WORLD SINFONIA

This was the first of the World Sinfonia series of albums, Al Di Meola's infusion of acoustic jazz, South American rhythmic heat, and African and Middle Eastern modalities. Entirely instrumental, arranged in such a way that allows spontaneity between the musicians while retaining its tight compositions, this was a culmination of dreams and visions for Di Meola and a nod to World music. The record is dedicated to Argentine bandoneon master Astor Piazzolla.

'Perpetual Emotions' opens with an exciting riff and showcases Al's seductive style. 'Tango Suite' parts l and lll (part ll is on the follow-up album 'Heart of the Immigrants') move along with a spirit that reminds of John McLaughlin's 'My Goals Beyond' and leads us into the romantic, warm waters of the Mediterranean with wonderful lick-trading between Dino Saluzzi on the bandoneon and DiMeola's Abe Wecher nylon string, and the percussion of Arto Tuncboyaci and Gumbi Ortiz. The soft ruminations of 'Falling Grace' is followed by an homage to Piazzolla, 'Last Tango for Astor', a haunting gondola ride through the canals of Venice, down the Rio della Verona, under the Bridge of Sighs and past the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The Return to Forever cut 'No Mystery' is brilliantly reconstructed in a most progressive way with over twelve minutes of music and great solos from our host. 'Lustrine' provides more music for lovers and some great playing for the rest of us, and the album finishes with the delicate, semi-classical 'La Cathedral'. Perfect for a quiet day of lamour or solitude, 'World Sinfonia' is a very special project. A beautiful record.