Wed 2/22 @ 8PM
While guitarist Al Di Meola, born in 1954, grew up in the midst of the Beatles generation, when every kid with musical aspirations wanted to be the next John, Paul, George or Ringo, Di Meola found himself drawn in another direction, inspired by jazz guitarists Larry Coryell and Kenny Burrell and the burgeoning fusion jazz scene of the ’70s.
He attended the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston but by the age of 19 had his first big break when he was picked to join Chick Corea’s fusion supergroup Return to Forever. By 1976, he had released his first album under his own name.
Since then, Di Meola, who plays both acoustic and electric guitars, has been a steady, stellar presence in the jazz scene, working with a huge cast of fellow all-stars including Jean-Luc Ponty, Jaco Pastorius, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia, Herbie Hancock, Les Paul, Frank Zappa, Tony Williams and Steve Vai. Soul, funk and world music have enriched his eclectic catalogue.
He’s out on the road on his Elegant Gypsy 40th Anniversary tour, celebrating his 1977 sophomore album, which blended Latin music influences into his jazz rock fusion. He’ll be stopping at the Kent Stage. Tickets are $48-$125.
http://www.thekentstage.com/event/1388172-al-di-meola-elegant-gypsy-kent/
Kent, OH 44240