Record Reviews

AL DI MEOLA ~ WORLD SINFONIA EAR MUSIC 4029759153726 (Barcode: 4029759153726) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by American guitarist / composer Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1990 and the first to feature the “World Sinfonia” moniker, which would become the name of the ensembles accompanying him on his future recordings. He is accompanied here by Argentinean bandoneonist Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, Armenian percussionist Arto TuncboyaciyanFind albums by this artist, American percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist and guitarist / luthier Chris CarringtonFind albums by this artist (born in Venezuela). The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Di Meola. The album marks a dramatic change in Di Meola’s musical direction, switching exclusively to acoustic guitar and choosing Jazz-World Fusion as his main interest, often playing tribute to the legendary Argentinean bandoneonist / composer Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely exquisite and Di Meola obviously embraces the World Music elements wholeheartedly. Despite the delicate, intimate and almost minimalist setting, the music is rich and embraces many melodic and rhythmic tapestries, which sound absolutely marvelously and lost nothing of their grace and elegance over time. It is one of my favorite Di Meola albums since the day of its release. Overall, this is a beautiful and highly influential Jazz-World Fusion album, which presents Di Meola not only as a Master guitar player, but also as a great composer. Strongly influenced by South American elements, it is one of his best albums, and offers a brilliant voyage, which is everlastingly enchanting. For Jazz-World Fusion fans and guitar aficionados, this album is an absolute must!

Updated: 14/05/2024Posted: 14/05/2024

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OREGON ~ NORTHWEST PASSAGE INTUITION 3191 (Barcode: 750447319127) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is a studio album by the iconic American group OregonFind albums by this artist, which features the three founding members of the group: guitarist Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, oboe / English horn player Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist and bassist Glen MooreFind albums by this artist, and drummers Mark WalkerFind albums by this artist or Turkish / Armenian (resident in USA) Arto TuncboyaciyanFind albums by this artist, who replace the original drummer / founding member Collin WalcottFind albums by this artist, who died tragically in 1984 in a car accident. The album presents fourteen tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Towner and the others are by other members of the group. It was the first of four albums by Oregon released on the German IntuitionFind albums on this label label and it continues their impressive recording legacy, that spans thirty brilliant releases. The music offers a set of new compositions, strongly influenced by the presence of Tuncboyaciyan, performed luminously by all the musicians and splendidly recorded. The music, as always, is an amalgam of highly melodic tunes, often spiced with World Music influences and of course extensive improvisations. The unusual, purely acoustic sound of the group remains as one of the most unique and instantly recognizable Jazz phenomena. Overall, this is an absolute gem of an album, as are all of the Oregon recordings, which I personally like to return to, often when the bleak reality becomes hard to bear. I had to opportunity to hear them often live in the 1970s / 1980s, but even after losing Walcott they managed to continue to play sublime music until the end of 2010s. A true balm to one’s soul.

Updated: 11/03/2026Posted: 11/03/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend