ELEGANT GYPSY

Looong time ago , exactly 30 years , there was no vai & satriani , there was Santana ,McLaughlin , De Lucia & Coryell . these giants contributed in the making of Latin - Jazz - Rock fusion that we know . At that time , there was many bands & soloists using the same formula , by combinating styles , cultures , harmonies & techniques , in one globe . And , no doubt that few of these artists did a great job in introducing new version of jazz wasn't available before 1975 . Al di Meola ( in addition to Mc Laughlin ,Coryell, Paco de Lucia , Stanley Clarke & Chick Corea ) did in my opinion A great job in finding paths between east & west , north & south , latin & oriental . this source of creativity wasn't existing before , except some european works ( ponty etc...) and some ECM releases. Surely Santana gave in the early releases the same blend , but was commercial in my opinion , just to satisfy the markets needs . So , Elegant Gypsy was my start in discovering such a wonderful world of melodies & techniques full of grandiose & excellent musicianship . I knew on later stages that AL was involved in many project before his first solo album in 1975 , But 1975 - 1985 was the golden period of his career . One masterpiece Elegant Gypsy , Many excellent albums ( casino - electric rendez-vous ) and three great works . Elegant Gypsy ,imo, has more impact on oriental ears , ritch of spanish -acoustics at peak levels , and sound like OUD ( oriental instrument reliable in most middle eastern countries ) , best techniques used by the team , perfection in sound quality , amazing songwriting , nice setting of tracks . All tracks from Flight over Rio till Elegant Gypsy suite , deserves 4.5 stars with no exception . the uses of minimoog , electic piano & keyboards were simply adorable , not to mention Paco's acoustic guitar in best shape & fabulous . One of the best recordings of Jazz fusion since 1977 . Essential by all means ......... Tracks Toni .....