Friday Night in San Francisco [Enhanced] [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This live recording from 1980 matched fusion guitar heavyweights Al DiMeola and John McLaughlin with Spanish guitar whiz Paco DeLucia. The result, a dazzling technical display, also earned jeers as the international summit of world-class finger-wigglers by critics who felt it was long on chops and short on heart. John McLaughlin's importance to the development of the jazz fusion scene can't be overestimated: as the guitarist on Miles Davis's seminal Bitches Brew and A Tribute to Jack Johnson, he was the first significant guitarist of the electric jazz era; on his own, he brought power rock, spiritualism, and lush orchestration to the scene via his Mahavishnu Orchestra. DiMeola, the most commercially successful next-generation fusion guitarist, achieved stardom with Chick Corea's group Return to Forever and on his own records. DeLucia, virtually unknown in the U.S., is a fine flamenco guitarist, and it is that orientation more than anything that colors Friday Night: even when playing straightforward non-flamenco compositions, the phrasing and sensibility lurks behind every note. Still, the passion of the music is frequently marred by the participants' inability to play at anything but the most breakneck pace. --Fred Goodman

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Friday Night in San Francisco
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • WoW
  • The masters unite
  • Not a fan
  • Subtly sweet,blazingly fast, and refreshing overall.
  • Guitar heaven
Friday Night in San Francisco
Mclaughlin , Di Meola , and Delucia
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

SpainSpain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002AHM
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

  1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
  2. Short Tales Of The Black Forest
  3. Frevo Rasgado
  4. Fantasia Suite
  5. Guardian Angel

Amazon.com

This live recording from 1980 matched fusion guitar heavyweights Al DiMeola and John McLaughlin with Spanish guitar whiz Paco DeLucia. The result, a dazzling technical display, also earned jeers as the international summit of world-class finger-wigglers by critics who felt it was long on chops and short on heart. John McLaughlin's importance to the development of the jazz fusion scene can't be overestimated: as the guitarist on Miles Davis's seminal Bitches Brew and A Tribute to Jack Johnson, he was the first significant guitarist of the electric jazz era; on his own, he brought power rock, spiritualism, and lush orchestration to the scene via his Mahavishnu Orchestra. DiMeola, the most commercially successful next-generation fusion guitarist, achieved stardom with Chick Corea's group Return to Forever and on his own records. DeLucia, virtually unknown in the U.S., is a fine flamenco guitarist, and it is that orientation more than anything that colors Friday Night: even when playing straightforward non-flamenco compositions, the phrasing and sensibility lurks behind every note. Still, the passion of the music is frequently marred by the participants' inability to play at anything but the most breakneck pace. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars WoW.......2007-04-25

Everytime I listen to this CD I come away with something new. I've been listening to this since the 80's and every time I get goosebumps. Three geniuses come together on a magical night and create this something that happens once in a lifetime. I've always thought it would be a great if the three could collaborate and write a book on their inspirations for doing this, how much did they *really* practice and such. It would an incredible read. Today my kids (8 and 10) were listening to this on my iPOD and were blown away!!!

4 out of 5 stars The masters unite.......2007-03-11

The musicianship here is very professional and enjoyable - this is the only documented audio of these three guitar giants working together in concert. The performance was recorded live in December 1980, at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco. Track #5 is a studio recording, though, but nonetheless coherent and of spectacular quality in both sound and performance.
Throughout the album, all three guitar players (incidentally only playing in pairs on the three first tracks) perform on acoustic guitars, and for an early 80's live recording, the sound quality is surprisingly good (rich acoustics, no feedback, no distortion.) What ruins a lot of the listening experience, however, are the audience members who yell and scream and whistle and clap over some of the music as if they were high on all that currently is illegal to get high on. The wildness of the audience participation on track #2 is especially bothersome; as soon as the guitar players play a fast lick, an unusual effect, anything technically advanced or anything in unison, these people go crazy, and when recognizing an obvious installment of the theme from Pink Panther you can hear them wearing their anuses on their sleeves as they burst from rapture.
But the audience aside, this is an important recording for a lot of obvious reasons - a recording that you definitely should own or at least listen to if you have ever enjoyed any music performed or written by any of these three guitarists. Incidentally, Hal Leonard has produced a book of transcriptions of all titles from this recording.

