Latchis Theatre - Brattleboro, Vermont
November 16, 2021
Wasn't really sure what to expect when I attended legendary jazz guitarist Al Di Meola's performance that night... On stage was Al D with his two acoustic guitars, and Richie Morales behind the drums.
Less was definitely more as Al and Richie burned through sixteen tunes with only a brief intermission. Both complimented each other with amazing displays of virtuosity throughout the show. On numerous occasions Al would smile at Richie giving him a nod of approval at some complex patterns they had just played. Sometimes it seemed to border on telepathy when they each unleashed something totally unexpected, yet it was somehow perfectly synchronized.
Richie Morales' melodic approach perfectly complimented Al Di Meola's intricate compositions. Richie's use of dynamics and space informed the sounds and textures he applied to all of the drums and cymbals on his unique hybrid kit. It was a truly memorable two hour show which included a mix of brand new music with recognizable favorites.
In agreement, were a large number of fans who gave them both a great deal of applause after every tune. Two Beatles numbers - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown), and Strawberry Fields Forever were exceptionally well-received. The rest of the setlist included: Immeasurable (Part1&2) - Close Your Eyes - Esmeralda - Tears - Precocious - Café 1930 - Milonga del Angel - For Only You & If You Need Me. My favorite that night was “Mediterranean Sundance.” from Al Di Meola's 1977 album 'Elegant Gypsy'.
"Jazz fusion guitarist Al Di Meola has been recognized internationally over the past four decades as a true virtuoso, a prolific composer, and a bonified guitar hero. He has amassed over 30 solo albums along with numerous collaborations with supergroups, including Return To Forever (with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White), an acoustic guitar trio with fellow virtuosos John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia, and the Rite of Strings trio featuring bassist Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. Di Meola’s dazzling technique on acoustic and electric guitar has brought hordes of guitar enthusiasts and music lovers flocking to his concerts. The depth of his writing and the soulfulness of his lyricism and artistic expression has attracted legions of fans worldwide."
"A retrospective of Al Di Meola’s nearly 50 year acclaimed career is expressed through his latest Ear Music release of March 2020 “ACROSS THE UNIVERSE” with his virtuosic arrangements and creative interpretations of 14 Beatles songs with lightning speed electric guitar orchestrations balanced with lavish acoustic arrangements."
"Born in New York City, Richie Morales is a versatile player who has performed and recorded with a wide range of contemporary artists such as The Brecker Brothers, Spyro Gyra, Grover Washington Jr., Michael Franks, Al DiMeola, Mike Stern, Saxophonist Bill Evans, Diane Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, George Russell’s Living Time Orchestra, Gato Barbieri, Dave Valentin, Ray Barretto, and Herbie Mann. He also leads his own group performing a mixture of Jazz standards and original music. Richie has been a member of the jazz faculty at Purchase College Conservatory of Music SUNY since 2000. He has also taught at the Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program."
Richie Morales -- Endorses Yamaha Drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and Aquarian drumheads
https://www.richiemorales.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.morales.9
Al Di Meola - 'Norwegian Wood'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ob1FPXomhY
Al Di Meola - 'Strawberry Fields'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVvwmmBrPYw
Al Di Meola - 'Mediterranean Sundance'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhccIfevjCU