Music

Al Di Meola

One of the world’s great guitarists, Al Di Meola, was recently in the Czech Republic for a concert in Přerov. Prior to his arrival, Di Meola sat down for an email interview with The Prague Post.

The Prague Post: What prompted you to distance yourself from your early “heavier” style of playing and embrace the acoustic guitar?

Al Di Meola: This started with our acoustic set with Return to Forever in the 70s. Then more so with John and Paco as part of the “Guitar Trio.”

TPP: What was your motivation when you were composing pieces like “Race with Devil on Spanish Highway,” and has your musical motivation changed over the years?

ADM: Somewhat more counterpoint with more advanced harmonic changes are evident in my newer works. Perhaps you could say it’s less rock-oriented in tonality, but more developed in the way of composition.

TPP: You are known as a pioneer and someone who has stretched the limits of guitar playing, especially in terms of technical ability. What drove you to approach the instrument in an attempt at mastery and what continues to drive you to write, rehearse and record music?

ADM: Well, great heroes like Paco, Chick Corea and Steve Gadd are exampled of players with tremendous articulation. Those are some examples of players I tend to gravitate towards playing with and listening to. Writing is the most important for artistic satisfaction and life fulfillment. Then playing is a close second!

TPP: You have made so many recordings in different styles and in different collaborators. Which style feels most comfortable to you as a person?

ADM: The one I have that incorporates all of my various influences! Too many bits and pieces from many eras and places make up my style!

TPP: Who did you look up to as a budding guitarist and do you still admire those musicians?

ADM: I’d say I still love The Beatles, all the way on up to Ralph Towner and Larry Coryell have been a constant inspiration, from then until now.

TPP: What advice do you have for young guitar players looking to master their instrument?

ADM: Listen and copy what you love from the players you admire!