Splendido Hotel by Al Di Meola (Vinyl, 1980)

Speakers Corner

4260019715043

18050166945

Steve Gadd, Philippe Saisse, Al Di Meola, Jan Hammer, Les Paul, Chick Corea

Vinyl

1980

Splendido Hotel

LP

Guitar

Jazz Instrument

Personnel: Al DiMeola (vocals, celeste, acoustic, electric & 12-string guitars, mando-cello, drums, castanets); David Campbell (violin); Carol Shive (viola); Dennis Karmzyn, Raymond J. Kelley (cello); Philippe Saisse (marimba, keyboards, Moog synthesizer, background vocals); Chick Corea (piano); Peter Cannarozzi (Oberheim synthesizer); Jan Hammer (Moog synthesizer); Les Paul (electric guitar); Tim Landers, Anthony Jackson (bass); Robbie Gonzalez, Steve Gadd (drums); Mingo Lewis (electronic drums, bongos, congas, percussion); Eddie Colon (percussion); The Columbus Boychoir. Producer: Al DiMeola. Reissue producer: Mike Berniker. Includes liner notes by Bill Milkowski. Digitally remastered by Tim Geelan (Sony Music Studios, New York, New York). 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. ~ Scott Yanow

City Hall

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