It's been quite a while since we've heard guitar legend Al DiMeola sound this fired up musically as well as creatively, and Elysium, his latest studio platter, is sure to strike a chord with longtime fans who have yearned for the days of Land of the Midnight Sun, Elegant Gypsy, Casino, Splendido Hotel, and Electric Rendezvous. Chock full of incredible Latin tinged jazz, flamenco, world music, and sizzling fusion, Elysium sees the former Return to Forever axe-slinger dazzle on both electric & acoustic guitar, in many instances layering in both in the same song. For guitar aficionados, this is going to be a must hear release in 2015.
If you love DiMeola's dramatic, groove laden, mysterious, and sexy Latin themed fusion, tracks such as "Babylon", "Adour", "Purple and Gold", "Sierra" and "Etcetera in E-Minor" will more than scratch your itch for Al's penchant for catchy melodies and blazing Gibson Les Paul & nylon string lead guitar solos. Supported by plenty of percussion and a bit of keyboards here and there, the overall sound to Elysium is less bombastic than some of his classic albums from the '70s and early '80s, with perhaps the exception of "Tangier", but the results are no less satisfying. It's just so great to hear the guitarist ripping it up on the Les Paul once again, his speedy, emotional runs never failing to grab your heart and hold on for dear life while leaving your jaw scraping on the floor. Throw in some lovely folk/flamenco based songs, and you have a very well rounded effort that is a complete showcase for breathtaking guitar in many shapes and forms.
Guitar fans, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Elysium and go out and check out Al DiMeola on tour as he blazes across the US playing many of his older and more recent classics.
Track Listing
1 Adour 6:45
2 Cascade 5:00
3 Babylon 4:07
4 Purple And Gold 6:00
5 Esmeralda 4:34
6 Elysium 4:21
7 Amanjena 5:14
8 Sierra 4:40
9 Etcetera In E-Major (Intro) 1:28
10 Etcetera In E-Minor 5:13
11 Tangier 3:32
12 Stephanie 6:28
13 Monsters 3:13
14 La Lluvia 4:27
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