At work, I love to listen to my jazz idols play their music. Most of it is on the lighter side but they each have their own style. Because of that, they could play a nylon string, classical guitar in one song and a traditional, Gibson ES-335 (jazz) guitar in another number.
Now, what I like about Al DiMeola is that he utilizes each of these instrument changes in one song and makes it sound like a orchestra. For instance, my better half and I caught him in concert this past spring in Pennsylvania on his ‘Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody Tour’ that included a keyboard player, a bassist, a 2nd guitarist playing a classical style guitar a drummer/percussionist and of course Al. He played his classical guitar for the better part of the evening but then moved onto his Custom Built, Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Prism “Signature Model” where he unleashed some of his heavier jazz/fusion work from the late 70’s and into the 80’s and 90’s. He rocked the house.
The NY Times and Guitar Player lead the first round of publications praising Al Di Meola’s ‘Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody’ (now available on Telarc Records). Di Meola says the album marks a fresh new era for his World Sinfonia band as the "compositions and interplay take on a more complex and interesting direction then anything I've done before."
And press agree:
"The maestro is back and he is killing! Al D throws down beautiful nylon-string parts and blazing electric lines on this tango-riffic collection. The playing is spectacular throughout but tones, particularly on 'Paramour's Lullaby' and 'Full Frontal' are so cool they almost steal the show. Bravo!" – Guitar Player
"Di Meola, a guitarist of dazzling technical prowess, has a new album, 'Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody,' whose title neatly sums up his mission as an artist. World Sinfonia is the acoustic global-fusion outfit featured on the album, which riffs on a range of stylish sources, from tango to gypsy swing." – NY Times
I’ve seen Lee Ritenour ‘LIVE’ twice now, and both times I’ve had the opportunity to talk with him and really discuss his equipment, his guitar playing style and other pertinent issues that a guitar player would ask of a professional guitarist. I wrote a piece about Lee a few days ago so I won’t carry on about him again, but I must admit that he has been my idol now for many years. he is a true gentleman and an outstanding musician that is probably second to none in his category.
Now Larry Carlton (Mr. 335) is another favorite of mine who is on the same lines as Lee Ritenour, yet he has a bit more blues in his bloodline. I happen to like Larry’s teaching methods too. He has that role on the website www.truefire.com where he markets his lesson plans; 335 Blues and 335 Improv. Unfortunately, I’ve not had the opportunity nor the pleasure of seeing or hearing him in concert. I’ve been tracking his concert tours but for one reason or another, he doesn’t seem to visit the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Country very often. He is a big world traveler though, which led him
to one of his most unique collaborative efforts; “Larry Carlton & Tak Motsumoto”. The album/CD impressed some of the most talented musicians all around the world and the guitar skills of both artists are clearly featured in each and every song. It’s almost like they’ve played together in the same band for years. Their timing is impeccable !
These three jazz entrepreneurs have been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember. I’ve collected almost every one of their albums/CD’s with only a handful left to complete my collection. I even have some of the vintage vinyl records that I’ve taken along with me when going to see Lee Ritenour this past April at the Blues Alley Jazz Club in Georgetown (Washington, DC). The only other jazz guitarists that I’ve caught at Blues Alley is Earl Klugh and Peter White.
I look forward to catching each of their performances again as they travel through the Metro DC area. I would never get tired of hearing their music or watching their stage performances. They’re the epitome of professional artists that, if I’m ever given the opportunity to play professionally again in an intimate setting, I hope to emulate.
I hope that your Monday was relatively stress free, and that you have some energy left to hang with your axe. I’m feeling recharged enough to spend some time with mine, but only after sharing hugs with my family. So until next time, be well, be happy and don’t forget to hug those kids of yours. 
Until next time;
Bob
