The Al Di MEOLA Project - Kiss My Axe 1991

The Al Di MEOLA Project - Kiss My Axe 1991

Jazz

Despite the aggression its title implies, Kiss My Axe is the work of a softer, more reflective Al di Meola, who had become greatly influenced by Pat Metheny's subtle lyricism, but still had a very recognizable and distinctive sound. Di Meola's new approach was perfectly summarized when, in 1991, he told Jazz Times he wanted to be "enchanted" by the music instead of dazzling listeners with his considerable chops. Di Meola still has fine technique, but avoids overwhelming us with it, and shows more restraint than before. One thing that remains is the guitarist's strong interest in world music -- this imaginative session liberally incorporates Latin influences (Brazilian, Spanish, Peruvian and Afro-Cuban) as well as Middle Eastern and African elements. In that Jazz Times interview, di Meola explained that this CD's title resulted in part from his frustration over the fact that many labels and commercial radio stations were choosing bloodless "elevator muzak" over more adventurous fusion. Consistently rewarding, Axe makes it clear that di Meola did the right thing by refusing to compromise.
By Alex Henderson.
**
01.South Bound Traveler 5:22
02.The Embrace 5:48
03.Kiss My Axe 5:04
04.Morocco 7:40
05.Gigi's Playtime Rhyme (Interlude #1) 2:35
06.One Night Last June 8:20
07.Phantom 7:52
08.Erotic Interlude (Interlude #2) 2:32
09.Global Safari 5:42
10.Interlude #3 2:00
11.Purple Orchids 6:45
12.The Prophet (Interlude #4) 1:18
13.Oriana (September 24, 1988) 5:19
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Al Di MEOLA - Flesh On Flesh 2002

Al Di MEOLA - Flesh On Flesh  2002

Jazz

Ever since he burst on the scene as a teenage member of the fusion group Return to Forever, Al Di Meola has reigned as a guitar god in jazz, flamenco, and world music circles. Those genres are well represented on this disc, with guests Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, flutist Alejandro Santos, and World Sinfonia members Gumbi Ortiz (percussion) and Mario Parmisano (keyboards). While Di Meola's lightning licks are still in effect, they are tempered by Old World, classically tinged settings with a dash of '70s-style fusion. Chick Corea's "Señor Mouse" is elegantly reworked, and "Fugata" by the Argentine tango master Astor Piazzolla retains cool and complex contrapuntal lines. Di Meola plays a number of guitars on this date, from a 1958 Les Paul to an Ovation model, but it's all Al Di Meola and it's all good.
By Eugene Holley Jr. AMG.
**
Al DiMeola's music is hard to write about. I have had this CD for more than a year now, and still have difficulty finding the proper words to describe it. It's technical, it's virtuoso, and it's extremely intellectual. There is something about DiMeola's compositions, particularly since Soaring Through A Dream, that is almost trance-inducing.
DiMeola is far more than just another fast guitarist, he is an explorer and a genre-bending virtuoso. With Flesh On Flesh, he shows once again that he is not afraid to take chances with the music of some of the greatest modern composers of other lands. Argentine master Astor Piazzolla has been a long-time favorite of his and in addition to one of AP's compositions, DiMeola offers his interpretation of a work by the renowned Brazilian Egberto Gismonti.
I had feared, as a couple of other reviewers, that the nude woman on the cover was a device to disguise schlock within much as with DiMeola's uninspired Kiss My Axe. To my delight, it was not. The CD is jammed with great music that fills the listener with a feeling of mystic tranquility.
Some reviewers complain of a similarity to other DiMeola works. Perhaps there are superficial similarities with music he has recorded in the past, but beyond that Flesh On Flesh just adds to the catalogue of DiMeola's fine accomplishments. My favorites are the dreamy Innamorata, the Piazzolla classic Fugata, and the mellow Saffire Soleil. I also enjoy the reworking of Senor Mouse, an old standard from Al's Casino album. I am least fond of the title cut, but it does not really detract from the album as a whole.
Over all, Flesh On Flesh is an excellent album that should please most current DiMeola fans as well as attract some new ones. The four stars mean that its not among his very best, but its not at all bad. Check it out!
By  Kurt Harding
**
Al Di Meola- Acoustique Guitar , Electric, Keyboard, Percussions;
Anthony Jackson- Electric Bass;
Gumbi Ortiz- Congas, Cajone;
Mario Parmisano- Piano, Synth, Calliope;
Ernie Adams- Drums;
Alejandro Santos- Flutes;
Gonzalo Rubalca- Fender Rhodes;
Jean Valdes- Alto Sax;
Guillermo Luiz- Alto Sax;
Williams Poledo- Trumpet
**
01. Zona Desperata 9:23
02. Innamorata 8:38 
03. Meninas 5:41  
04. Flesh on Flesh 5:56 
05. Fugata 5:46  
06. Deep and Madly 1:45  
07. Saffire Soleil 4:10 
08. Senor Mouse 9:24
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