Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
4 stars out of 4
Al Di Meola manages to release a top shelf album every time out. I
do not believe he has ever received a negative response to anything
he has ever done in the studio or live, at least I have never read
a bad review. I cannot possibly imagine that happening. He has been
the true innovator consistently throughout his career, always reinventing
himself, standing ready to embrace new styles and worldly influences.
From classic jazz-rock fusion albums to acoustic splendor, Di Meola
has been the accomplished professional and technician.
"Flesh on Flesh" has a nice texture to it with variations of all his
styles on one CD. The folks that have enjoyed his electric output
will appreciate this release, and in the same way, those that have
appreciated the lighter softer side of his musical personality will
find something to value as well. As much as I respect the man's work,
I prefer when he plays the electric guitar much more. There seems
to be more energy and variety in his music when he does. I can also
be pleased when he jumps from an acoustic setting to electric within one song.
His ever-present Latin and world influences abound as they intertwine
with elemental rock and jazz fusion that stems from his compelling
six-string framework. As he lays down the foundation for those that
surround him, every other instrument joins in and blends into the
mix impeccably and effortlessly. The mind-set that Di Meola firmly
puts into motion is easily maintained at a breakneck pace throughout
this CD, thanks to the outstanding talent in each position. If you
listen to how he noticeably speeds up his guitar playing in the opening
track "Zona Desperata," and then slows it down, you will be able to
see and hear what I have. Moments like that are commonplace when cultures
meet music and then fuse into one. Di Meola has been one of the recognized
masters of this process.
We have yet another masterpiece from the master of jazz-rock guitar himself, Al Di Meola.
1. Zona Desperata (Di Meola) - 9:23
2. Innamorata (Di Meola) - 8:38
3. Meninas (Gismonti) - 5:41
4. Flesh on Flesh (Di Meola) - 5:57
5. Fugata (Piazzolla) - 5:46
6. Deep and Madly (Di Meola) - 1:45
7. Saffire Soleil (Di Meola) - 4:11
8. Señor Mouse (Corea) - 9:24
Credits:
Al DiMeola - Guitar (Acoustic), Dumbek, Percussion, Arranger, Cymbals,
Guitar (Electric), Keyboards, Producer, Tympani
Gonzalo Rubalcaba - Fender Rhodes, Soloist
Alejandro Santos - Flute, Flute (Bass), Pan Pipes
Ernie Adams - Drums
Anthony Jackson - Bass (Electric), Double Bass
Gumbi Ortiz - Conga
Mario Parmisano - Synthesizer, Piano, Arranger, Calliope, Marimba, Synthesizer Piano
Jean Valdes - Sax (Alto)
Guillermo Ruiz - Sax (Alto)
|
