro but it sounded so full for 1 solo classical guitar. This was a real treat, thank you as always Rick. Edit: wood not would.

[@tombrown9460]

Having someone expert like Rick interviewing these musical legends seems to bring out a relaxed and flowing conversation. He speaks to them on their level.

[@xxstormbringerxx]

My God... He is an absolute master of his craft! Race with the devil on a Spanish highway still my all time favorite.

[@autk]

Yes ..and Flight over Rio, for the baddest ass flying riffs. Longer song and you have to wait for it...but sheesh.

[@ricpett171]

That song reaches another Level for sure..

[@eddyvideo]

Yep , my fav as well !

[@BaroqueBlues]

There's a song with 3 BILLION views on KZbin that was plagiarized from the Al Di Meola & Buddy Miles song Southbound Traveler, the song with 3 billion views is called: LEAN ON by MØ

[@NobodySpecial512]

That a great song. It was past of the soundtrack of my high school years.

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

I love how Rick is bemoaning the need for tablature at the end and Al has just gone back inside his interior music palace and is suddenly reminded of something else he wants to play -"check this out" he says softly, and then as he imperfectly pays the most beautiful and mysterious music he mutters "too nervous.." Floored.

[@angela-sanders]

Rick, I just found this today. Al Di Meola is my favorite musician of all times since the 70's. This interview was magical. thank you

[@TheOdieD3]

Rick, Oh man! I don’t know how you are going to top this. This is the best trip into Beato Land ever. Al Di is a very generous guy. I have run into him twice. Each time he has been exceptionally gracious. No airs. He just loves music. The first time I mentioned I am mesmerized by his timing and his band’s timing. He just lit up, and started a whole conversation.

[@RogueCheddar]

I was at Berklee in 76, 77, when Return To Forever , Weather Report, Stanley, Jaco, and Al, were all hitting really big. What a wondrous time. I wish I could relive it all over again.

[@hugonongbri8100]

how many bands you been in since then ??

[@RogueCheddar]

@@hugonongbri8100 about eight, mostly Top 40 dance or wedding bands, a couple classic rock bands. I gigged a lot late 70s into the 90s, took a long time sabbatical when the kids came along.

[@joeinterrante7873]

Yes me too my friend

[@ilmisxx2]

That sounds like a time to relive. I wasn't even alive at that time and I wish I could share that experience.

[@peterpedersen1641]

Hey Rogue... I grew up around NJ. and lived in Berkeley Heights in 76. I was 21 at the time. I went to the Coffee shop at Rutgers one afternoon. This band was setting up to play there... Strange... Turns out it was Al, Chick, Stanley and I think, David Sanches...? Not sure. But it was Stanley birthday. and we watched an amazing afternoon of jamming. I became a huge Stanely Clark fan that day. already was an Al DiMeola fan and saw in in the city a ton. We are only a few months off in age. I didn't go to music school but self taught from around 68 on. Mostly a fingerstyle player these days. Some jazz background. Took my first lessons with Harry Leahy back around 1977 just for 6 months. I was too into Pink Floyd and Playing rock. But always went to see Return to Forever and Mahavishnu. This interview is way cool....

[@DuhQuanNigstix]

In my teenage years I was listening to Joe Pass, John McLaughlin, Pat Martino, Earl Klugh, John Scofield, Paco De Lucia, Pat Metheny and many others. However, there was something that really stood out about Al Di Meola that really resonated with me. Beyond blazing fingers there was a soul and voice to his playing that really stood out to me. Great interview!

[@larryk5541]

Only been watching your videos for a couple years now, Rick, but I think this is the finest interview you've done. To be able to sit down with a music legend like Al and not gush all over him like a 15 year old must have taken a major force of will. Congratulations and here's to more like it.

[@brianaxel4589]

Yes.

[@navasaband]

All the great ones are always so humble… there is obviously a strength of ego to perform with such vitality, but this always gives way to a deep and resonant respect of others and a gentle humility about their own virtuosic talent…

[@alexandergriggs9934]

Perfectly stated

[@michaelthomas366]

You are absolutely right!

