Al Di Meola-Electric Rendezvous (1982)

Al Di Meola's fifth album, with its fitting title and magnificent cover, palpably reflects what lies within its grooves. In this release, the American guitarist sought to return to his roots, creating a work that, to some extent, harks back to his peak period ("Land of the Midnight Sun" and "Elegant Gypsy"), presenting a series of jazz-rock endeavors with the invaluable contributions of Jan Hammer, Paco de Lucia, Mingo Lewis, Steve Gadd, and Anthony Jackson. This solid and compact formation would lead to the creation of a perfect musical canvas combining the warm Latin sounds of "Ritmo de la Noche", with the magical sounds of "Jewel Inside a Dream", fiery jazz rock with blues airs of "Black Cat Shuffle", vigorous jazz fusion "Electric Rendezvous", dense guitar exchanges with flamenco influences between Lucia and Meola in "Grace, Passion and Fire", intense jazz funk with predominance of percussion in the frenetic "God-Bird-Change", or signature jazz rock pieces with "Cruisin'".

Al Di Meola-Scenario (1983)

The 1980s were not an easy time for bands and musicians who had begun their artistic careers in the early 1970s, adapting as best they could to the changing musical landscape. Jazz rock was no exception, and as such, the style subtly shifted towards more modern sounds, with a massive use of new technologies, such as drum machines, synthesized guitars, and the latest generation of synthesizers. This is precisely what Al Di Meola sought to capitalize on with his sixth album, "Scenario", released in 1983. On this album, he shared the spotlight with another giant of 1970s jazz rock, Jan Hammer, with his arsenal of keyboards and synthesizers. In this release, Meola utilizes a range of modern instruments, such as the Roland synthesized guitar and the Fairlight CMI, in addition to his usual electric and acoustic guitars. The album also features guest appearances from various musicians, including drummers Bill Bruford and Phil Collins, and bassist Tony Levin. While not reaching the heights of their iconic earlier works such as "Land Of The Midnight Sun" (1976), "Elegant Gypsy" (1977), "Casino" (1978) or "Electric Rendezvous" (1982), this new release is an enjoyable album where the intricate and sophisticated programming, along with the guitars and keyboards of both musicians, are the most relevant aspects of a repertoire composed of outstanding songs such as the refined, slightly Mediterranean melody "Mata Hari", the exotic "African Nights", the synth-funk "Cachaca", the hypnotic "Calliope" or the vintage jazz-rock "Scoundrel".

Al Di Meola-Elegant Gypsy (1977)

Right after the release of the Return to Forever album "Romantic Warrior" (1976), Al Di Meola left the band to start his own solo career and that same year he recorded the album "Land of the Midnight Sun".
A year later, the virtuoso guitarist published his second full-length album entitled "Elegant Gypsy" where he continued to show his great power to the six strings surrounding himself for this recording of a cast of great musicians.
Among the invited musicians were Jan Hammer, Lenny White, Steve Gadd or Paco de Lucía, it is precisely the latter who puts his guitar to play the song "Mediterranean Sundance" with Meola, with a wonderful flamenco touch.
The influence of the Return to Forever is heard in the initial "Flight Over Rio", with a superb work by Jan Hammer on keyboards and Anthony Jackson on bass.
Also notable is the energetic "Race With Devil on Spanish Highway", without a doubt one of the great compositions in Al Di Meola's career.
"Elegant Gypsy" is one of the classic jazz rock albums, which would end up with Al Di Meola rising.