Al Di Meola on Feeling Rhythm

[@DennisMorassut]

Al Di has always been genius to me, the culmination of Jazz, Rock, and Mediterranean (Latin, Spanish Flamenco, etc) fusion. How one man can cross so many boundaries is mind boggling. His sense of rhythm and playing around the beat is incredible. I've only have had the privilege of seeing him live twice (solo in the early 2000s and with Return to Forever in the later 2000s) and both were incredible performances. He will remain as one of my all time favorite guitarists and artists; a painter of incredible musical lines and phrases. Cheers all.

[@RiquezaEmGotas]

This man is a rhythm machine not to mention his ability to shred like crazy.

[@leeDs718]

TO THOSE THAT DON'T KNOW: at 1:10 he's playing Milonga Del Angel and at 2:10 he's playing Café 1930- both by Astor Piazzolla, one of Al's fav composers

[@ErlendFlatin]

everything up to 1:10 is part of his arrangement of Milonga Del Angel as well

[@MusicFillsTheQuiet]

I've played that second Piazzolla, from the History of Tango. I would have lost my duet partner if I played it like that, but next time I perform that piece I won't play it so straight and classical anymore! Inspiring interpretation!

[@DaneMutters]

Al's interpretation of rhythms within arpeggios is one of the things that I find so fascinating about his music. He can take an ordinary major or minor chord and make it into something phenomenal just by syncopating and adding a little embellishment. It may sound simple, but it's incredibly hard to do at that level. Thanks for sharing this, Rick and Al.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

Yes, that's what I love about his style.

[@leevikiviranta9071]

Exactly! How he handle the rhythm makes it interesting. He has very good timing. Latin genes...and strong own style. Hard to copy....

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Incredible. It's like Flamenco, Cuban, Classical and Jazzy all in one. Soulful.

[@paveantelic7876]

now you know where polyphia got their sound from

[@TitoSilversax]

@@paveantelic7876 I’d argue polyphia is more neosoul future bass type riffs in an instrumental prog rock context

[@paveantelic7876]

@@TitoSilversax add some math rock in there and you'd be about correct lol

[@Deamonition]

​@@paveantelic7876 why did you bring Polyphia into this video.................

[@paveantelic7876]

@@Deamonition why not?

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Al Di Meola casually demonstrates that music is the mathematics of emotion. Good Lord, I love this ‘after hours’ channel more than the flagship one. Mr. Beato, students will be pouring over your content far into the future. That’s one hell of a legacy, good sir.

[@zappafrk]

Rick's got the 16th notes going on with his right foot 🤣

[@armandomartinez7592]

Strung out on coffee. LoL

[@kennethhacker3014]

Easy on the coffee Rick ..lol

[@david_music45]

True 😂😂😂 I did notice that too

[@svenlindemann5084]

I love that Strawberry Fields Forever interpretation !!!

[@josephshultz6726]

I had the pleasure and good fortune of seeing Al play in Naples, FL a few years ago in a small venue. What a wonderful evening I'll not forget.

[@JDCareyMusic]

Casino is one of my all-time favorite albums. Al di is one of those guys that is so monumentally talented that I can't decide if I should just quit guitar or dedicate every second to it.

[@Reyajh]

:)) ...lolz

[@freesk8]

Don't compare yourself to others. Just work to improve according to our own nature.

[@leonerdothe13th32]

Casino is such a classic!

[@Me-tuber]

Some have quit, we have no news from them so get after it!

[@dominicdemercurio7933]

Casino is superhuman.

[@paulw575]

I don't know if I was more blown away by the accuracy and control of his left hand, or right hand. The accuracy of the picking and strumming was amazing.

[@maxwellblakely7952]

The picking is what blows me away. Troy Grady does a deep dive video on Al’s picking technique it’s a pretty good watch.

[@sagarkapoor9892]

Rick please bring back orchestration videos and maybe interview arrangers. I am forever grateful to your videos for teaching me so much.🙏🙏

[@davestephens6421]

Nobody has a feel like Al. He is a one off!!!! And more importantly he has the technique to do it....he is a total master.

[@boni254]

With a Conde guitar from Madrid. Fantastic !!!

[@DanielNabyl]

Him and Yamandu Costa are two of the best guitarists when it comes to rhythmic virtuosity. Yamandu is something else for me, but you cannot not feel in love with Al Meola's feeling and unique touch...

[@moil6384]

props for not crying and trembling when al di meola asks you to play along

[@ScottWaldenGuitar]

Incredible guitar player. Definitely one of a kind.

[@ultramet]

His switch in the rhythmic pattern at 0:15 actually is incorporating the temporal organization known as “clave” in Afro-Cuban music (2-3 Son clave to be exact). If it sounds like it has a Buena Vista Social Club type of vibe then this is why. What an immense talent Al is.

