LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Al Di Meola

Jazz Rock/Fusion

4.02 | 212 ratings

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vingaton

It's a guitar player's album, but it's really all about the drumming.

In truth, this first Al solo album is different from his later stuff. It's more raw and fiery, less contrived, and far more spontaneous. That's because of Mingo Lewis: percussionist extraordinaire. Mingo had just emerged out of the wonderful chaos of a transitional Santana when doing this album. Mingo's presence was very apparent on the resulting LP Caravanserai (another album worth checking out). Anyway, if there is any doubt about Mingo's influence on Land of the Midnight Sun you must also listen to Lewis' solo album, The Wizard. The Wizard and Land of the Midnight Sun are almost identical in sound and the two records are very similar, yet equally fantastic.

There is little latiny sweetness in evidence under the Midnight Sun, and definitely no wanking. The music is straight ahead, full-on throttle, and propelled by a young Al's naively youthful attack. Dimeola never achieved this level of intensity again.

Alphonse Mouzon drums and Jaco Pastorius plays a much more straight ahead sounding bass than he does with Weather Report. Barry Miles handles the keyboards.

vingaton | 5/5 | 2007-6-6

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