The level of musicianship here is astounding, a veritable tour de force. Talk about progressive, modern jazz: it gets no better than this. Beautiful arrangement, led by perhaps the most imaginative, technically proficient guitarist extant, Al D.
I have the privilege of listening this guy since the 70's,with the other genius Chick Corea...Return to Forever,..Stanley Clark and Lenny White...that music still better than 80%of today's music...
I was at this hall a few years back at a different Al show with Peo Alfonsi. It was a beautiful show, very intimate and great sound. Al played quite a bit of rhythm and, boy, he sounds like a whole band by himself when he does. Great compositions. Great playing. Great venue.
Al at his most elegant and lyrical. I like this version better than the trio version--the variety of instrumental timbres really complements the piece.
He's playing through Roland's VB-88 to get the modeled guitar sounds and honestly, to get most of the things that sound like a synth. I know he also incorporates a GR-33 guitar synth into his system but this time around, it sounds like all VG to me! Love Al. Love him. This concert is a classic!
Al, are you triggering samples of your own guitar (electric) on tracks like these, or are they voices from a standard midi device? Works very well. Really enjoying these live versions.
