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Al Di Meola - Flesh On Flesh CD (album) cover

FLESH ON FLESH

Al Di Meola

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

4.11 | 71 ratings

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Zitro
Prog Reviewer
4 stars 3.7 Stars

Being unfamiliar with most of Al Dimeola's discography, this album came as a surprise. This surprise is how much the music matured and mellowed down after the fiery shredfest that is Elegant Gypsy. The compositions appear carefully arranged, full of different colors and delicate touches under perfect production. Flesh on Flesh shows Al Dimeola restraining himself from playing those rapid-fire solos that were ubiquitous in the early album I mentioned. Nevertheless, guitar is still the dominating instrument ranging from elegant and romantic acoustic guitars to the electric guitars that were a trademark in his early albums. The rest of the band is not merely background to the guitar tho, they are fundamental in creating Flesh on Flesh's magic and to interplay with the guitar.

The Latin influences are bigger than in the past, as can be heard on the opening track's percussion and trumpets. Innamorata is another lengthy track with a complex structure and some surprises. The title track has a strong Latin rhythm and festive atmosphere. The main motif of the song is very memorable and fantastic when it is revisited with a guitar solo on top of it. On the other hand, the quirkyFugata seems to have hints at Piazzola, Meninas is a completely acoustic song with emphasis on the grand piano. It is very soft and dreamy. Senor Mouse is a Return to Forever composition that is transformed into a more gentle and acoustic interpretation. Finally, Saffire Soleil is the highlight of the album for me due to the gorgeous melodies that Meola wrote in it.

Zitro | 4/5 |

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