[@Davide_LP]

Are you sure? It doesn't sound like a 3-2 clave to me

[@serseriherif9530]

Latin swing my man, saborrr

[@ultramet]

@@Davide_LP you are correct. It’s actually 2-3 clave

[@aleaallee]

@@serseriherif9530 Asucarr

[@mykhedelic6471]

It's the contrast that pleases and creates context.

[@PhillipJ]

There is no and will ever be another Al….pure genius!!

[@payambehtash7124]

He is a genius, an internationally known super star and yet he's enjoying these moments like a teen in high school with his friends. He is so humble. I love his splendido hotel duo and I don't know why he haven't written more music like that masterpiece.

[@juliusatkison3289]

Super amazing Rick ! Been a fan all my life. Can’t believe how young he looks.

[@leightnite3056]

This part has been sticking w me since you released the full vid, absolutely the most important thing, rythym! So glad you've put this section up on its own!

[@mattterry1255]

Looks like almost nobody got that this was ''Strawberry Fields'' and man what a beautiful rendition. All the shred heads need to hear this, I don't think even Guthrie could come close to the taste and complex harmonies so effortlessly achieved by Mr. D. Great stuff, Rick, loved the Pat, too. Now for Johnny Mac and Jeff Beck!

[@2earache]

Matt Terry…..my feeling is - and I do NOT mean this as a slur in any way to your remarks - that constantly making associations between the great virtuosi of the instrument, is never a good idea. Each one of these musicians has their own style, feeling, specific technique and interpretive skill set and therefore highly individual. The whole narrative of GOAT which we all see an over-abundance of today, is certainly a misguided and unhelpful path to follow.

[@HereComeMrCee-Jay]

Why would you assume nobody noticed it was Strawberry Fields? It was very recognizable in my opinion.

[@rockerfromhk]

Al Di Meola's guitar playing is so beautiful. Watching his fingers flying all over the fretboard is a joy.

[@sodthelotayou3712]

Seen him live twice in Spain at Cartagena jazz wow! He's so good to watch close up and he has such a great rapport with Spanish audiences. My regret is that I never saw him play with his friend Paco, that would've been a trip to guitar heaven.

[@disliked1390]

When i was a teen i found some Al Di Meola randomly on Limewire and i was so impressed i'll never forget it.

[@ATothFTW18]

The number of times I come back to this video. Absolutely incredible explanation of adding feel. Beautiful performance

[@audioDEVIL]

Wow what a treat!! His playing has always been so mesmerising an absolute pleasure to watch even when he is ‘noodling’! Thank you Rick 🙏🏼

[@michaelbismarckii9139]

Al Di Meola is the ultimate example of filling silence the right way

[@kevincothron5089]

One of a kind talent. Thanks for running this Rick.

[@leonerdothe13th32]

I got to see Al during the last electric tour and it was amazing. They played stuff from Casino, etc. It was life changing. Al is truly the 🐐

[@NiftyDimensions]

I love how stoked Rick is in this video! I would be the same way...he's getting a personal lesson from the master!

[@eddiepelosi6136]

Al Di Meola you are absolutely amazing... Just wonderful Sir.

[@stephanleo]

Not only does Al have a style of his own, he created his own musical universe!

[@davidpoggioli2204]

He just makes me smile the whole time while playing Strawberry Fields . Beautiful ! Such a lushest player .

[@luigizanellato2959]

L Di Meola is such an amazing guitarist. He's even great at explaining his approach using great examples.

[@kellc1347]

Rick u need to do more episodes from this video on breaking down what Al is doing!! Wow amazing stuff

[@larrybaitch8825]

I know the "listicles" you post get you the most views, but videos and interviews like Als can be mind and life changing. Been a fan since RTF and Casino, which I couldn't stop playing. Thanks, Nick.

[@michaelivert9689]

Never had idols to look up to in guitar music except that one and the only forever Mr. Al di Meola!

[@biorythmicshifter]

Before there was “time” there was Al DiMeola…his work on Heart of the Immigrants is absolutely astonishing on every level. Some of his best interpretations of Piazolla music. The music transports me to another time and place, so beautiful…and his command of the instrument is bliss inducing.

[@RicardoMarlowFlamenco]

Was just going to comment about that disc. The cafe 1930 he demos here is from that album and I think it is great Al is keeping it in his live shows. My last wish is that he work up an acoustic version of Phantom

[@pierotosi6574]

Wow!! I always loved Al Di Meola's guitar playing from RTF albums to his solo works. Thank you so much Rick!!

[@ITJockies]

Friday night in San Francisco still gives me goosebumps. Iconic.