5 out of 5 stars Not a fan.......2007-02-06

This is a consert I just stumbled over an liked at once. Superb work of art. It has always been a joy to hear talented people get together and bring happines to the audience. Had this as LP but somebody or in moving things it became unplayable so getting a new copy was a must.

5 out of 5 stars Subtly sweet,blazingly fast, and refreshing overall........2007-01-11

This album is what it is:a showcase of amazing musicianship and heartfelt playing between comrades.There are many beautiful and soft moments,and even more lightning-quick picking that cascades,ebbs, and flows.To say that the music on this album is simply a few guys trying to "one-up" each other is ludacris.This album is a joy to those whom delve into the emotions in musical art.

5 out of 5 stars Guitar heaven.......2007-01-03


When you get a bunch of guitar virtuosos together, that usually adds up to a real snoozefest of lots of technical proficieny and zero tunefullness. So an all acoustic session would be even worse right? Wrong!

People can go on about the technical proficiency demonstrated by messrs. McLaughlin, Di Meola, and Delucia. But technical proficiency alone is not music. This, my friends, is music. Nominally, this is labeled as a jazz album but it really defies any genre. If you have even the slightest affinity for great guitar playing, plunk down your ten bucks and listen.
Friday Night in San Francisco (Stereo SACD)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Gorgeous Recording with Playful Musicians
  • Stereo SACD, not Multichannel!
  • "Too Many Notes..."
  • Amazing, amazing, amazing
  • SACD SUPERIOR to redbook CD
Friday Night in San Francisco (Stereo SACD)
Paco de Lucia
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

SpainSpain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004KD6V
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

  1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
  2. Short Tales of the Black Forest - Paco de Luc Al di Meola, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
  3. Frevo Rasgado - Paco de Luc Paco de Luc , Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
  4. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la Danzarina/Guitars of the ...
  5. Guardian Angel [Studio Recording]

Album Description

Featuring John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola and Paco DeLucia on acoustic guitar. The Great Guitar Trio's Classic Original Recording! Great photos of the trio in performance! 20 BIT digitally remastered. Superb new sound!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Recording with Playful Musicians.......2006-08-16

Undoubtedly one of my favorite recordings in SACD format, I only wish there was video as well, because it would be great. These gentlemen truly understand the music and their improvisational skills are fantastic, as they're able to play along with each other and the audience, the latter which seems to be thouroughly ecstatic. Unfortunately this is not a hybrid recording, which means if you want to transfer it to a portable device or play it in your car, it requires tremendous effort.

3 out of 5 stars Stereo SACD, not Multichannel!.......2003-10-13

This is a great performance. My review is mostly based on the fact that this is a stereo SACD, not multichannel. I am learning more about SACD every day, but was very disappointed that it is only presented in stereo.

3 out of 5 stars "Too Many Notes...".......2002-11-29

That was Emperor Joseph's simple-minded estimation of any music he didn't understand in the Academy-Award winning movie "Amadeus." I never thought I would ever find music that would actually fit that description... until now.

If you think this is some sort of super-charged California Guitar Trio or a Narciso Yepes-type forray into flameco-guitar, forget it. That is not to say most every review you see here is wrong. In fact, they are all correct about these guys being virtuoso guitarists.

However, songs that consist almost entirely of 32nd and 64th notes are at first impressive, but very quickly become tiresome. And this isn't an album full of "songs" so much as it is a forty-some-odd-minute-long jam session featuring testosterone-fueled duels and improvs with a Flamecan flare.

So if you're a guitarist who thrills to the repeated use of the same techniques over and over for close to an hour, this is a great album for you. If you're a normal guy just trying to find some high-fi SACD pyrotechnics, maybe this is still for you. But if you're just someone looking to be entertained, this may disappoint.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing, amazing, amazing.......2002-09-03

"Friday Night in San Francisco" is one of those rare CDs you'll listen to and just laugh out loud from sheer amazement at the virtuoso guitar work of Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucia. Here are three friends, all guitarists, who are clearly having the time of their lives showing off their astonishing instrumental skills and jamming together on, well, a Friday night in San Francisco back in the 1980s.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to this album by a cousin many years ago, and after having treated myself to it, I played it on at least a weekly basis for months. Far from getting sick of it eventually, I found myself noticing new things almost every time I played it. Of course it's wonderful to listen to yourself, but there is also a profound pleasure to be had in introducing a novice to the album. Watch their eyes widen and their jaw drop as they turn to you and say, "Who IS this? I gotta have this!"