[@scottstevens5481]

Oh my!!! The Norwegian Wood at 6:25 is SO exquisite!! Just like a very fine wine!!! So fun to watch and listen to. Al seems like such a genuine, sweet and sensitive soul! Thank you for letting us get to know him a little bit. Blessings to you Rick!

[@UniMatrix_1]

Just discovered this today, his playing is truly unique. His grasp of rhyming combined with near perfect technique is soooo captivating

[@UniMatrix_1]

Rhythm

[@cinders302]

His take on it was fabulous.

[@cahillgreg]

For me - Laurence Juber's Strawberry Field's is the gold standard.

[@JerryT21]

Rick , you have the respect of every musician in the world , from legends to beginners . 🙏

[@nolongerthere]

Those first three albums of Al's back in the 70's were my gateway drug into fusion and from there into jazz. Never looked back and I'm thrilled to catch up with the master 45 years later!

[@skepto-o-punk8286]

Same here.

[@spydergkh6337]

@@skepto-o-punk8286 Absolutely! I saw Al open for Renaissance in Tucson, AZ right after the release of "Casino" in 1978. After watching him, as much as I love Renaissance, it took a bit to settle into their show!! Lol! They were wonderful, as well! Just an amazing night of music, for sure!

[@gitarmats]

The thing that always gets me about Al is his ability to always throw in a hip rhythm somewhere where you least expect it and it sounds so fresh.

[@markparee99]

Your interviews with musicians, Rick, are just SO good. Would love to see you talk with John McLauughlin at some point.

[@ivanhenriqueroberto1970]

Definitely

[@patrickmitchell209]

Waiting for Rick’s John McLaughlin interview for years : )

[@govindacalcutta2078]

John’s interviews are all so boring. I bet rick could get a good one out of him!

[@stephanmariani8313]

Absolute GOLD!!! This interview!!!

[@outoper]

Totally agree!!!

[@xXvaloisXx]

When i had first discovered Al for my self, it was over 20 years ago. i could only have dreamed of footage this is depth and personal. I feel spoiled and extremely lucky to be able to watch these masters in a room setting. Thank you Rick! I'm forever grateful for your content.

[@tonekilltech]

Al is the GOAT! Met him after a show in Charlotte, NC around 2005, shook his hand and he signed my copy of his book Chords, Scales, and Arpeggios. Thank you for sharing this awesome interview!

[@shriggs55]

You might want to check out "the rite of strings"-with Al,Jon luc ponty,and Stanley Clark.It's great!

[@tonekilltech]

@@shriggs55 yes, I have that CD somewhere, probably nearly worn out.

[@shriggs55]

@@tonekilltech I know what you mean.

[@tiacho2893]

He's been the guitarist I aspire to be for almost 4 decades!!!

[@tiacho2893]

@@tonekilltech Dad joke on LPs. So worn you could hear the other side!!!

[@geneobrien8907]

I love how Al gets into the zone as soon as he starts playing, everything else is muted. I can relate just when listening to music, I don't hear it if someone starts talking to me when I'm actively listening music.

[@nicholasthornton7000]

What an incredible interview! Clearly so much mutual appreciation and respect. Love how there is so much Paco in his playing. Would love Rick to do an analysis of a Paco piece if not done already.

[@philosopher0076]

Almost 1/4 of a MILLION people have watched this interview, in just 2 days. An Al DiMeola interview video?...in 2022 no less?? Wow. No wonder Al, as he stated was, " nervous ". He knows the following this channel has. Think about it, one of his best selling albums ever sold 8 million copies in around two years or more. This is now 2 DAYS and close to 1/4 million people have watched and heard it. I'd flub more than a note or two if that was me. Not to mention Al likely had a little vino in him from dinner. He kind of sounded pleasantly buzzed. So those few tiny flubs are nothing. He pretty much played perfectly. Great job Rick...what a beautiful, comfortable, interesting, friendly and informative interview here. Fantastic.

