Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 22, 1954 in Jersey City, NJ

 

Al di Meola is a renowned American guitarist, composer, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and fusion music. Born on July 22, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Al di Meola grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar at the age of eight. He was inspired by the music of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana, and he started taking guitar lessons from a local teacher. Al di Meola's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and he quickly became a skilled guitarist. He attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied jazz and fusion music. During his time at Berklee, he met and played with other talented musicians, including keyboardist Chick Corea and bassist Stanley Clarke. After graduating from Berklee, Al di Meola joined Chick Corea's band, Return to Forever, as the lead guitarist. He played on several of the band's albums, including "Romantic Warrior" and "No Mystery," which are considered to be some of the best fusion albums of all time. Al di Meola's virtuosic guitar playing and innovative compositions helped to define the sound of fusion music in the 1970s. In 1976, Al di Meola left Return to Forever to pursue a solo career. He released his first album, "Land of the Midnight Sun," in 1976, which showcased his unique blend of jazz, rock, and Latin music. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Al di Meola as one of the most talented and innovative guitarists of his generation. Over the next few years, Al di Meola continued to release a series of successful albums, including "Elegant Gypsy," "Casino," and "Splendido Hotel." His music was characterized by his virtuosic guitar playing, complex compositions, and a fusion of different musical styles. He also collaborated with other musicians, including Paco de Lucia and John McLaughlin, on several albums. In the 1980s, Al di Meola's music began to evolve, and he started to incorporate more classical and acoustic elements into his compositions. He released several albums that showcased his acoustic guitar playing, including "Cielo e Terra" and "Scenario." He also composed several pieces for classical guitar, including "Sonata," which was inspired by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. In the 1990s, Al di Meola continued to explore new musical directions, and he released several albums that blended jazz, world music, and electronic music. He also collaborated with other musicians, including the World Sinfonia, a group that featured musicians from around the world. In recent years, Al di Meola has continued to tour and record new music. He has released several albums that showcase his virtuosic guitar playing and his ability to blend different musical styles. He has also continued to collaborate with other musicians, including the pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and the guitarist Peo Alfonsi. Al di Meola's contributions to the world of jazz and fusion music have been significant. He has inspired countless musicians with his innovative compositions and his virtuosic guitar playing. His music has also helped to bridge the gap between different musical genres and cultures, and he has brought together musicians from around the world to create new and exciting music. In conclusion, Al di Meola is a talented and innovative musician who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and fusion music.

More....