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Review by Jake Kot
Al Di Meola’s latest release, Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody, reminds us that beyond his well known virtuosity, Al can organize a project and compose with the best of them. His World Sonfonia band featuring accordionist Fausto Beccalossi, second guitarist Kevin Seddiki, bassist Victor Miranda, drummer Peter Kazsas, and percussionist Gumbi Ortiz take us through a progressive set of muti-genred and genreless (always glad to hear new music fitting that expression) tunes, all embracing a strong and progressive rhythmic element.
Di Meola sounds great on both electric and acoustic on this outing, and inspired bass-work by Miranda seems to compliment his every move. This CD also features guest artists Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Charlie Haden, Peter Erskine, Mino Cinelu, and Hungary’s Sturlz String Quartet, all artists contributing nothing but added eloquence to this effort.
Bottom line…great playing…great composing…a truly progressive effort…a pleasure to listen to.
Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody available online at Amazon.com
Jake Kot has written 150 articles in BMM.
Jake Kot is the owner and designer for his custom bassline Kot Basses, partner in "Mitchell & Kot Productions", and performing on over 100 CD's, Jake has also written, arranged, and produced two solo Cd's featuring such world class players as Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthall and Dave Derge.
In addition musically to being a performer and composer, Jake is also a clinician for Accugroove Cabinets, Hevos amps, and D'Addario strings, and has been featured at such bass events as Bassquake and Bassbash.
He is currently working on his 3rd solo CD for release in 2008, the completion of his first instructional book called "The Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns by Slonimsky--Applications", and will be a regular fixture on upcoming bass events.
