Dimeola, Al: Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar, Vol. 1- Music of Astor Piazzolla

Al DiMeola truly embodies the stylistic idea of "Ethnic-Jazz." He effortlessly carries the whole world with his 2 hands and can meticulously define cultural milieus with only a 3 octave interval span. On this recording he delves into the sonic expanse with sound-complexes that are rich in timbre, with a high degree of musicality, creating something gorgeously lyrical. My inner critical nature was soothed by these lush forays into a sound--almost erotic. Sometimes gentle as a heartbeat ("Poemo Valseado"), mysterious as the guest--uninvited--that earns his right to stay ("Tangata del Alba"), or a performance—not always tonally-- that is slightly whimsical ("Milonga Carrieguera"). It wouldn't be fair to select a favorite because all of the compositions are endearing and tonally rich; with a minimal amount of percussion supporting them. Actually, any more is unnecessary. Dimeola's flamenco guitar (mostly, nylon-string) conveys the rhythmic implication through his dynamic playing and the additional use of djembe skins and cahon add some sensuality through their life affirming pulse.

The sound of the CD is almost a vinyl experience. There is a full (almost analog) style sound that has very thick and warm tones (just listen to him strum the octaves in "Romantico") that only reveal themselves as "slightly" over compressed (when pushed) on the best of stereo systems. There is still a considerable "ceiling" and a lot of natural movement in the acoustics, with thresholds set responsibly enough to still allow transients to get through. The kind of percussion used certainly needs to be able to "sit" in the mix properly and this is my guess for not going all natural. Anyway, this, for the most part, is not going to be an issue with most people and certainly is only a "minor" point and should not be construed as criticism.

This is one of the best recordings in DiMeola's catalog and an extremely heartfelt & profound tribute to Piazolla; someone who has helped him procure additional musical inspiration to a --seemingly-- unexpendable musical source. Hopefully, there will be many more volumes to follow.

Track listing
1. Campero
2. Poemo Valseado
3. Tangata del Alba
4. Adios Nonino
5. Tema de Maria
6. Milonga del Angel
7. Romantico
8. Milonga Carrieguera

Added: November 14th 2007
Reviewer: Hugh Dark
Score:
Related Link: Al DiMeola Website
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Language: english

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