Artist: Al Di Meola
Title: One Of These Nights
Format: DVD
Genre: Instrumental-Jazz-Classical- Fusion
Label: inakustik
Al Di Meola Web site
Al Di Meola is a virtuoso without equal; I have always said that and will maintain that belief. He is unrivaled in his genre, a true innovator and legendary performer that certainly deserves to have more performances such as this documented to DVD. One Of These Nights is an exceptional video of high quality and sound.
When he played in the super group Return To Forever he was the anchor on lead guitar. Once he took flight with a solo career, everything started to take shape. He has gone through many phases in his career. The heavy electric jazz fusion period was exciting and what many fans want to hear, if you are partial to that sound you will not appreciate this DVD.
Di Meola ventures into his acoustic Latin classical side on this set. Occasionally he cuts loose with a few exciting electrical voyages via his converted acoustic guitar. I found the transitions he made with that particular piece of equipment amazing. He rarely had to swap guitars because of the versatility the instrument offered. The guitar was a match for his own exceptional flexibility.
The give and take with percussionist Gumbi Ortiz is such a joy to watch. The magnificent interplay is a show of mutual respect from both men; it becomes rather obvious very quickly that both musicians are in their element, enjoying every second of their musical bliss.
This is one of the best DVDs I have had the pleasure to view. From top to bottom its solid, the production and picture is outstanding, so much so that it allows you to be right there in the front row. For me, that is exactly the way I want to feel while watching a performance. This is an absolute must for any Di Meola fan.
April 23, 2005
Rating-10/10
Tracklist from May 17th, 2004 at Scala, Ludwigsburg, Germany:
01. Innamorata
02. Misterio
03. Azzurra
04. Orient Blue
05. Rhapsody Of Fire
06. This Way Before
07. One Night Last June
08. Fugatta
09. Libertango
10. Beyond The Mirage
11. Egyptian Danza
Features: Biography, Making Of
Other musicians: Mario Parmisano, Gumbi Ortiz, Ernie Adams, Sturcz String Quartet.
Running time 116 minutes
Audio: 4.1 surround
Article comments
1 - Triniman
I agree with your review. Here's mine.
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/01/15/023005.php
Yes, Gumbi Ortiz is quite a sight to see.