Vinyl Vault — Al Di Meola, “Elegant Gypsy”

It’s another fusion classic on the Vinyl Vault when we spin Al Di Meola’s 1977 album “Elegant Gypsy” released on the Columbia label. The album was the guitarist’s second album after his entry to the jazz scene with Return to Forever. The album reached number five on the jazz charts the year of its release.

Vinyl Vault is sponsored by Vinyl Me, Please

“Elegant Gypsy” is a classic late 70s jazz-rock fusion album, but it also includes elements of Latin and flamenco music. Most of the album is highly electrified, but one cut, Mediterranean Sundance is an acoustic guitar duet with flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia with whom Di Meola would frequently collaborate over the ensuing years, sometimes with John McLaughlin for a furious three guitar virtuoso attack. Other musicians on “Elegant Gypsy” included Jan Hammer on keyboards, Steve Gadd on drums, Anthony Jackson on bass, Mingo Lewis on percussion, fellow Return to Forever bandmate Lenny White on drums, and Barry Miles on keyboards. Di Meola composed all the music on the album with the exception of one track composed by percussionist Lewis.

Join Geoff Anderson for some fiery guitar on the next Vinyl Vault, on Tuesday, October 11 at 8:30 pm on KUVO JAZZ.

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