Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola (wrap your head around a name like that!) is a highly acclaimed American-born jazz artist. His musical star has shone bright for over three decades now, leading him to become one of the most critically acclaimed guitarists of all time. Sitting on stage, strumming his guitar with such accuracy of feeling and inexplicable ease, it’s not hard to see why. Listening to a number of hits that have spanned more years than I have been born was like being transported back in time: to the 90s, 80s and even 70s. His music was both welcomingly reminiscent of each decade yet also oddly futuristic and transcendent in its own way. Songs from his 70s album ‘Elegant gyspy’ are a perfect example of this: perhaps best described as ‘jazz fusion’, his song ‘Flight over Rio’ was both unusual and compelling. It reminded me somewhat of a high speed futuristic car chase. Probably not what the artist was going for but interesting nonetheless. Whilst I would probably be lying if I didn’t admit that Al Di Meola is one artist who appeals to certain generations more than others, I nonetheless enjoyed his set, even If I didn’t fully understand it, and watching this man’s fingers work the guitar was well worth the ticket.

What a great set for his return to electric guitar. There was a mild delay during Senor Mouse due to technical issues with his pedalboard, about which he jested was originally the reason that he gave up his indomitable prowess and creativity on the electric for acoustic so many years ago. I will listen to whatever he plays.

Al was in rare form otherwise and they re-booted by performing Senor Mouse again even better than the first time. The highlights of the show for me were Senor Mouse near the beginning of the set, the acoustic solo work in the middle and, for obvious reasons, Race with Devil to cap the night off. The entire band was in lockstep unison and fed really well off each other, given the technical issues, and I would say the problems may have added to the entertainment factor as Al kept us all laughing during the hiccups with pokes at his guitar tech and roadie as they nearly take center stage for a portion of the act.

The meet and greet after the show was absolutely the best part. Al came out about 10 mins after the show ended and took pictures and signed autographs with the VIPs which included a free signed copy of Elegenat Gypsy on CD (Made in America, yall!). Mark one off my top 5 bucket list.

First of all, The Maestro is awesome! I've waited years to see him perform live, and when I had heard he would be in San Jose at the Rock Bar (even though I never heard of the venue) I was ecstatic. BIG disappointment. My partner and I had to stand for 2 1/2 hours - first hour just to get in and then 45 minutes before he came onstage and then more standing whilst he performed. People were filling up the standing-room-only floor waiting til the big moment.Being that I get a little nervous in tight crowds, we moved toward a wall. Make a long story short - it was a standing show only if you wanted to see the Maestro pluck his guitar. If you got close enough to the stage and were at least 6 feet tall, then you might get to see Al do his magic. Then there was the case of very, very loud amps. My ears couldn't take it, my feet couldn't take it, and after 45 minutes of seeing only glimpses of his head, we left. I came to see him play live, not listen to his music. I can do that at home. I was better off watching him on YouTube. Bottom line: The Rock Bar says it all in the name - it's not a venue where you can sit, enjoy a drink and watch your favorite artists. I will never ever go to that venue again!

The performance was so entertaining, that if
_________ (fill in the blank with any artist or performer
in the entire world) was playing next door,I would not have left my seat for a minute. I literally was on the edge of my seat to hear what this master of the guitar
was going to play next.Then to top it off,he brings
the great Steve Vai out for his encore and they proceed to melt the stage. Best concert I have seen since Jaco
and Weather report.

Im a little less than 40 and Ive been listening to Al all my life. His solo projects as well as projects with various bands and artist created well before my time. He will always be one of the greats, one of my top 3 on strings. Saw him live once in '07 in Michigan. What a memorable experience. Can't wait to do it again!!

Pure professional as usual. I liked the concert in Helsinki. New versions of the Beatles songs were interesting ones. Savoy-theatre was perfect place for this kind of acoustic music. I liked.