AL DI MEOLA
VENUE PARK WEST, CHICAGO
DATE 24/06/2018
Excitement fills the air as legendary guitarist Al Di Meola explains that the current tour may be his last, and that he’s “really pushing it”. The only thing Di Meola is pushing would be the limits of human ability, as no one has ever played a guitar faster than him, something he proves yet again at the age of 63.
The set features new material alongside familiar songs of old. The crowd has an international vibe, with every continent represented, and the same can be said for the spices Di Meola gives to his music. From flares of Latin to the grooving of jazz fusion, Di Meola displays his versatility and how well rounded a player he is.
Accompanying Di Meola are two percussionists, a keyboardist and a violinist, which gives the performance many layers of sound to accompany the master’s playing. notorious features a catchy, slow-creeping riff that ultimately transitions into a furious lead from Di Meola. This is a reoccurring theme during the night – the music slows down before smacking the audience in the face with a loud and heavy guitar tone. Di Meola plays with toughness, often putting the guitar above his head before bringing it back down swiftly, causing fans to hoot and holler in delight.
For the past two decades plus, Di Meola has transitioned into an acoustic guitarist nearly exclusively, so it isn’t surprising that a third of this set is dedicated to that realm of his work. While the acoustic set is pleasant and his picking impressive, after being treated to some serious amplification earlier in the show, these offerings aren’t the strong suit of the performance. Speaking of amplification, Di Meola tells the crowd that the pink amplifier he’s using for the electric guitar was previously owned by Prince, and he surely makes Prince proud by the way he commands the attention of those in attendance with his musical prowess and stage presence.
The show ends with a long jam and one of his most popular songs, Race
With Devil on Spanish Highway. This is a 10-minute journey that paints a picture and kicks a lot of ass. if this is the last tour for Di Meola, he goes without putting a foot wrong, ensuring his name will be remembered long after these farewell live performances.