Al Di Meola - Splendido Hotel (2LP)
Al Di Meola - guitar, vocal, drums, percussions [click here to see more vinyl featuring Al Di Meola]
Chick Corea - piano [click here to see more vinyl featuring Chick Corea]
Steve Gadd - drums [click here to see more vinyl featuring Steve Gadd]
Les Paul (g)
Jan Hammer (synth); Anthony Jackson (b); Mingo Lewis (cga, bgo, perc); Philippe Saisse (keyb, marimba); Eddie Colon (perc)
Written by Al Di Meola (A1, A2, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D3), Philippe Saisse (B1, C3), Bert Kaempfert (D1), Tony Cohan (D2 Lyrics), Chick Corea (D2 Music)
2 LPs, gatefold sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : Columbia
Recording: 1979 at CBS Recording and Electric Lady Studios, New York, by Dave Palmer and Love Castle Studios, Los Angeles, by Bernie Kisch
Production: Al Di Meola and Philip Roberge
Originally released in 1980
Reissued in Feb 2016
Tracks :
Side A :
- Alien Chase on Arabian Desert
- Silent Story in Her Eyes
Side B :
- Roller Jubilee
- Two to Tango
- Al Di’s Dream Theme
Side C :
- Dinner Music of the Gods
- Splendido Sundance
- I Can Tell
Side D :
- Spanish Eyes
- Isfahan
- Bianca’s Midnight Lullaby
Reviews :
« Talk about ambitious. This two-LP set finds guitarist Al di Meola performing with his quintet of the time (featuring keyboardist Philippe Saisse), with studio musicians, solo, in a reunion with pianist Chick Corea, singing a love song, and welcoming veteran Les Paul for a version of "Spanish Eyes." Most of the music works quite well and it shows that di Meola (best-known for his speedy rock-oriented solos) is a surprisingly well-rounded and versatile musician. » AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Just how much creative gunpowder had Al Di Meola ignited in his early career? First of all there was the flamenco firework in the best-seller "Elegant Gypsy", and secondly his mega-successful live album resulting from a summit meeting in San Francisco with Paco de Lucia and John McLaughlin. After this great start it was no wonder that such prominent colleagues as Jan Hammer, Chick Corea, Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson and Les Paul were eager to participate in the present album "Splendido Hotel".
This great line-up of musicians produce a rich, saturated sound and create numerous 'flavours' in this cocktail of sounds, which - as a double LP - can be likened to a fantastic long drink, as it were. Di Meola's idea of fusion starts off in the opening number as a slow, sluggish oriental-like melody, which develops to take on a rock rhythm. High-speed and lovingly detailed flamenco such as is found in "Splendido Sundance" alternates with subtle rhythms ("Two To Tango") and good-humoured lighter numbers with an electronic undertone such as "Roller Jubilee" and a funky version of Bert Kaempfert's "Spanish Eyes". With this great mix, the musicians create a wonderful atmosphere in which every Latin aficionado will feel at home.
Ratings :
Allmusic : 5 / 5 , Discogs : Rate Your Music :