STANLEY CLARKE, AL DI MEOLA & JEAN-LUC PONTY: THE RITE OF STRINGS

First of all,it's an acoustic album. Second-it's a perfect acoustic album! Three of fusion great musicians just made it: tasteful, intelligent work without screaming and thunder, but full of sound nuances and perfect technique.

There are no drummer, so don't expect too much energy or drive. But for sure it isn't sleepy recording. In many senses,it's similar to three of well-known albums of Sl Di Meola-Paco De Lucia-McLaughlin. There as well were three acoustic albums of strings. But whenever in "The Rite Of Strings" beside of Al Di Meola guitar exists violin and some rhythm section ( ok, just Clarke's bass), the music is more structurised and has a bit diversified.

I like DiMeola-DeLucia-McLaughlin acoustic albums, but to be honest, after some songs all compositions sound similar. The reason is quite specific sound of just three acoustic guitars at once. There, in Clarke-DiMeola-Ponty album situation is better: combination of all acoustic guitar,bass and violin let the musicians play more different music.

In it atmosphere, album is soft, a bit nostalgic ( in DiMeola latin jazz tradition), with some warmless coming from Ponty's violin. There are some classic and some original compositions on that album."Indigo" from the very beginning gives you the understanding about the music's waiting for you on that album. "Topanga" brings to warm space of latin-jazz scented with rich acoustic violin's solos. "Morocco " represents perfect violin and guitar interplay.

All in all, I am sure, if you like DiMeola-DeLucia-McLaughlin acoustic trilogy, it's an album for you. As well, it could be interesting for all DiMeola acoustic guitar fans,and for all lovers of good acoustic fusion. Realy very strong example of it!