Phil Markowitz

The Manchester Craftsman's Guild in Pittsburgh offers another rousing live concert date in this varied program led by the eclectic saxophonist who is best known as one of the Yellowjackets – but whose early résumé also boasts everyone from Tito Puente to Thad Jones and the Mel Lewis Big Band. A dash here and a dollop there of each of these influences make this a varied date whose appeal extends beyond big-band fans and embraces those who love bebop, a touch of the avant-garde, the progressive spirit of the Yellowjackets (most notably Russell Ferrante, who contributes stunning percussive solos on pieces like the crazed, polyrhythmic "Mofongo"), and the great contemporary vocalist Kurt Elling.

Al Di Meola - Cielo e Terra / Soaring Through A Dream / Tirami Su (2009) {2CD Set, BGO Records BGOCD879 rec 1985-1987}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 817 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 345 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 20 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1985-87, 2009 BGO Records / Capitol | BGOCD879
Jazz / Fusion / Smooth Jazz / Guitar

The U.K.'s BGO Records reissues three Al di Meola mid-'80s albums on a pair of CDs. First is the nearly smooth jazz Soaring Through a Dream released originally on EMI's Manhattan imprint in 1985 – this album was an attempt by the great guitarist to score a hit single or two on the then-newly formed smooth jazz radio format.

Having grown a bit weary of playing loud fusion, Al DiMeola recorded a largely acoustic set on his debut for Manhattan. DiMeola, who augments his acoustic guitar with the orchestral Synclavier guitar, plays five unaccompanied solos and is joined on the other four numbers by percussionist Airto Moreira. Other than Keith Jarrett's "Coral," all of the moody selections are by the guitarist.

When one hears of an album titled Big Band Trane, it is assumed that the music will either be of songs by John Coltrane orchestrated for a full big band or pieces performed in his style. As it turns out, the Bob Mintzer Big Band only plays three tunes that have anything to do with the great tenor ("My Favorite Things," "A Love Supreme-Acknowledgment" and "Impressions") along with seven unrelated Mintzer originals. The leader himself does not solo on any of the 'Trane pieces and, despite some fiery soprano by Roger Rosenberg on "My Favorite Things," those three songs are disappointingly routine with the orchestra sounding like a professional college stage band.

The First Decade by The Bob Mintzer Big Band is a collection from the leader's seven critically acclaimed big band albums on the DMP label. Bob Mintzer's unique writing and arranging for the big band led CD Review to call his band "the best big band ever".

This 1985 album from Al Di Meola followed on the heels of Pat Metheny's accomplished masterpiece, THE FIRST CIRCLE, and it bears a close resemblance. It's full of smooth, latin-flavored jazz complementing Di Meola's incomparable speed and technical excellence on guitar. "Capoeira" is worth the price of this CD alone – gorgeous and breezy Brazilian style with Portuguese vocals by percussionist Airto Moreira. It's what Jobim could have sounded like had he been younger and actively writing in the 80's.