Elegant Gypsy

by Al Di Meola

Overview

Guitarist Al di Meola's second record as a leader is generally an explosive affair, although it does have a fair amount of variety. With Jan Hammer or Barry Miles on keyboards, electric bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Lenny White (Steve Gadd takes his place on the "Elegant Gypsy Suite"), and percussionist Mingo Lewis on most of the selections, di Meola shows off his speedy and rock-ish fusion style. He was still a member of Return to Forever at the time and was a stronger guitarist than composer, but di Meola did put a lot of thought into this music. The brief "Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil" (an acoustic guitar solo) and "Mediterranean Sundance" (an acoustic duet with fellow guitarist Paco de Lucia) hints at di Meola's future directions. A near classic in the fusion vein. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	02/01/2008
Label:	Columbia / Sbme Special Mkts.
UPC:	0886972364223

Tracks

1. Flight Over Rio
2. Midnight Tango
3. Mediterranean Sundance
4. Race With the Devil on Spanish Highway
5. Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil
6. Elegant Gypsy Suite

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Al Di Meola   Primary Artist,Guitar (Electric),Director
Paco de Lucia   Guest Artist,Guitar
Jan Hammer   Guest Artist,Piano (Electric),Synthesizer
Anthony Jackson   Guest Artist,Guitar (Bass)
Steve Gadd   Guest Artist,Drums
Mingo Lewis   Guest Artist,Synthesizer,Percussion,Congas,Organ
Lenny White   Drums
Barry Miles   Piano (Electric),Piano

Technical Credits

Mingo Lewis   Composer
Al Di Meola   Producer,Composer,Arranger
Paco de Lucia   Composer