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Al Di Meola - McLaughlin - Paco De Lucia - The Guitar Trio CD (album) cover

THE GUITAR TRIO

Al Di Meola - McLaughlin - Paco De Lucia

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

3.68 | 39 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars When I prepared the review for The TANGENT "The Music That Died Alone" (in January 2005) I started the write-up with whatever printed at the CD jewel case: Three Generations of Progressive Music: Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings), David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator) and Andy Tillison (Parallel or 90 Degrees) - One Remarkable Album. I don't know why at that time I remember "The Guitar Trio" - a collaborative work by Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco De Lucia. The context is, of course, different because the latter is basically a blend of talents with different expertise in guitar playing. I think it's worth to take a look the expertise of each individual musician that contributes to this album before the review itself:

Al Di Meola is a legend guitarist in Latin-influenced jazz fusion. He enrolled in the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He then joined Return to Forever (1974). He explored his musical journey and he is a four time winner as Best Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine's Reader Poll. He explored Mediterranean cultures and acoustic genres like flamenco and interpreted his skills into albums like "Elegant Gypsy" as well as "Splendido Hotel". He is a technical master in complex notes, chords and scales of guitar playing. His style is very unique. If you like acoustic guitar solo, you might enjoy "Two To Tango" of "Splendido Hotel" album or "Mediterranean Sundance" or "Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil" from the "Elegant Gypsy" album (1977).

John McLaughlin (born January 4, 1942), also Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, is a jazz fusion guitar player from Doncaster, Yorkshire in England. He came to prominence with the electric group of Miles Davis in the late 1960s, and with other well-known players such as Chick Corea and Tony Williams. [Wikipedia]. In the 70s he formed The Mahavishnu Orchestra that featured violinist Jerry Goodman (The Flock), keyboardist Jan Hammer (later Gayle Moran / Stu Goldberg), bassist Rick Laird (later Ralphe Armstrong), and drummer Billy Cobham (later Narada Michael Walden). If you have ever heard The Mahavishnu Orchestra you would easily finds his energetic jazz-rock electric guitar work.

Paco de Lucía (b. December 21, 1947) is an internationally recognized Spanish flamenco guitarist, and leading exponent of the New Flamenco style. He is the son of flamenco guitarist Antonio Sánchez, and brother of flamenco singer Pepe de Lucía and flamenco guitarist Ramón de Algeciras. Paco is considered by many to be one of the greatest flamenco guitarists of all time. Not only does he dominate in flamenco, he is one of the very few flamenco guitarists who is also talented in other genres of music, e.g. jazz, classical, and world music. Many think that Paco fluently goes into these territories and plays like no other, whereas some purists of these other genres will state that he is just making a venture and is still a flamenco player at heart, lacking the pure jazz style. He is the winner of 2004 Prince of Asturias Awards in Arts. [Wikipedia]

With differing backgrounds an fields of mastery, Al Di Meola [Mediteranian latin-influenced jazz rock], John McLaughlin [jazz fusion, Mahavishnu], and Paco de Lucia [Flamenco] - It is therefore becoming so interesting that the three who play the same instrument (acoustic guitar) record a collaborative effort. At a glance it might be difficult to differentiate each style. But with repeated spins you will be able to do it. Even if you won't, just enjoy the music.

"La Estiba" (5:51) [music by Paco] opens the album featuring John as first soloist followed with Al and then Paco at later part. You can smell the differing styles of the three heroes, easily. But if you can't, you may need to try second or third spin. I can sense with Al at the right channel while John at the left and the music flows beautifully into my ears. "Beyond The Mirage" (6:10) [music by Al] gives the "splendido Hotel" nuance of Al's composition. This is where I refer to "Two To Tango" composition. Man . if you have not heard "Two To Tango" you should not listen to this track, really. They are not the same but the two give you good comparative grounds on how Al approaches his songwriting and how he communicates with the other guys to contribute. "Midsummer Night" (4:36) [music by John] opens with an India altar - no wonder because John has been heavily influenced by India's culture. At first I cannot differentiate how each player plays at this track but later I can do it and appreciate the composition much better. John opens the solo and concludes it at the end (4th solo). I can hear vividly how Al interjects his style beautifully in the middle, with his "Two To Tango" style.

Tell me, who in this Planet Earth would not love "Manha De Carnaval" (6:11)? This is really nice composition with touchy melody line and I am sure that this one is accessible to many ears - not necessarily a jazz lover! Well, I have tested this with a friend of mine who just love "generic" music and it blew him away at first spin. Based on this experience it might be wise for me to advise you to jump to this track if you cannot accept the first track.

"Letter From India" (3:54), as the title implies, you must have guessed that this is written by John. You bet! John gives way to Paco to do the first solo beautifully. It's awesome opening, in my humblest opinion. John himself takes his part as second soloist and Al is absent in this scene. "Espiritu" (5:30) [music by Al] is totally performed by Al with all guitars and percussions. In this scene Al plays softer then usual. I almost can not identify him from this track. "Le Monastère Dans Les Montagnes" (6:15) [music by John] brings all three heroes together again in a mellow style, blending individual player characteristics nicely. There are interesting fills from three players at this track.

"Azzura" (7:58) [music by AL] is the best track for my personal taste from all tracks in this album. This is the most prog track in this record not because of its long duration but its structure is like an epic with John plays the opening part, followed beautifully with Al. It's really nice! Paco de Lucia gives his shot as third soloist. The most important thing is not how each soloist gives his work but how the guitars are played to shape the curved structure of the song. It's an excellent acoustic prog! This album concludes wonderfully with "Cardeosa" (6:36).

At summary level, I could only say that this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. For fans of Al Di Meola or John McLaughlin, it's a MUST to have this CD. How can you claim as AL Di Meola's fan if you don't own this CD? Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 4/5 |

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