My two favourite acoustic guitar albums from Al Di Meola.
The original World Sinfonia group has a unique sound, thanks mainly to the bandoneon playing of Dino Saluzzi. The instrument imparts a haunting quality to the music, melancholic and uplifting in equal measure.
The fusion of jazz and tango is another highlight; an unusual combo that takes the music of Astor Piazzolla to the next level.
These 45 rpm reissues also sound fantastic; holographic in their soundstage.
When you think jazz-funk, Japanese instruments like the Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and Koto (zither) are not the first two that spring to mind! Yet, they work brilliantly here.
While the majority of the tracks are takes on Japanese folk tunes, funkified beyond belief, there’s even a reworking of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ that sounds awesome.
This one is available on Apple Music, and definitely worth checking out.