Customer Reviews

Plays Piazzolla

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I've been hot and cold on Al Di Meola going back to the "Elegant Gypsy " days up to the " The Grand Passion" disc and this is one of those hot ones. The music of Astor Piazzolla is worth discovering and this fine collection of compositions is outright beautiful. Di Meola's trademark machine gun fire guitar technique is slowed down perfectly throughout the disc to create a romantic mood of airy Argentinian nights. The music takes you on a journey to sidewalk cafes, European ambiance transplanted to South America for a wonderful musical experience. The tenderness of the guitar work is ovewhelming at times, it is as though Di Meola were making love to his guitar. The Bandoneon compliments the meticulous fret work with exquisite elegance. The tango music sounds old yet modern creating the best of both worlds; the simplicity and complexity harmonize for a post tango sound that is timeless. This is music that sounds good now, sounded good under the guise of the World Sinfonia and will continue to be a disc that can be played for years to come and still sound fresh. Needless to say Al Di meola's guitar work is breathtaking, it is awe inspiring magical fret work that makes him one of the best around. The disc as a whole has a cinematic feel to it, it is world music regionalized and internationalized for all to enjoy. One great composer and another fantastic interpreter create one memorable listening experience for the tango music fan. Put this on your home stereo and as the music fills the room you will be taken back and away. Recommended for all audiophiles who appreciate classy music that will stand the test of time.

Virtuoso musicians of different genres often collaborate on albums for a variety of reasons, i.e. perhaps from mutual admiration, for ego, or for a charitable benefit. Rarely does such collaboration result in something memorable. The meeting of Astor Piazzolla and Al DiMeola before the former's death resulted in a project that did. My impression of their meeting is that both men deeply admired the work of the other, but also that DiMeola approached Piazzolla in such a worshipful and respectful manner that he was mystically inspired to produce a body of incomparable work bringing the "message" of Piazzolla to the masses of fans who had never heard of him. By combining Piazzolla compositions from other albums into one and adding a couple more, "DiMeola Plays Piazzolla" makes this work accessible and readily identifiable to his fans and thus succeeds in spreading the Piazzolla gospel. I know it works because I have introduced many to Piazzolla through DiMeola. What an incredible album. Mellow and other-worldly, it will transport you to a dreamy world far from your everyday concerns. From the ethereal sounds of DiMeola's guitar to the sepulchral tones of Dino Saluzzi's bandoneon you will find yourself transfixed by the beauty of this music, ever evocative of the melancholy of the Buenos Aires tango milieu. My favorites are the somber "Oblivion", "Cafe 1930", "Nightclub 1960", and "Bordel 1900" (featuring some intricate bandoneon work), and "Tango Suite", the magnum opus which I think is the only one in which Piazzolla was directly involved. It is said that the Argentine writer Borges smiled down on Piazzolla and approved of his work. I think that both of them must now be smiling down on DiMeola. This album belongs in any serious music lover's collection.

I live in Chile (neghtbour to Argentina) and I've been many times in Buenos Aires. This album realy translates you to the mood you feel in that city during winter. The passion that comes out of Al DiMeola when playing this music represents the culture of that country - feeling, passion, tradition, arts - heritage of the big Italian inmigration of the begining of the century. Also, after listening to this album I started to buy some Piazzolla music since I was prepared to understand it better.

Excellent farewell album to a very close friend ; the unforgettable , and always reminded bandoneon artist the typical instrument of the tango .
Di Meola makes a musical journey through his prefered themes and arranges with a fineness and delicate sound , but it never sounds romantic and even old fashioned but it gives him a special accent ; this sad tribute from the deep of his heart .
Oblivion, Verano reflections and Cafe 1930 are by far the best tracks of that special tribute to that living legend who was : Astor Piazzolla died on July 5 1992.
In Memoriam

I find myself shocked at the low ratings some reviewers have given this CD. In response to one of the "one star comments," ever heard an accomplished classical musician play jazz?

If I'm not mistaken, Di Meola knew Piazolla. More, he was deeply influenced by him. Hence, there is a real passion Di Meola brings to this disc. I don't think you have to be an audiophile to hear it.

If you've ever had the chance to see Di Meola play live you're in no doubt that be is one of of the greatest guitarists around. He's a master guitarist; just ask any real guitarist. He's also got breadth: jazz, world, classical.

Musical "cross training" can be a wonderful thing. Sting's take on Elizabethan music is simply wonderful. Something tells me that's what John Dowland's music really sounded like in the pubs and taverns of the time. I can see Di Meola in some bar in South America playing up a "classical" storm and the patrons loving it. He's got attitude.

For my taste too many classical musicians play it safe, buying into some fantasy about the past rather than the reality. A lot of socializing went on at operas in the past; folks even played chess during performances. I'm not bringing my chessboard when I go see Di Meola play next month. Won't be socializing either.

So... If you like Di Meola and Piazzolla--and don't need your music sanitized--not only is this a fabulous CD, but you'll want to check out DIABOLIC INVENTIONS & SEDUCTION FOR SOLO GUITAR: Vol. 1, Music of Astor Piazolla. Seems it's only available from Di Meola's web site, but a little Googling should get you there. (I can't wait for Vol. 2... and 3... 4?)

Also, Yo-Yo Ma's SOUL OF THE TANGO: THE MUSIC OF ASTOR PIAZZOLLA is wonderful. You also get Odair Assad on guitar.

Enjoy!

Kirtland Peterson

Okay, so there are only two new songs on this CD, but both (Oblivion and Verano Reflections) are well worth the price. The rest is made up of songs from Heart of the Immigrants and World Sinfonia, and are all very good. Cafe 1930 is my favorite here, but Oblivion, Night Club 1960, Tango Suite, Verano Reflections, and Bordel 1900 are all very close.

This is Di Meola at his finest. He really plays his best in a classical setting, with guitar accompanied by strings. I've never particularly been a big fan of tango, or the music of South America, but this music is superb. It doesn't JUST sound like any particular region's music, it sounds like it could come from anywhere. It wouldn't be out of place in France, Italy, Austria, and of course South America. I must note, though, that this is primarily a compilation of his work from the World Sinfonia CD's, so if you already own them, then you probably wouldn't want to purchase this disc. There are two new pieces, but they don't really fit into the mood of the World Sinfonia tracks. I'm not saying that they're bad: in fact, track one is fantastic in the way that it progresses with the rythms. Al really has a talent for writing solo guitar. I give this a 5 because it's all great, it's the best of Al playing the already outstanding works of the late Astor Piazolla. It's a heart-felt tribute to a friend from a friend, which makes it even more outstanding.

Once I saw the CD, it does not seem so attractive since I could not relate the style of Meola with Tango..but then I did regret to think this way. I wish Piazzola could have felt this amazing performance..Never listen this CD while driving..It really take you to a different world.

Every time I play this album it is like time simply stops around me, and I feel like I'm in another dimension. Meola captured the essence of Piazzolla so perfectly, that I cannot imagine a better tribute. Some purists may not like it, but as any other jazz guitar player, Meola also adds his own style to the music. But I really recommend this album, it is fantastic.

Yeah, if you want to discover piazzolla, this is not for you, but in this disc you can find and excellent version him and, a mixture with di meola!!