Al Di Meola looks like a middle school science teacher, but has
talent to burn. After 30 years of a splendid career and exploring a variety of
styles, Di Meola still ranks among the most popular guitar-masters of jazz and
jazz-rock. Here, on his first “electric” DVD, Di Meola takes his Speak A Volcano tour to
North Rhine-Westphalia in
Shot in November of 2006, the set runs about an hour and a
half, and finds Di Meola rediscovering his love of the electric guitar without
denying newer influences, surrounded by a band that includes his old companion
and superb percussionist Gumbo Ortiz. The result presents Di Meola totally at
the top of his game; it’s a balancing act between volcanic electronic ecstasy
and emotionally moving sound excursions, between fervent improvisations and
intimate conversations.
Well directed, seamlessly blending in fretboard close-ups
and aerial drum kit shots, the show is anchored by five Piazzolla tunes, as
well as a handful of compositions from Di Meola himself. While subtly working
his instrument in shamanistic fashion for much of the show (he doesn’t exactly give
Buckethead a run for his money in the showmanship department) a clad-in-black Di
Meola sits down for the affecting “Azzura,” which might be the highlight of the
DVD.
Released concurrently with the syncopated rhythm-heavy CD Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo
Guitar, Volume 1, Di Meola’s first solo acoustic guitar album, Speak a Volcano comes housed in a
regular Amray case, and presented in widescreen enhanced for 16×9 televisions.
The disc’s transfer is super-crisp and free from grain, even if the contrast of
its picture is just a bit off, with the black borders showing up more as grey
on occasion. Viewers can select from three different audio options, meanwhile —
stereo PCM, Dolby digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 tracks.
By way of supplemental extras, in addition to offering up 11
minutes of guitar tips and showcasing different picking styles, Di Meola also
sits for an 18-minute, seven-part chat, covering his early years (including
time with Return to Forever), development and thoughts on music theory, scales
and harmony. Props go out from Di Meola to both his first teacher, for
instructing him in jazz as well as pop standards, and legendary pianist Chick
Corea, whom he cites as a big influence, particularly on his first solo work, Land of the Midnight Sun. Di Meola’s
thoughts on the differences in phrasing and expression between acoustic and
electric guitars are also quite fascinating, making this a solid pick-up for
music fans and aspirant guitarists as well.