[@th3m1ke]

Knowledge is like wine - it gets better with time and experience and I think this generation is now beginning to seek out the oracle like wisdom of seasoned legends now. We've watched guys sweep and rip at 330 bpm on social media for so long but now we want the goods.

[@nick326697]

Makes me optimistic for the future...

[@mickknight6963]

He seems like a very open and sharing guy, I know he shares a lot on his Facebook. He gets involved in discussions easily and is very easy to talk to, which is very cool if being interviewed. Very good.

[@JK-g62]

Rick....amazing you got to interview Al. He needs no introduction for people in the know....he is a guitar god of the highest level and i cant wait to hear your interview with him. Well done 👏 congrats sir!!! After listening...loved hearing "Norwegian Wood" part!

[@Franck.Jazzman]

Thank you from 🇫🇷 for this great pleasure Rick🙏Master Al is a beautiful person, eminently sympathetic and his fantastic acoustic playing 💫 he is one of the greatest.

[@breft3416]

Well, if there was a Grammy and an Oscar for the interviews you and others have done, they would name it the Rick Beato/Al DiMeola award for most valuable content. All your stuff is great, but this one had some magic goin' on!

[@metalpractor5150]

That was amazing! No one brings out the candor like you do , Rick. You speak their language in terms of music knowledge, but you also are a fan and feel the emotional sentiment and appreciate the artistry being portrayed , which is not lost on Artists such as Al. Beautiful. What a wonderful gift this video is.

[@metalpractor5150]

Rick, I was wondering if Al ever mentioned specifics to you on how Chick helped in his writing development along with the other up and coming musicians that he played with?

[@rrryanocerous]

Been into Als music since high school and I still constantly go back to it for inspiration and motivation . He is truly the gold standard of authentic guitar guitar playing. Love the guy!

[@rustydavis5350]

The album Orange and Blue by Al is one of my all time favorite albums - amazing unique compositions with a great group of musicians.

[@wegert1]

This was a really beautiful interview. Al was so free in expressing himself through his playing, and his words. Like others have said, only you could do this interview. And like others have said, congrats.

[@newbbietrader9918]

RICK this interview is worth GOLD. lots of good stories from AL.

[@DaneMutters]

This is pure gold. I've been wanting to see something like this since I first learned about Al Di Meola's music in the 1990s. Just seeing him briefly deconstruct a guitar line and explain his thought process is a revelation.

[@guitarrazen]

Al is really an amazing player, as a Brazilian musician, I have to say that he was one of my greatest influences on the electric and acoustic guitar, ever. Awesome interview, Rick!!!!

[@outoper]

O Al é o maior guitarrista de progressive jazz vivo. O Return to Forever foi um canhão por conta da guitarra dele, que puxava o som criado pelo gênio do Chick.

[@RFDlic]

@@outoper You never listened to the first record with Joe Farrell, Flora Purim, Stanley Clarke, Airto Moreira?

[@Morten6842]

Love this interview, Al Di Meola is such a fascinating composer, musician and human. Greatly shown in this interview. Hope to see an interview with Steve Morse someday 🤞

[@mdc58]

Astounding interview! Al was a big influence on me with that 1st solo album. I was 19 teaching myself alternate picking. One night I had a dream Al showed me how he played fast. The next morning, no lie, I was about twice as fast I was the day before. ;-) Only to a group a guitar nerds would I tell that story.

[@eugenestandingbear6516]

I'm a believer 😁

[@OneOfUsHere]

I totally believe you. My friend Terry Kath was a friend of Jimi Hendrix. He had a dream in which Jimi came and gave him a song complete with music and lyrics. I believe he recorded it with Chicago. I don't remember the name but it's there. We all remember Paul McCartney dreaming the music to Yesterday and asking everyone what song is this? He finally realized it was his. Keith Richards famously kept a cassette recorder next to his bed. Sometimes he would see he had turned it on during the night. He found things that came through his subconscious mind that he didn't remember. When we're sleeping we open ourselves to receive things that are blocked with the noise of everyday life.