All three men share composition credits on the album. "Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho," the song that opens the album, is a Spanish-influenced piece that sends notes scattering like raindrops on a sunny day--the aural effect is one of sparkling light. Chick Corea's song "Short Tales of the Black Forest" gets a work-out here, and McLaughlin and DiMeola do it proud as they build the musical tension to an almost unbearable point before exploding into the heart of the song a minute or two into the piece. "Frevo Rasgado," an Egberto Gismonti piece, is a complex song which swings effortlessly back and forth between major and minor keys, and McLaughlin and DeLucia go along for the ride with a kind of manic joy in their playing.

The three men don't all play together until the final two songs. On "Fantasia Suite," a DiMeola composition, they follow the notes but go further into that realm where they are in their own little universe, egging each other on and on until the music reaches an almost sublime climax. On "Guardian Angel," much the same thing happens and it's a privilege to hear this kind of creative collaboration in action. If you haven't already, make room on your CD shelf for this outstandingly great album!

5 out of 5 stars SACD SUPERIOR to redbook CD.......2002-04-29

I own both, SACD and CD. The sound of the SACD is so much more clear, articulate, three dimensional. Before I got the SACD I hardly ever listened to the redbook as acoustically there wasn't much to distinguish it from the other pressings (even when played back on a Sony SCD-C555ES). Playback of the SACD offers such listening pleasure. I close my eyes and just listen to the great LIVE music. The playback experience will depend on the quality of your audiogear.
Friday Night in San Francisco
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Friday Night in San Francisco
    Al di Meola , John McLaughlin , and Paco de Lucía
    Manufacturer: Columbia
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00005GA0W
    Release Date: 1980-01-01

    Tracks:

    1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
    2. Short Tales of the Black Forest - Paco de Luc Al di Meola, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
    3. Frevo Rasgado - Paco de Luc Paco de Luc , Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
    4. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la Danzarina/Guitars of the ...
    5. Guardian Angel [Studio Recording]
    Friday Night in San Francisco
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Friday Night in San Francisco
      Al di Meola , John McLaughlin , and Paco de Lucía
      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000008AR6
      Release Date: 1994-07-19

      Tracks:

      1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
      2. Short Tales of the Black Forest - Paco de Luc Al di Meola, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
      3. Frevo Rasgado - Paco de Luc Paco de Luc , Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
      4. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la Danzarina/Guitars of the ...
      5. Guardian Angel [Studio Recording]
      Friday Night in San Francisco
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Fantastic!
      • Too many notes, too little music
      • What a fantastic piece of work!!
      Friday Night in San Francisco
      Al di Meola , John McLaughlin , and Paco de Lucía
      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      SpainSpain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
      Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00000DSL1
      Release Date: 1993-07-27

      Tracks:

      1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
      2. Short Tales of the Black Forest - Paco de Luc Al di Meola, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
      3. Frevo Rasgado - Paco de Luc Paco de Luc , Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
      4. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la Danzarina/Guitars of the ...
      5. Guardian Angel [Studio Recording]

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Fantastic!.......1999-08-06

      A fantastic CD that every guitarist should have. "Frevo Rasgado" is the most complex and interesting piece of the album.

      2 out of 5 stars Too many notes, too little music.......1999-04-25

      If these fine musicians were paid by notes they played on this concert, they'd be richer than Rockefeller. Self-indulgent and shallow musical race of the three virtuoso guitarists. Check the rest of discography of McLaughlin, De Lucia, (and even) DiMeola and you'll find many musical gems. This record, however, is better left forgotten.