[@imranchaudhary3776]

5:58 THE BEATLES “And nothing to get hung about” Strawberry fields forever. THAT WAS SO COOL, glad I caught that melody in his beautiful jam session.

[@samiam3297]

Staring at a guitar autographed by Al years back while watching/hearing this....a world of memories flood my mind. Less stress..little to no worries..boy have times changed but no sense trading them . A grin takes over my face....Thank You so much Al! (I've improved just a tad) 🙂 ✌️😎🎸Good Stuff Great Times!

[@valimg1184]

This is so wholesome

[@monsieurgolem3392]

One of my heroes, always love when he explains his style.

[@MarcThomasKallweit]

videos like this make my life a better place

[@literaturaamistad5151]

Al di Meola es uno de los guitarristas vivos más grandes de la historia...wowow

[@Poverello2001]

Great interview. Al is arguably one of the greatest guitarists of the last 50+ years.

[@rickjason215]

He isn’t on some stupid list, so he can’t be great.😅

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ oh my musical goodness, Misters Beato and Di Meola on this fine Friday

[@AN-te4ij]

Thank you Rick for getting to see the creative process of a virtuoso. As always very well done. Much appreciated by music aficionados everywhere whether musicians or not. Bravo.

[@CaptainPupu]

One of the old school legends. Al's talent and wisdom reaches far beyond most guitarists. His elegant gypsy and casino album is just a leage on its own. His distinct flamenco-jazz style playing has mesmerized me for a decade. He is the reason I picked up the guitar after hearing Mediterranean Sundance. May he live another 100 years.

[@andersestes]

I love this video. My second favorite guitar clip ever. Di Meola is a master and this is a masterclass on feel and rythm.

[@giacintodanesi9509]

Al is simply unbelievable! 🎶🙂

[@petermirchev1992]

Amazing!!! Thank you for making this video, Al Di Meola is on of the greatest guitarists ever, if not the greatest on accoustic/classical/flamenco what ever this crazy style is! I cant stop listening to his type of interpretating already beautiful music. A true guitar master.

[@robertbernas1104]

Dear god Al DiMeola - a true gift of a musician and messenger for that matter - thanks so much cheerz and peace🤙

[@outoper]

The powerhouse behind Return to Forever, Mr Al Dimeola!

[@14sounds]

I think the most important thing about this Al di Meola's show is Rick's leg, which gives the right rhythm and his "woooo" time-to-time, which sets the direction of improvisation. Without it, this video wouldn't be as good as it is.

[@jayellis2939]

Rick's left leg would fit in well in a family gathering of mine. Everyone in my family does this,minus my father. Great clip.

[@alexandreazzola18]

Thank you Rick from bringing that to the world, it is just crazy.

[@JuanKGM]

Al Di Meola is just incredible! What an amazing guitar player! So influential too. Thank you Rick for this material!

[@Diftonez]

Saw him playing life. The most skillful guitar player I've seen and I've also been on Animals as Leaders and Dream Theater gigs. So it means something.

[@terryradford13]

Di Meola is one the all time greats and one of my favorites.

[@cheri238]

Al di Meola, now that man knows the rhythms of that guitar 🎸. Chills. ❤️

[@alanpal313]

Rick, Fantastic! That was like the world's finest winemaker taking you down into his wine cellar to taste his finest. Great to listen to and learn from. Thank you.

[@KennethGonzalez]

Just the inspiration I needed today! What great insights...

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

Thank You so much, Rick! I cant even think as fast as his fingers are moving!

[@gautrstafr]

Such a master class given with so few words spoken

[@rogerdat7807]

Thanks for remaining humble Rick. Your teaching, sharing and genuine love for music is a blessing to multitudes. One thing you've not covered is: WHERE DID MUSIC COME FROM? The answer is: Music is the only thing on earth that wasn't created on earth. Music was originally created in heaven and it was brought down to earth. Music was created for worshipping and that will always be its utility here. What and whom you worship is your God given freewill. I chose to worship Adonai.

[@julian.prietz]

great take on feeling rhythm! what i learned from this: "whooooo!"

[@MrDrewseph]

Really like the muted ghost notes! This guy is magic

[@karlcury7416]

Al, you are the best.... thank you!!!!

[@snixelpig]

So Effing good! Love hearing Rick react. His playing is so beautiful.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗😎 THANKS RICK GREAT FOR SHARING I have been an Al DiMeola fan for decades 😁💚💚💚

[@jazzcatjohn]

I've seen Al in many different formats, from the Al Di Meola Project full electric setup to acoustic three piece and it's always been of the highest caliber. Nobody else plays like him.

[@mainsblanches8793]

Very imaginative rendition of Stawberry Fields!!...

[@Captainkodiak]

Thank you I couldn’t remember what he was playing.