[@stratcat4450]

@@OneOfUsHere great comment and it's true. I once in a while dream in the morning of playing things I'd never come up with awake an if I immediately pick up a guitar I can sometimes capture it, if I don't then its gone.

[@skyhorseprice6591]

@@OneOfUsHere My entire musical life has been about capturing the music I hear in my Music Dreams. It's incredible, unearthly music, and in the dreams I can be a participant, I can edit snd add parts, change the flow. It's just.....if I can ever get it right while still in planet earth human guise, I will die a happy man.

[@seehearthink]

Rick, man, these videos that you do is like "60 Minutes" for Musicians. The way that you draw out the soul of each of these musicians is magical! Your work is and will be a lasting legacy that you should be proud of! Thank you, your crew, and thank you to the musicians that share their time with all of us! Legendary!

[@stevengrinold3203]

Well said Geo! Couldn't agree more. Bravo Rick!

[@magicruss1]

Rick Beato being such a great musician and producer himself knows exactly the right questions to ask,such a great interview to add to his list

[@jllamb88]

As a musician myself, I’m always looking for the type of musician who can really put the fear of God in me, intimidate me with their knowledge and skill. Al Di Meola is one of those rare guys. Absolute cream of the crop, and he shows it here even when he’s not really in performance mode. Thank you so much for giving us this gift, Rick.

[@davidgiancoli2106]

Chris Theil (mandolin) and of course Steve Morse should also be musicians on your list.

[@jllamb88]

@@davidgiancoli2106 I’m not familiar with Chris Theil, so thank you for the reference. Steve Morse is 100% on my list. What an ear that man has. I’ll throw one at you as well: check out Ron Thal (aka Bumblefoot). You would be hard-pressed to find anyone as effortlessly incredible on electric guitar. He’s up there with the likes of Guthrie Govan.

[@mikewallace1270]

Rick I think you've cornered the market on in-depth interviews with great musicians. There's nothing else like this anywhere.

[@electreelife]

Rick Beato’s work in showcasing Music History is truly remarkable! I mean sitting with all those legends and not only…thank you for all this goodness🥰

[@matejajezdic]

Love his CD “Orange and Blue”. I’ve been listening to it since I was a kid

[@utahprepper8925]

This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen of a guitarist. Al has been blowing me away since the 70's. This puts a personality on top of the music and that will change the way I hear him from now on. Thank you Rick!

[@johnnalty5150]

DiMeola the “master” What a fantastic interview, the interviewer was the perfect person to conduct the interview

[@buzzfretwear2906]

Haven’t paid much attention to Al in many years. Needless to say my interest has been renewed. God he’s good. Al seems like a very decent guy too. Great story teller. Great job Rick!

[@gun_toting_lefty]

IKR? Been awhile since I listened to Al and then watching something like THIS. It's like where have I been all this time?

[@mikejager9434]

I agree. Definitely will be dusting off the old old stuff. This will be fun to hear Al with my 35 year older ears. TY Rick & Al.

[@JoshClarkson]

Certainly the best display of fresh produce I've ever seen in an interview with a musician.

[@michaelscott356]

Funny you say that, Josh! I too was thinking "That's one helluva batch of Sangria they've got planned there!" Then...wait a minute... RADDISHES?

[@JoshClarkson]

@@michaelscott356 that's fusion cuisine for you

[@markpeavy4005]

I know this is a year old...Al De Meola!!!! Genius in front of you!(genius too!) I played Al De Meola to "woo" my wife! Forty years ago! She is still with me for some strange reason! Rick, as always love your work! I could live a lifetime with what you have heard live!

[@Jfwr2010]

I love when Al gives that little smirk of pride in telling his story...Very cool!

