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Title: Economical Introduction to di Meola's Early Work
Review: This collection samples each of di Meola's Columbia albums (except Tour de Force: Live) beginning with his 1976 debut along with his first two albums with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. This is a guitar player's delight. His playing can be at times delicate and ferocious, but always engaging. Di Meola teams up with his former boss Chick Corea on "Short Tales of the Black Forest," "Two to Tango" and "Isfahan." [The latter two--along with "Splendido Sundance"--are from Splendido Hotel, arguably his best album.] You also get two versions of "Passion, Grace & Fire." The first is from Electric Rendezvous and features di Meola and de Lucia; the second adds McLaughlin. Di Meola is equally adept on the electric guitar, but I prefer his acoustic work. If you're unfamiliar with this gifted guitarist, this is an economical way to acquaint yourself with his early solo work. RECOMMENDED
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