Customer Rating: 
Summary: Bi-Modal Reaction To Di Meola Playing Piazolla?
Comment: I find myself shocked at the low ratings some reviewers have given this CD. In response to one of the "one star comments," ever heard an accomplished classical musician play jazz?
If I'm not mistaken, Di Meola knew Piazolla. More, he was deeply influenced by him. Hence, there is a real passion Di Meola brings to this disc. I don't think you have to be an audiophile to hear it.
If you've ever had the chance to see Di Meola play live you're in no doubt that be is one of of the greatest guitarists around. He's a master guitarist; just ask any real guitarist. He's also got breadth: jazz, world, classical.
Musical "cross training" can be a wonderful thing. Sting's take on Elizabethan music is simply wonderful. Something tells me that's what John Dowland's music really sounded like in the pubs and taverns of the time. I can see Di Meola in some bar in South America playing up a "classical" storm and the patrons loving it. He's got attitude.
For my taste too many classical musicians play it safe, buying into some fantasy about the past rather than the reality. A lot of socializing went on at operas in the past; folks even played chess during performances. I'm not bringing my chessboard when I go see Di Meola play next month. Won't be socializing either.
So... If you like Di Meola and Piazzolla--and don't need your music sanitized--not only is this a fabulous CD, but you'll want to check out DIABOLIC INVENTIONS & SEDUCTION FOR SOLO GUITAR: Vol. 1, Music of Astor Piazolla. Seems it's only available from Di Meola's web site, but a little Googling should get you there. (I can't wait for Vol. 2... and 3... 4?)
Also, Yo-Yo Ma's SOUL OF THE TANGO: THE MUSIC OF ASTOR PIAZZOLLA is wonderful. You also get Odair Assad on guitar.
Enjoy!
Kirtland Peterson
Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Comment: Yeah, if you want to discover piazzolla, this is not for you, but in this disc you can find and excellent version him and, a mixture with di meola!!
Customer Rating: 
Summary: A Great Disappointment
Comment: If you really want to discover the beauty of Piazzolla's music give this disc a miss. There is no substitute for Piazzolla's own albums - especially Tango Zero Hour, La Camorra, The Central Park Concert, etc. Piazzolla loved the guitar, and wrote a considerable amount of guitar music. It's a shame that this album doesn't do justice to Piazzolla's legacy. Guitar afficionado's should check out Baltazar Benitez' beautiful "Music of Astor Piazzolla" album instead. Many performers (such as Yo-Yo Ma, Gary Burton, Gidon Kremer, Pablo Zeigler, etc) have interpreted Piazzola much better than Al DiMeola.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Come on people, take serious music seriously
Comment: I heard of Al DiMeola from a friend that know's I'm a fan of classical music and classical guitar. I was expecting a serious classical guitarist, like Segovia or Williams. I'm also a fan of Piazzolla's work, and I know how it's supposed to sound. This is not Piazzolla. This is Yanni and Kenny G plus a guitar. The synth is just stupid. There is no place for a synthesizer in Verano Reflections. And there is definitely no place for a synth is Cafe 1930. It should be flute and guitar, period. Let Yanni go play Chariots of Fire, and leave the recording session to real musicians.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A heartfelt farewell !
Comment: Excellent farewell album to a very close friend ; the unforgettable , and always reminded bandoneon artist the typical instrument of the tango .
Di Meola makes a musical journey through his prefered themes and arranges with a fineness and delicate sound , but it never sounds romantic and even old fashioned but it gives him a special accent ; this sad tribute from the deep of his heart .
Oblivion, Verano reflections and Cafe 1930 are by far the best tracks of that special tribute to that living legend who was : Astor Piazzolla died on July 5 1992.
In Memoriam
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