Guitar Trio: Paco de Lucia/John McLaughlin/Al Di Meola

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This was only the second recording for the Guitar Trio, coming a full 16 years after 1980's Friday Night in San Francisco, but it's a fitting sequel. Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin once again demonstrate extraordinary virtuosity, accelerated runs tumbling over one another until identities blur. Repeated listening, however, starts to focus on the subtle differences in nuance, especially in the compositions. Though DeLucia grew up in a tradition of Spanish flamenco guitar, Brazilian rhythmic touches often appear in his work, beginning with the opening "Estiba." The American Di Meola seems influenced by music of the Middle East ("Beyond the Mirage"), and the English McLaughlin has strong affinities with the music of Northern India, most apparent here in his "Letter from India." Ultimately, the impression of dazzling techniques gives way, revealing the group's deeper empathy. --Adam Rains

Tracks:

La Estiba
Beyond The Mirage
Midsummer Night
Manha De Carnaval - John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola
Letter From India - John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
Espiritu - Al Di Meola
Le Monastere Dans Les Montagnes
Azzura
Cardeosa

Amazon.com

This was only the second recording for the Guitar Trio, coming a full 16 years after 1980's Friday Night in San Francisco, but it's a fitting sequel. Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin once again demonstrate extraordinary virtuosity, accelerated runs tumbling over one another until identities blur. Repeated listening, however, starts to focus on the subtle differences in nuance, especially in the compositions. Though DeLucia grew up in a tradition of Spanish flamenco guitar, Brazilian rhythmic touches often appear in his work, beginning with the opening "Estiba." The American Di Meola seems influenced by music of the Middle East ("Beyond the Mirage"), and the English McLaughlin has strong affinities with the music of Northern India, most apparent here in his "Letter from India." Ultimately, the impression of dazzling techniques gives way, revealing the group's deeper empathy. --Adam Rains

Customer Reviews:

Frenetic Jazz Guitar Workouts!.......2007-01-17

This cd is a wonderful release by three of the top Jazz guitarists in the world. John McLaughlin, Al Dimeola, and Paco de Lucia combine their talents to create a compelling, fast paced acoustic bossa nova tinged jazz record. Each song features elegant riffing and frenetic runs up and down the fretboard. This music is lightning captured on disc, and it makes for a sizzling instrumental masterpiece. 5 stars easy!

Stunning?.......2006-05-26

I'm sorry to all the people who've praised this album so far, this was the only album (of the ones that I've owned) by ANY of the three great guitarists that I gave away for free. For those who enjoy the Azzura and Beyond the Mirage renditions found on this album, I can assure you that there exists a better version of each on Al Di Meola's "The Infinite Desire" album ... don't believe me, just go out and listen to this cd. As for Paco De Lucia, with the realease of "Cositas Buenas" he returns to playing the style that he was born for, and to me that is much more rewarding than hearing him on this cd trying to showcase his ability to go hand in hand with the other two guitarists ... quite frankly he's in a league of his own when it comes to the
guitar! As for John McLaughlin he's more mainstream than the other three ... yeah he has more of those over sappy lovey dovy tunes that corrupted North American music throughout his albums. To me he belongs with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, George Lynch ... the G3 style of guitarists. As good as he is technically, I don't think he's on par with the other two guitarists on this album. Sorry for the directness, it's how I felt about this album! That's why it was an easy give-away.

Magnificent, a night to be remembered.......2005-02-14

When this three got together it was a night to remember. Each guitarist has his own style; Paco is pure gypsy passion and speed, Di Meola is creative strnght and improvisation and Maclughlin has that impeccable playing. The three put together is probably the best guitar live show ever, theres something here for everybody. It carries you effortlessly from flamenco to jazz to blues to the Pink Panther theme song without you even noticing it. I can listen to this album time and time again.

Masterful, someone help me out though.......2004-05-12

We all know how brilliant and hard working each of these musicians are and it shows in the music. I fully recommend the album and due to my love for Eastern and more specifically Indian music, I enjoy the piece, "A letter from India" the most. Does someone know where I can get the sheet music to this cd though? I really want to get it and play with some friends of mine but I haven't found any yet. If you know anything, please Email me at Changewiththeseasons@hotmail.com.
Yea, long mail I know.

Brilliant and beautiful..........2003-02-14

"Friday Night in San Francisco" is both among one of the greatest live recordings of all time and among the greatest classical/flamenco guitar recordings ever. The interplay is stunning between John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, and Paco De Lucia, three of the greatest musical geniuses of our time (and I do not say that lightly...the music these three produce on their own is always full of rich texture, technical brilliance, and musical quality). This '96 recording, while not possessing the same magic as the "Friday Night..." recording (how could it, when that was one of those magical nights when everything looks, sounds, and FEELS good?), is still a wonderful piece of work. It's clear that between these three guitarists is a rapport that stands the test of time, a collaboration the likes of which most bands can only strive for, that sense of mutual cooperation and enjoyment that just enhances the goodness of the music they make. Each person has their moment to shine, either as a soloist, or as a songwriter. I am partial to "Espiritu" and "Azzura," both penned by Al DiMeola, but the opening track, "La Estiba" by Paco De Lucia tells you, right away from the first notes that this is going to be a beautiful listening experience.
This is the kind of music for any occasion. Need background music for a party? This is perfect. Need to unwind after a long day at work? Or maybe you need something to hear while at work? Pop this in. Need to feel good after feeling bad? This music will do it. This is the kind of album that reminds us why we love music in the first place. Of course nothing can rival or compare to "Friday Night...", but this comes in at a close second, and it should belong in any true music lover's collection.

Guitar Trio: Paco de Lucia/John McLaughlin/Al Di Meola

Average customer rating:

Guitar Trio: Paco de Lucia/John McLaughlin/Al Di Meola
Paco de Lucia , John McLaughlin , and Al Di Meola
Manufacturer: Polygram
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000A2GXK4
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

Estiba
Beyond the Mirage
Midsummer Night
Manha de Carnaval
Letter from India
Espiritu
Monast Dans Les Montagnes
Azzura
Cardeosa

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