Al Di Meola
Al Di Meola, born Albert Laurence Di Meola on July 22, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American guitarist renowned for his work in jazz fusion and world music. Raised in Bergenfield, New Jersey, Di Meola was inspired to play guitar at the age of eight by Elvis Presley and The Ventures, with The Beatles solidifying his passion for music. He honed his skills under the guidance of guitar teacher Robert "Bob" Aslanian, practicing eight to ten hours a day during his teenage years.
Di Meola's professional breakthrough came in 1974 when he joined Chick Corea's fusion group Return to Forever. This opportunity led to his involvement in three landmark recordings with the group before embarking on a successful solo career in 1976. His debut album, "Land of the Midnight Sun," showcased his technical prowess and Latin-influenced compositions. Di Meola's subsequent albums, such as "Elegant Gypsy" and "Casino," further cemented his reputation as a guitar virtuoso.
Throughout his career, Di Meola has collaborated with notable musicians including Stanley Clarke, Larry Coryell, Steve Winwood, Jaco Pastorius, Paco de Lucía, and John McLaughlin. His work with the acoustic Guitar Trio and the Rite of Strings trio are particularly celebrated. A pioneer in blending world music with jazz, Di Meola formed the World Sinfonia in 1991, exploring influences from flamenco, tango, Middle Eastern, Brazilian, and African music.
An alumnus of Berklee College of Music and a Grammy Award winner, Di Meola has released over 20 albums as a leader and sold more than six million records worldwide. His contributions to music have earned him three gold albums and critical acclaim for his complex compositions and technical mastery.
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