Concert Occurred May 10, 2024
Introduction
I attended the Al Di Meola concert at Glenside, Pa. at the Keswick Theatre on May 10, 2024. My wife and my son came along with me. I felt lucky for the opportunity because it is rare that one gets to see someone who many feel is a ‘GOAT status performer less than half an hour away from home. My son Eric has been playing guitar for about six years now, so he fully understood the talent we were about to watch.
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Mr. Di Meola began the show by walking out on stage and calmly speaking to the audience. He used that time to tell a few stories, and respectfully introduce his band. Given my roots as a fan in the classic rock genre, I was not familiar with any of them. Of course, I ended up finding out that these players in this band are some of the greatest you will ever see. They showed speed, skill, and versatility in their playing, matching perfectly with this master guitar player. As he spoke, it struck me that despite all the accolades, Al Di Meola is a pretty down to earth guy, even letting us know that he is from just up the road in New Jersey. So, at least his personality seemed normal, but his playing cannot be described in that way at all.
Al Di Meola: Awards and Accolades
Speaking of awards, let’s talk about some of the major ones he has achieved in his career. He was honored with an Echo Award for Jazz Production in 1997, reflecting his influence and excellence in the jazz genre. His innovative work also earned him multiple Grammy nominations, cementing his status as a leading figure in jazz fusion and Latin jazz. Di Meola’s global impact is further recognized through prestigious recognitions such as the Honorary Doctorate Degree from Berklee College of Music. He also received the Honorary Miles Davis Award presented by the Montreal Jazz Festival. Lastly, he earned a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Sir George Martin in 2008.
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Al Di Meola Concert Review
There were no extra theatrics as a part of this concert, no grand opening, or fireworks and none were needed. The musicians all took their positions in a very workmanlike fashion. Then the set began with a song from a 1976 album, ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ called “The Wizard”. The song itself is an instrumental wonder which focuses on Di Meola’s masterful guitar play. As a composition, it provides a wonderful vehicle for him to show many styles and genres as he flows between jazz, R&B and Latin. It is a compelling tune that allows space for Di Meola to stretch and stake his ground as a special, musical talent. One skill that sets him apart is this ability to bend note after note in rapid progression. This technique adds tension and energy, but also the musicality of the piece.
‘The Wizard’ shows Di Meola’s capacity of not only playing but also of emotionally engaging with music. When it was over I felt a rush as if I had already seen an entire show’s worth of music, but it had only just begun. The video below is of Al Di Meola playing ‘The Wizard’ this past January, on the same tour, with the same musicians as the one I am reviewing. It will give you a good example of the musical journey we began on that night.
A Special Treat for this Show
The setlist for the evening was varied and broad, taking pieces of music throughout his career. It also included one song that has not been released yet. That one is called ‘Ava’s Dance in the Moonlight’ which will be on a new double album planned for coming July 2024. He played seven songs prior to the intermission, all using his 1971 Les Paul electric guitar. We were then treated to three solo songs on the classical guitar at the start of the second session. One was inspired by the ‘Norwegian Wood’ by The Beatles. After the show we learned that this classical set has only been performed at this show so far, with the songs titled ‘unknown’. We feel lucky to have gotten such a special treat!
Setlist from Setlist.Fm
Al Di Meola Concert Setlist at Keswick Theatre, Glenside on May 10, 2024 | setlist.fm
Set 1:
- The Wizard
- One Night Last June
- Flight Over Rio
- Ava’s Dance in the Moonlight
- Beyond the Seventh Galaxy
- Dark Eye Tango
- Casino
Set 2:
- (solo classical) (with ‘Norwegian Wood’ by The Beatles teases)
- (solo classical)
- (solo classical)
- Egyptian Danza
- Senor Mouse
- Elegant Gypsy Suite
- Midnight Tango
- Song to the Pharaoh Kings
- Race With Devil on Spanish Highway
Here is a video from January 2024, again the same tour and band as the one we are reviewing. This is song they played at the end of the evening at the Keswick Theatre, ‘Race with Devil on Spanish Highway’. It was a great finisher, capping off the evening perfectly.
Summary
Al Di Meola’s concert May 10, 2024, was the proof of the amazing virtuosity he retains and the outstanding performance that he still provides his audience. His wonderful and power-driven shows are haunting illustrations of the man who took jazz to a new height and is considered as one of the most universal musicians. As soon as Di Meola appears on the stage, the audience is fully charmed and cannot wait to enjoy the outstanding combination of his technique and power of expression. Di Meola puts his heart into what he is playing, which makes it impossible to avoid being involved in the process. Whether you are into rock, rap, soul, jazz or the blues, an Al Di Meola show has something for you. He gives you a great performance and an opportunity to see one of the world’s great guitar players at his best.