Al Di Meola, the renowned guitar virtuoso, is set to take the stage with his acoustic band during a four-night, six-show stint at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley from June 15th to the 18th. The shows will be held at 7:30pm on Thursday and Sunday, with additional shows at 7:30pm and 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday.
Al Di Meola is an absolute legend when it comes to playing the guitar. He’s hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of our time, and it’s not hard to see why. His music is a mesmerizing fusion of complex rhythms, captivating melodies, and harmonies. With a career spanning over four decades, he has achieved incredible success, selling millions of records worldwide and earning multiple gold and platinum albums.
His extraordinary talent has gained the attention of many. Al Di Meola has been showered with prestigious awards and recognition, including an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Berklee College of Music, the Honorary Miles Davis Award from the Montreal Jazz Festival, and even a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award presented by none other than Sir George Martin. He’s been honored with a whopping 12 guitar awards from Guitar Player Magazine, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
But it’s not just his guitar prowess that sets him apart. Al Di Meola is also a gifted composer, with over 30 albums released. He has worked with esteemed musicians and bands such as the fusion supergroup Return to Forever (featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White), the acclaimed acoustic Guitar Trio alongside John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia, and the Rite of Strings trio with bassist Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. His music has transcended genres and captivated fans worldwide, drawing in both guitar enthusiasts and lovers of soulful, heartfelt compositions.
His latest studio album, Across the Universe, released in March 2020, is a true testament to his incredible career. With virtuosic arrangements and unique interpretations of 14 beloved Beatles songs, Di Meola takes you on a musical journey like no other. The album effortlessly blends grand orchestral elements, acoustic arrangements, and electrifying guitar solos, creating an unforgettable listening experience.
Al Di Meola is currently working on an autobiography and a solo guitar record featuring his own compositions. And last year saw the release of Saturday Night in San Francisco, a live recording from his 1980 tour with the Guitar Trio.
While Al Di Meola may be known for his jazz fusion sound, his music has resonated deeply with rock fans as well. Many consider him a gateway artist, introducing them to the captivating world of jazz. His impact on guitarists is immeasurable, and his influence stretches far and wide. Di Meola has jammed with rock guitar legends, like as Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, even joining Satriani, Vai and Steve Morse onstage during a G3 Jam tour performance of “Rockin’ in the Free World” in Prague.
Al Di Meola’s upcoming performances, presented by KNKX and Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, offer the chance to witness his exceptional talent. Di Meola’s masterful guitar playing and soulful expressions have cemented his status as a genuine guitar hero, promising an unforgettable experience for those in attendance.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley’s website.
