Jazz-Rock - Guitar legend, Munich fan: Al Di Meola turns 70
Al Di Meola can now look back on a fulfilled musician's life: He was one of the inventors of Jazz Rock, he released the million-selling live acoustic album "Friday Night In San Francisco" in collaboration with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia, and is one of the most influential, fastest guitarists in music history. The master musician is turning 70 years old today.
For the musician from New Jersey, the guitar is more than just an instrument: "When something stresses me out or I receive bad news, I run to my guitar and play," Di Meola told the German Press Agency. "It gives me strength and confidence. As soon as I touch the strings, I come up with positive thoughts."
Cross-genre Music
With that, the master musician has already told the story of the creation of his new album "Twentyfour". The cross-genre, eloquent work with the expressive means of jazz, classical music, and flamenco was created during the Covid-19 pandemic. "It was a terrifying time," he says, "this flood of bad news ... Composing was for me a therapy."
Looking back, he can also find something positive about the Corona era: "Since there were no tours and thus no travels, I was longer than ever in my musician's life in one place. That has been good for my compositions. They have a greater depth."
Some highlights of the 15-track album include the one based on classical themes "Tears Of Hope", the fiery-percussive, Ava-inspired "Ava's Dance In The Moonlight", and the one entirely in the flamenco tradition "Esmeralda". Even at the last song, the youthful-looking Jazz legend lets us hear with lightning-fast solo runs – complex licks that made him a global guitar hero as a 19-year-old in Chick Corea's band "Return To Forever".
Daily practice on the guitar
To maintain this technical level, he plays and practices the guitar every day. Not always pain-free. "I had problems with my hands," he says. "That can be unsettling. What if it gets worse?" A life without a guitar is something he cannot imagine. Otherwise, Al Di Meola gives the impression of a happy man, who is in harmony with himself and the world.
His roots lie many kilometers further south, in Italy. Both parental lines came from Campania, near Naples. When asked what is Italian about him, the answer comes quickly. "Everything!", he says. "I live and breathe Italian. I love Italian fashion, food, and the way of life." His annual shows on Capri are therefore also among his favorites in his tour schedule.
- Al Di Meola will be celebrating his birthday in Munich, Germany, on To July 22nd, surrounded by his fans who have been eagerly anticipating his performances.
- The upcoming concert in Bavaria is a testament to his enduring love for jazz music, a genre he has been a significant contributor to since his days in the United States of America with bands like Return to Forever in New Jersey.
- The new album "Twentyfour" is a culmination of Di Meola's cross-genre explorations, combining elements of jazz, classical music, and flamenco, effectively showcasing his versatility as a guitarist.
- John McLaughlin, a fellow jazz virtuoso from Germany, was a collaborator on Di Meola's legendary live acoustic album "Friday Night In San Francisco," solidifying their status as influential figures in the jazz rock scene.
- Di Meola's daily practice and meticulous approach to his craft have enabled him to maintain his lightning-fast technical abilities, even as he approaches his 70th year, demonstrating his commitment to music and to his craft.
- Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, Di Meola found solace in composing music, using his passionate art to navigate the trying times and to connect with people from around the world.