[@tyg715]

We need more videos like dis!!!!!!

[@alexanderleischner8069]

Love listen to him, Like old wine he gets richer and deeper.

[@nitedrive2956]

Here's how bad this dude was...and is. Back in the 80s, my metal head guitarist friend called me and told me he had this incredible guitar album he just bought. Went over and he played "Land of the Midnight Sun". We just listened to the whole thing looking at each other now and then like, 'what?!' Guys like DiMeola were like this little secret that rockers kept.

[@daslous89]

Yep, he was unbelievable then watch him play and those fingers just dance across the fretboard magically. All the best..

[@KhalDrogo76]

Same here, blew my mind as a 16yr old musician and showed my friends and we all went crazy over it

[@kevinbazarek]

yeah, legit he's your favorite guitarist's favorite guitarist. same camp I put Govan in

[@RicardoMarlowFlamenco]

As a i kid I had learned many lines of yngwie then I discovered Al and Mclaughlin and noticed a lot of note for note runs. Yngwie never admits it but it’s obvious to me. Some other shredders do name Al. And there would be no metal guitar if not for Al’s right hand muting with distortion.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

For Christmas one year I got the entire Star Licks collection on VHS tape. I believe there was 6 or 7 tapes, one of them was Al. His stuff was so much of a departure from what I was into, but he really taught me things like this. All of them were really great for specific techniques.

[@natasevres549]

In a word: Elysian Humbly and truly

[@mahmudurrashid423]

Al Di Meola on feeling rhythm, keeps rhythm by foot tapping.. Lets his guitar do the talking for 10 minutes. What an amazing artist!

[@Franck.Jazzman]

Tanks for this Rick 🙏👌 and Master Al 🌞🕊️💫

[@anselmolemossilva7299]

Beautiful!

[@Reyajh]

Man, I always loved his guitar playing... Saw him a while back in NOLA House of Blues, which was awesome but I don't remember the incredible speed and precision of his finger-work up and down the fret board... Amazing!!!

[@hkshahidi2794]

A masters class without equal from a great composer and player of immense capability.

[@Flying_turnip187]

Everyone talks about his speed….but man….dimeola’s feel is what sets him apart. Van Halen was the same. That inert way to feel the music is what separates them from mere mortals. He literally can make the air dance by himself .

[@mikewallace1270]

Agree

[@Fretliner]

See Al playing is always so inspiring, what a mater

[@indignow]

Phenomenal player. Gorgeous guitar tunes.I also hear some reminiscences of Paco de Lucía style, which I am proud of, living in Spain👍🏼

[@mikemcguinness1304]

Al takes me where no other can , the guys amazing

[@trollstjerne]

Damn.. He's soo good. I have to watch the full interview again. Great stuff!

[@ashotvoskan]

This is just like a revelation for all (by the Al) who love guitar,rythm, sound!

[@rickeguitar9086]

Hey Rick, the first time I saw Al play was on a TV in the early 80s when he played "Race with the devil on Spanish Highway" I gave him the nickname of "Spider Fingers." This video recalls that memory for me. As I watch Al climb up and the the fretboard, just like back then, he does it with such finesse, speed and efficiency that it looks like a tarantula is crawling up and down the guitar! Thanks for sharing this video on rhythm guitar. Al is an innovator when it comes to bringing Spanish rhythms to American ears! Cheers!

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

A true rhythm master no doubt.

[@mikewallace1270]

Al is the greatest guitar player you have and will ever interview. Sorry that's the truth. There are many greats but Al is arguably the greatest guitar player of all time. I said arguably. I know it's subjective. But he is a once in a generation musician. And we all need to appreciate and support him while he is still alive. He's getting up there in years and won't be with us forever. And new generations will look back on him as an amazing Legend that he is.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

It is rare to see a guitarist mastering the instrument like Al di Meola does. This is hallucinating.

[@ErlendFlatin]

I love the way Al plays Piazzolla

[@stumpshot70]

This brings me back to my childhood....my step dad was a total deadhead but somehow he had a cassette copy of Al's "Elegant Gypsy" which kind of blew me away as a 10 year old kid. Especially after hearing and growing up around 60's/70's rock and copious amounts of the Grateful Dead.

[@richsherman3673]

Al is Music and expression, He can take one note and make an event. I first saw him play in Centro de Bellas Artes in Puerto Rico on the Friday Night in San Francisco Tour. I went both nights, first night 6th row slightly to stage right, second night nose bleed stage center but still amazing. Paco and John were just as well making things happen.

[@mikewallace1270]

Lucky you

[@the-deagledude]

Just wow!! Still a master. Thanks for this super creative glimps Rick

[@chuckfarley567]

Friday night in San Francisco..... what a Concert it was.....