      5 out of 5 stars What a fantastic piece of work!!.......1999-04-24

      Paco, Al, and John have definitely shown some hard-core talent in this album. It is one of my favorite and I recommend checking it out if you want to hear some fast-paced, lively guitar playing. The speed and accuracy of each guitarist is unreal...and if you're into cool solos, you NEED THIS BAD!
      Tribute to Andrew Imbrie on His 80th Birthday
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Tribute to Andrew Imbrie on His 80th Birthday

        Manufacturer: Albany Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B0009Y26CM
        Release Date: 2005-07-01

        Tracks:

        1. RecitAndy
        2. Postcards
        3. Chaconne
        4. Dalha Dalha
        5. Inscape
        6. Orange Pastel
        7. Ottanta
        8. Spring Fever

        Product Description

        Andrew Imbrie turned 80 on April 6, 2001, and twelve performances of nine programs were presented across the country between March 4th and June 3rd of that year. If you are familiar with the music of this independently-minded, rugged composer, this new release will be of a very special interest, where music by friends, students and colleagues are presented along with two fine examples of his art. Veteran collectors will be familiar with such works as the chamber piece Dandelion Wine and the powerful Symphony No.3, formerly available on CRI. And, maybe, someday we’ll have a reissue of his masterpiece, the Violin Concerto, released on a long-gone Columbia LP of the late 1960’s. Perhaps the most important of Roger Sessions’ pupils, Imbrie has been making a major contribution to the musical culture of America as both composer and educator. From the time his String Quartet No. 1 won the New York Music Critic’s Award in 1944 until today, he has produced work after work of the highest craftsmanship, integrity, and artistic merit. While his work has won numerous awards, its value to our musical community is beyond measure. As an educator at the University of California, Berkeley and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, he has trained generations of musicians, musicologists and composers. The works presented at the birthday concerts were, in a small way, an attempt to say what could not be adequately said in any other way. This important new CD reproduces the second of such concerts, given on April 9, 2001 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
        Nat Janoff Jake Schwartz  Live
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Nat Janoff Jake Schwartz Live
          Nat Janoff & Jake Schwartz
          Manufacturer: Nat Janoff & Jake Schwartz
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
          International JazzInternational Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B00005OBD6
          Release Date: 2001-08-20

          Tracks:

          1. Spain
          2. Spiral
          3. Jacob's Latter
          4. Source
          5. Even If
          6. Horizon
          7. Jazzgrass
          8. Mediterranean Sundance
          9. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

          Album Description

          "Nat Janoff Jake Schwartz—Live" is a high energy live acoustic guitar recording, reminiscent of "Friday Night in San Francisco" by John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola and Paco De Lucia. A blending of steel and nylon strings, the Nat Janoff and Jake Schwartz guitar duo is a progressive and innovative creative force. The multi-faceted original compostions of Janoff and Schwartz are lit by the duo's powerful technique and distinct style, while the covers of "Spain," "Mediterranean Sundance" and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" exhibit a fresh and intense take on these classic compositions.
          Friday Night in San Francisco
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • a night of extreme eloquence
          • one of the best
          Friday Night in San Francisco
          Al di Meola , John McLaughlin , and Paco de Lucía
          Manufacturer: Columbia
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
          JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B00005HUYC
          Release Date: 1980-01-01

          Tracks:

          1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
          2. Short Tales of the Black Forest - Paco de Luc Al di Meola, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
          3. Frevo Rasgado - Paco de Luc Paco de Luc , Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
          4. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la Danzarina/Guitars of the ...
          5. Guardian Angel [Studio Recording]

          Album Details

          DSD digitally remastered.

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars a night of extreme eloquence.......2001-12-27

          In my opinion, this is one of the greatest live guitar performances out there. What is so remarkable is the diversity that each player has and brings to the stage. Paco plays his famous flamenco, di meola competes with his recognizable phrasing and technique, and mclaughin, well, this is probably the most open-hearted playing I've ever heard from one of the greatest abstract guitarists. Musicians adore this CD (especially guitarists), and others also have that fire for this kind of music. But, this album is, beyond a doubt, one of the most signifigant pieces of work for all 3 players and for the great music they represent. An absolute must.

