CONSEQUENCE OF CHAOS

I have heard only most and not quite all of Al Di Meola's many solo albums, but I still think it is safe to say that Consequence Of Chaos is his best album since the amazing duo of Casino and Elegant Gypsy in the mid-70's. Indeed, in many ways the music on this album is a half-way meeting between the Jazz-Rock of those classic albums and the kind of World Fusion Di Meola has made since then. While he re-introduced his electric guitar already on some previous albums, Consequence Of Chaos sees him giving electric and acoustic guitars equal space for the first time. He often duels with himself on electric and acoustic which is amazing!

The most important aspect to the success of this album is that this time all the material is Di Meola's own; no Astor Piazzolla, no Return To Forever classics (though Chick Corea is present on piano). The material is impressive with many very memorable Jazz-Rock/Fusion compositions several of which sound like instant classics of the genre! Di Meola has really matured as a writer. There are many memorable passages and despite a running time of just over an hour, he manages to keep it mostly interesting throughout (even if I admit that it could have been shortened slightly to make the impact more direct).

Another important factor is the collaborative spirit on display here. This does not sound like a one man show anymore, but there is a strong band feeling. All in all there are eight different people involved in this recording playing different instruments including various keyboards, bass, drums and different percussions as well as some more exotic instruments. There is a very appealing mix between acoustic instruments and electric ones as well as between the very modern and the classic. There are influences from Jazz, Latin, African and other styles. This music really takes you places!

The longest composition is over nine minutes and is probably also the most complex piece. However, it is not the best one here. Some of the shorter pieces are the highlights for me including the excellent opener San Marco (which also closes the album in a very different version).

If all you ever have heard from Al Di Meola is his first three solo albums, then Consequence Of Chaos is a great place to continue exploring and as such it is an excellent addition.

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