I gave him a copy of Al Di Meola's Picking Techniques for him to sign, and related a time when I saw him at Lehigh University around 1999. He broke a string on the Lehigh gig, and when I told him about seeing all of this, he looked at me and said "that was you?" He was pretty drunk on Brandy or Sherri, as I recall. During his performance, Di Meola made his first announcement about the reformation/tour of Return To Forever. Thanks Dave Phillips for giving me the chance to witness this event!
I was there. My employer (a PRS dealer) sent me to the very first "Experience PRS", and this was a private party thrown by Mr. Smith at his home the night before the first day of the event. I'll never forget that night. I had the chance to meet many incredible musicians, including Di Meola, who is an idol of mine. I was near the front door when he walked in, and was floored by how short he is. After he played (which included duets with Gary Grainger's brother), he signed autographs.
Great video, really nice to see one of the worlds greatest players in such a setting. Thanks for posting this. Al's playing is a gift from God, such great feel for improv and incredible timing is unreal. By the way I'm sure he could just about manage to strum through Wonderwall if he was pushed -LOL!
Well I'm going to assume he can play more songs than you as he's played on gold and platinum albums. How many albums have you played on that went gold or platinum?
I can hear the chords implied that Al is improvising to when he solos here...he has no accompaniment so he has to just hint at the progression every once in a while. It's pretty hard to solo without any help from other musicians...unless you're just going to play choral pieces.
world class player....and this is in a relaxed kinda thing...listen too those lines....wow!!!!!!!
TheXXXDB 1 month ago
anybody know if this is all improvised? if not i'd love to know the title
MarkMcDonaldGuitar 3 months ago
@MarkMcDonaldGuitar i think its improved...on the spot....it doesnt sound like any tunes of hes that i am aware of....
TheXXXDB 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
I gave him a copy of Al Di Meola's Picking Techniques for him to sign, and related a time when I saw him at Lehigh University around 1999. He broke a string on the Lehigh gig, and when I told him about seeing all of this, he looked at me and said "that was you?" He was pretty drunk on Brandy or Sherri, as I recall. During his performance, Di Meola made his first announcement about the reformation/tour of Return To Forever. Thanks Dave Phillips for giving me the chance to witness this event!
Beck19781 9 months ago
I was there. My employer (a PRS dealer) sent me to the very first "Experience PRS", and this was a private party thrown by Mr. Smith at his home the night before the first day of the event. I'll never forget that night. I had the chance to meet many incredible musicians, including Di Meola, who is an idol of mine. I was near the front door when he walked in, and was floored by how short he is. After he played (which included duets with Gary Grainger's brother), he signed autographs.
Beck19781 9 months ago
the master virtuoso al di meola. nobody plays the flemenco style any better. great video
paul44miles 2 years ago
@paul44miles paco de lucia
ElCuatro1991 1 year ago
Talented beyond definition!
jvlivs2 2 years ago
Great video, really nice to see one of the worlds greatest players in such a setting. Thanks for posting this. Al's playing is a gift from God, such great feel for improv and incredible timing is unreal. By the way I'm sure he could just about manage to strum through Wonderwall if he was pushed -LOL!
guitarmaan 2 years ago 2
Haha!Great video!Thanks for posting!!
tgnz24 2 years ago
your wellcome!
Angerov 2 years ago
Really nice-sounding guitar. I far prefer it to his usual Ovation sound.
WatchOutForTheLogos 2 years ago 7
Well I'm going to assume he can play more songs than you as he's played on gold and platinum albums. How many albums have you played on that went gold or platinum?
hellscowboy34 2 years ago 3
this is a really great vid
Timotheedle 2 years ago 3
Great video and Al's goofing around and just going through the motions is nothing short of superb!
12guitdown 2 years ago 2
I agree with the guy a bit below.
It's just random crap with twiddly bits.
WillP999 3 years ago
uh guy, the random crap sounds great. not into improvisation I take it?
stimps82 2 years ago
I am into improv, and this sounds nowhere near "great".
WillP999 2 years ago
sorry u feel that way
stimps82 2 years ago
I can hear the chords implied that Al is improvising to when he solos here...he has no accompaniment so he has to just hint at the progression every once in a while. It's pretty hard to solo without any help from other musicians...unless you're just going to play choral pieces.
janderson2000 2 years ago
Chordal...not choral. Typo.
janderson2000 2 years ago
Do you have anymore ? And YES ! Thank you for sharing it with us . MIke
avalonrd 3 years ago
Not human at 2:20, you are right Hopleft! The man is a God.
omegaman416 3 years ago 2
Check out the run that start at about 2:20.
Al D is superhuman!
hopleft 3 years ago 2
Awesome video. Thanks for putting this online for us to share.
jeffreycollins 3 years ago 3