          5 out of 5 stars one of the best.......2001-09-08

          just hear it, and rate it. to me, it is one of the best of John Mclaughlin live.
          Friday Night in San Francisco
          Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
          • Spine tingling
          • Far Below Nothingness & Eternity
          • Seminal acoustic guitar masterpiece
          • Technical virtuosity yes, but where's the soul?
          • 10 stars
          Friday Night in San Francisco
          John McLaughlin , Paco DeLucia , and Al DiMeola
          Manufacturer: Sony
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Bebop & Post-BopBebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
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          1. Passion, Grace and Fire
          2. The Guitar Trio
          3. Elegant Gypsy
          4. Al Di Meola - One of These Nights
          5. Romantic Warrior

          ASIN: B00000DRXW
          Release Date: 1990-10-25

          Tracks:

          1. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho
          2. Short Tales of the Black Forest - Paco de Luc Al di Meola, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
          3. Frevo Rasgado - Paco de Luc Paco de Luc , Al di Meola, John McLaughlin
          4. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la Danzarina/Guitars of the ...
          5. Guardian Angel [Studio Recording]

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Spine tingling.......2007-01-03


          When you get a bunch of guitar virtuosos together, that usually adds up to a real snoozefest of lots of technical proficieny and zero tunefullness. So an all acoustic session would be even worse right? Wrong!

          People can go on about the technical proficiency demonstrated by messrs. McLaughlin, Di Meola, and Delucia. But technical proficiency alone is not music. This, my friends, is music. Nominally, this is labeled as a jazz album but is really defies any genre. If you have even the slightest affinity for great guitar playing, plunk down your ten bucks and listen.

          3 out of 5 stars Far Below Nothingness & Eternity .......2006-01-19

          No no no!
          JM's adventures in LA are misleading. Shakti's albums are amazing journeys, For the live album i pick Between Nothingness & Eternity.

          Funny postcards, jammin' the pink panther's theme, but far - so far from Mahavishnu's best standards.

          5 out of 5 stars Seminal acoustic guitar masterpiece.......2005-11-22

          The first time I heard this recording I thought it had been sped up in the mastering process. I simply couldn't imagine three musicians playing at such breakneck tempo's, plucking strings at such amazing divisions, and all of it with seeming effortlessness. In many respects this was the end of the fusion era. Dimeola has never again played with such intensity, Mclaughlin has never been so competitive, and Paco may have outshone them all. The fact that there is no professional recording on film of this concert is an extraordinary tragedy. This is the most mind blowing acoustic guitar playing ever...until....
          Strunz and Farah's "Frontera", the absolute pinnacle of guitar brilliance and speed, followed by the even more astonishing "Guitarras". The Dimeola, Mclaughlin, DeLucia trio set the bar. It was broken in 1984 by Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah and THAT bar has yet to be broken.

          3 out of 5 stars Technical virtuosity yes, but where's the soul?.......2005-10-10

          I hadn't listened to this album in many years, having worn out the original a ways back, but I felt compelled to comment after picking up the remixed CD. For me it's a split decision on this one. While it is whimsical and fun at times, and of course a technical tour de force, it leaves me somewhat unsatisfied. While de Lucia and Di Meola at their best are emotionally stirring, this trio seems to not have found that groove the night this was recorded. de Lucia and Di Meola work well together as a duo because they combine Al's blistering speed with Paco's more thoughtful, musical playing. Back and forth they go, Al revving it up and Paco reeling him back in. Truly magical, as in the studio versions of Mediterranean Sundance and Fantasia Suite. On this CD, as the liner notes say, this trio challenged each other to play with technical virtuosity, but the soul was lost. Good to have this album if you are an enthusiast; otherwise there's better acoustic guitar to be had.

          5 out of 5 stars 10 stars.......2003-12-06

          20 some years later and I still remember the first night I heard this CD for the first time, like it was yesterday. And after 20 years I still get goose-bumps every time I listen to this CD. Anyone who loves guitar has to have this CD. Now whenever I hear that somebody loves guitar I put on this CD and wait for their jaw to drop. The technical skill of any one of the three of these gentleman is amazing. But how they play together and play off each other is mind blowing! Guitar lovers prepare for 40 minutes of heaven.
          Friday Night in San Francisco
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Friday Night in San Francisco

            Manufacturer: Philips
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD
            ASIN: B000A1KEPU

            Product Description

            Import, Original 1981 recording, made in Germany.

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