jazz Guitarist Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola
Al Di Meola
Play 'Fusion Schmoozin' by Benny Sutton'

Al Di Meola is a pioneering guitarist known for his groundbreaking work in jazz fusion and world music. He began his career as guitarist at just 19 with the group Return to Forever in 1974 playing alongside some legendary band members like Stanley Clarke.

From 1976 to 1978 he played with Stomu Yamashta in the supergroup Go on three records. The 1970s and 1980s saw albums such as Land of the Midnight Sun, Elegant Gypsy, Casino and Friday Night in San Francisco earn him both critical and commercial success.

With his lightning-fast picking technique and intricate compositions, Di Meola has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted following. His collaborations with artists like Chick Corea and Paco de Lucía have helped shape the course of modern jazz and world music.

Al Di Meola says...

I do love to practice. Practicing keeps your fingers nimble and practicing speed or velocity and difficult passages is very important. I feel though that if you stop practicing, you can actually slow down, so it’s a constant, almost a struggle to maintain the speed that was once there in my 20s.

Al Di Meola ratings

Skill:
Popularity:
Legacy:
Have your say! If you don't agree with the rating you can vote it up/down
skill
7
popularity
3
status
3

Songs: Casino, Elegant Gypsy

Gear: Gibson Les Paul   Marshall Amplifier   

Al Di Meola Career Timeline

Al Di Meola career duration
Al Di Meola peak popularity
1974
1984
1994
2004
2014
2024