[@southsideronnie]

I was amused because it seemed as though Rick wanted to wrap things up but Al did not want to stop playing, like he had one more thing to show Rick. And then another thing. Even chatting in the kitchen it seemed as though Al wanted to keep the chat going. What a wonderful compliment to you Rick! To just sit with Al Di Meola would be so fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing this meeting Rick!!

[@RobertSababady]

What an epic talk. So nice to see Al Di Meola alive and grateful to be at peace with himself!

[@robertellison4691]

What a difference a year makes.

[@macdad159]

I heard Elegant Gypsy for the first time in the early 1980's and it absolutely blew my mind. I was all into Van Halen and a friend of mine was like "listen to this guy". I was like "WTF just happened? is this even possible. Welcome to Al Di Meola!

[@aquilomanganelli175]

I can't begin to describe how riveting this entire interview was. DiMeola is the first fusion guy who's musical voice I was completely awestruck by. Thank you!

[@Redwane-Music]

I met Al Di Meola in the early 90s in Musician Exchange Cafe and had a little chat with him. I found him very sweet and kind and down to earth Really how a true artist should be.

[@JohnGauge790]

Amazing interview. Al is one smart dude. Playing during the interview will get him a ton of new fans.

[@ornleifs]

Wonderful - this is such a treat - been listening to Al Di Meola since the late 70's, my dad had his first three albums and Egyptian Danza was my intro to the wonderful world of Fusion.

[@arthurwilson1966]

Just wanted to find somewhere to post a heartfelt 'get well soon, Al' following the upsetting news that he suffered a heart attack while performing in Bucharest, Romania this week. Really love this man's music. Truly one of the great composer's and players

[@SooBahkJoel]

Any time I talk to non guitar players about Al DiMeola I simply tell them that HE is the guitar player that all the ones they have heard of aspire to be.

[@Snarkapotamus]

I'm a pretty decent guitar player but he and Pat Metheny freak me out...

[@matthoward1174]

I saw Al do a clinic for Ovation in the early 80s in a small guitar shop in Jersey. We were about 6 feet away from this master, and were completely blown away by his playing. My friends and I had been marinating in the constant rotation of "Friday Night in San Francisco" for a couple years at this point. I had the same feeling as I did when I first heard Van Halen.

[@green4black]

@Matt Howard - I saw a similar Ovation clinic by Al around the same time at a small guitar shop in New Haven, CT. I'm guessing maybe it was the same promotional tour. It was a tiny space that about 15-20 of us were crowded into. I was sitting on the floor practically at Al's feet. As a budding guitarist at the time, it was inspirational to see someone play on an entirely different level than most human beings.

[@richjasctt]

1:14:00 to 1:23:20 or thereabouts. Rick Beato was there live and was clearly blown away. Collectively we all have to pick ourselves up off the floor after that astonishing, other-worldly playing. Thank you, Al! Thank you, Rick!

[@joedenisco6033]

Rick, that was a life changer. Al is such a part of my growth as a musician, and you drew from him stories that I never thought I’d ever hear. I can’t thank you enough for this. To me Al is a legend, up there with Benson, Pass and Johnny Smith. I can’t thank you enough for this. Joe D

[@LD10000]

Still shreds!!!! Amazing timing, rhythm, harmony and counter point skills, seamless flow! Thank you Rick!

[@gitarrenpost]

For me, this is the most beautiful and inspiring combination of an interview and a session so far. Seeing two guys celebrating their addiction to making music reminds me of my younger days. I was lucky enough to see and hear Paco, John and Al behind the iron curtain in East Berlin on the Jungferninsel. Unforgettable.

[@luke3501]

My late cousin introduced me to Al Di Meola forty years ago. Start at brilliant and go from there. I'm so excited to watch this.

