Description

Al Di Meolarsquos exquisite mastery of the fretboard is equal only to his appreciation of the Beatlesrsquo legacy that has inspired generations of both musicians and music fans with their famed recording catalog. A retrospective of Al Di Meolarsquos nearly 50year acclaimed career expressed through his virtuosic arrangements of 14 Beatles songs, Across The Universe journeys alongside one of Americarsquos foremost guitarists as he revisits classic hits and more obscure tunes written by the ingenious Fab Four who have helped define the man he is today.Adding to his lauded recording collection of more than 30 solo albums and numerous acclaimed collaborations with the likes of Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Stanley Clarke, Paco De Lucia and many others, Across The Universe is yet another masterpiece showcasing Al Di Meolarsquos fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation combined with provocative lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies. Beatles fans, guitarheads, and music lovers alike can expect the unexpected upon venturing into the world put forth by Across The Universe. To commemorate the singular life of John Lennon, Al Di Meola reenacts the famous Lennon cover for his 1975 solo album Rock lsquonrsquo Roll for the artwork for Across The Universe. Al Di Meola is a living legend celebrated for pioneering a unique style of impeccable guitar technique combined with a sophisticated global musical language thatrsquos captured the hearts of audiences across the world. A GRAMMY Awardwinner, hersquos garnered three gold albums while selling more than six million albums in worldwide sales. His collaborations with artists such as Paul Simon, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Page, Santana, Steve Winwood, Herbie Hancock, Frank Zappa, Luciano Pavarotti, and others have elevated Al Di Meola to become a household name. Traversing divinely across multiple genres including flamenco, Latin, fusion, jazz, rock, and world music, Al Di Meola is a vivacious tour de force always redefining the boundaries of whatrsquos possible on a sixstringed instrument. Across The Universe is no different than his most decorated recordings with his arsenal of a large ensemble bringing creative reinterpretations of Beatles songs to astounding heights.ldquoI really credit the Beatles for the reason why I play guitar,rdquo says Al Di Meola. ldquoThat was a major catalyst for me to want to learn music, so their impact was pretty strong.rdquoAl Di Meola employs a wide lens on Across The Universe with lighteningspeed electric guitar orchestrations balanced with lavish acoustic arrangements. The debut single Strawberry Fields Forever from Across The Universe released today, January 17 is a fiery electric guitar fueled stunner backed by a redhot rock band. Epic rock lsquonrsquo roll covers are sprinkled throughout the album, including the visionary take on the album opener Here Comes The Sun, as well as a riveting Hey Jude and Golden Slumbers Medley. Al Di Meolarsquos acoustic fingerpicking soars on Dear Prudence and Norwegian Wood, while he ventures to a jazz fusion aesthetic on Till There Was You.Across The Universesimmers to a diverse set of midtempo grooves on Mother Naturersquos Son, Yesterday, Your Mother Should Know, Irsquoll Follow The Sun, and Julia.nbspAl Di Meola features a lovely solo performance on Here, There And Everywhere. Across The Universe finishes with a short, but very sweet melodic version of Octopusrsquos Garden.nbsp Al Di Meola CD is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £10.99