I remember being a teen in the late 80s and writing Al a fan letter (pre-Internet). He mailed back a very nice and encouraging note - not a form letter either. Mind you, at that time he was at the height of his fame, but yet took the time to do that. Total class, and an inspiration to millions of musicians.
I saw him three times in London long ago. On one occasion I got a first row seat and shook the man's hand at the end of the show. Wonderful man and a genius musician. As a young lad in the early 70's, my older cousin introduced me to a lot of 'proper' music, including Return to Forever. I just read that Chick Corea has died. We are now seeing the end of that era. Very sad, but the memories will last forever.
My recently deceased best friend did that too! He wrote ....well typed...back....I remember it vividly...we were freaked out!! I remember it was postmarked...Tenafly New Jersey!!!
Such a great balance of tasteful melody and technical playing. He’s the whole package. Looks like he’s also aged very well compared to some of his counterparts.
I shared some amazing memories listening to al when I was in 8th grade with my dad (1995). Especially night club 1960, the best song in my opinion. That raw emotion in that song always got me. I heard that song for the first time Since the last time I heard that song with my dad 27 years ago. I lost my dad to Cancer 24 years ago. Listening to these songs brought back emotions I haven’t felt since I was with my dad before he past. I actually heard what he was hearing with he listened to Al. Thanks again for the memories and one of the most talented artist I have ever heard.
Al is the most "unique/different" musician and guitarist I have ever heard or seen. He sees and hears things through a unique mind...when WE hear what HE has created it is always something new and bears his signature. It only takes a few seconds to KNOW it is Al.
Tasty and mature.. This music is a nice way to fusion. You think not single extra note was played. Al is almost 65 years old and his music at each decade is just unique and genius. Thanks for posting this.
From a distand land called Brazil I'm watching amazing Return to Forever videos asking myself: Where is Al? Where is one of the most talented guitar players alive? Can I talk to him? Can I hear him more? Tks, Al, your guitar has made the difference since the 70s.
Always, since my teens, have loved to listen to your passionate guitarwork. Right now, my heart is broken. Your bandmate and I am sure, friend, Mr. Corea, is gone.
The first time I heard Al as a kid I just couldn’t believe anyone could create such unbelievably fast, precise and rhythmically interesting playing. It sounded superhuman and for a while I was sure it was recorded at half speed. It was just mind blowing and totally bonkers at the time.
Foi minha tia quem apresentou ele. Um dia, encontrei com Al em Lisboa. Pedi-lhe somente uma coisa: que mandasse um beijo e um abraço pra minha tia no Brasil. Ele foi muito gentil.
I was fortunate enough to see Al 4 times live in the 80's, once with Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin and special guest Steve Morse from the Dixie Dregs. Steve warmed up for the trio and later all four of them played an encore together. This is not Steve Morse's style of guitar but he held his own this was 1984 in front of 2,000 people, great memory.
I observe a clear flamenco influence, in the song of this great guitarist. I also see (hear) oriental airs. it is a wonderful mix that only privileged ears can hear. It reminds me with homesickness (nostalgia) and languor of the great master Paco de Lucia. self-taught par excellence, string troubadour, guitar farmer.
He's good but NOT a genius because geniuses play many different styles.he just plays Flamenco mostly he doesn't play blues,jazz,rock,country or anything so how does that makes him Great????Listen to Joe Satriani HE plays MANY different styles and taught many great guitar players how to play. Look him up. He's an entrepreneur.
Unbelievable but true !! I have fascination for guitar !! I Had a dream and this guy came to me in at dream ... and he told me his name .. Al di. Very clear !!!
Everyone is talking about his playing and here I'm wondering if this is the same LP Standard he played in the 70's & 80's... Been listening to this cat since I was 14 years old and it shows! LOL!
Al looks like again very healthy and good looking! As Paco said: the handsome, Al Di Meola. :-) I never forget this! God Bless You Maestro Di Meola! And this amazing song is my favorite from the Manhattan Years album - it called Ballad!
If Al would have played rock n roll he would be worth at least ten times what he’s currently worth. But he followed his heart and so we have his wonderful art instead. Thank you Al.
Took a class with Master Al... He taught me ALOT... I Thank him and Mahavishnu John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana and of course the Ohio players and the Funkadelics for giving me the gift of guitar... I am called Guitar, named by a coupla the funkadelics. Don't like the fame game though but I figured sumpin out fo dat... besides we supposed to pass it on! Yup
Guitar playing aside, and brilliant that it is. One question I have is. Does Al actually age. Dude looks the same as he did 2 decades ago. Joking aside. Al has always bee aces in my book. Some guitarists get sometimes caught in, for lack of a better word, a box. Meaning they stay in one style, and rarely venture away. Al, has always been an outside the box player. Just my 2 cents., and Beautiful song.