[@stevew5146]

Wow, loved, LOVED the intimacy of this conversation. Kudos to you, Rick for being such a knowledgeable, insightful, and enjoyable interviewer. Loved the reciprocal respect Al has for you too! Al still looks like he's 50 yrs old and sports a trio look of Robert Downey, Jr., Eric Clapton, and Kurt Elling. His mastery of his picking was mind boggling and the tarantula scaling seemed quite improvisational. Fascinating human. My first album that brought me into his world was during H.S. and it was Electric Rendezvous. Man, I wish my kitchen looked just like his, so warm and cozy.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

What do you expect? He’s Italian, we age like a fine wine lol

[@jamesiyer4937]

Looks a bit like Jurgen Klopp!

[@katskillz]

hey scratch all that, he's a spitting image of Jeff Porcaro. Even tells the stories and speaks like Jeff

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

I had no idea that musicians are so interesting. I love hearing their stories. And of course many of them I’ve never heard of. I love your interviews, Rick.

[@oiramsq73]

Living vicariously through Rick Beato; another one of my childhood heroes - Al Di Meola. My very first concert ever was Chick Corea's Electric band, Wayne Shorter and then Al Di Meola (anyone from Boston who is old enough will probably remember "Concerts on the Common"... this was part of that series). I remember being amazed by the music when I listened to it at home, but when I saw Al come out and play, making it look so effortless and cool, it was just BEYOND what I was hearing on my cassette tapes. The next day I was thinking about the show and I got a pair of pliers, grabbed all six strings on my guitar and cut them (SNAP!) all at once. He's still (IMHO) the best of the best; his melodic approach is one thing, but (as this video touched on in great depth) his sense of time and his rhythmic texture puts him beyond people who simply 'shred'. He can shred while playing something that seems almost random... then quote a melody and make you realize that it wasn't random at all - you just didn't see it coming in that form. ...the best! Rick - thank you again. I can't sit and chat (and cook?) with Al Di Meola or Steve Vai or Pat Metheny... but you can - and we love you for it. (When do you sit down with Sir Paul?)

[@RichardMoretti]

Mario, I went to many Concerts on The Common, but not that one. However I did see Al, Paco, and John at the Orpheum in the '80's when Steve Morse opened up for them, and then eventually played with the three oh them. I remember after Steve's opening set the crowed was going crazy. Half of them hadn't heard of him, and were there to see The Trio. They were calling him out for a second encore and Al had to come out on stage to settle the Morse fans down, and assured them that, Steve Morse would be back out, because they wanted to play with him too. I thought that it was very gracious, that these superstars were going to share there stage with him. That was an amazing show.

[@oiramsq73]

@@RichardMoretti That would have been like the prototype of a G4 style concert. What an awesome show to have seen! (I saw a G3 show at the Orpheum in the early 2000’s… Joe Satriani, John Petrucci and a guy I hadn’t heard of at the time: Paul Gilbert - who came out and did his double-neck thing from “Get out of my yard!” - amazing performance.) Boston has always had a lot of great places to catch small, medium and large shows.

[@skyhorseprice6591]

I cannot thank you enough for this one, Rick. It's inspirational, illuminating. That part where Al is sitting there with his foot tapping and he's playing some classical thing in like straight 4/4 ....then he just switches it up and _goes off_ .....oh man, that was glorious. I never realized until this very moment, after watching this interview, that Al DiMeola was an influence on my own playing. But now, in this new light, I can see that he was, and that blows me away. I've kinda always wondered where the 'Sinister Latin Arabic Scale' (😂) that I gravitate towards came from. It's All DiMeola! He does it a lot. This whole interview helped me to realize how much of an influence I have from the jazz/rock fusion scene. I mean, my first big influence was Alvin Lee, but when Mahavishnu came out, and Yes with Steve Howe (more prog rock, but the guitar stuff was always more advanced than just straight 1-4-5 blues stuff, not that there is anything wrong with that). John McLaughlin was a huge influence, as was Al DiMeola, only with Al _I didn't even realize it!_ Funny, ain't it, how music can reach into us and shape our destiny, yet we may not even be consciously aware of it. _Awesome!_

[@TVoltG]

My mom took me to see him when I was an early teen in San Francisco. I was mesmerized by this man's playing. Unreal.