Al di Meola - Consequence of Chaos
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Free Music Notes for Consequence of Chaos
Free Music Review: egregious
Hit: 1 Stars
There are such a plethora of flaws in Al Di Meola's latest (unfortunately titled) album that it would, perhaps, be an appropriate act of charity to mention some of its virtues- namely, the guitarist's reliably beautiful tone (on both electric and acoustic), an immaculate production and colorful looking liner note booklet. However, the fact remains that "Consequence of Chaos" is awful, the worst work in Di Meola's 30 year solo career and an unsightly blemish on an original and talented musician's resume.
There is a confounding lack of creative purpose on display throughout: while fit within the tightly arranged patterns Di Meola favors, the tunes are, on all levels (melodic, harmonic and rhythmic), noticeably devoid of inspiration. Indeed, it is hard to interpret this album as anything other than being aimed at the "smooth jazz" audience- the artist running on autopilot while cranking out a simplified (and simplistic) caricature of himself. Even the tunes featuring (mentor and former employer) Chick Corea have the aire of mediocrity about them. This all the more frustrating considering that Di Meola's previous release ("Flesh on Flesh") was excellent, ranking with his best work: exciting, well-written compositions, with inspired playing by Di Meola and fellow musicians (including Gonzalo Rubalcaba on electric piano).
While "Consequence of Chaos" is certainly a big letdown for those who know and enjoy Al Di Meola's music, newcomers should be especially wary, in that this disastrous release gives such a negative and skewed impression. While Di Meola's recorded legacy is uneven, there are a number of very good albums bearing witness to his true scope as an artist. Irritatingly, many persist to this day in associating the guitarist exclusively with his early solo recordings on Columbia, a series largely comprised of immature, stiff and dated period pieces. Far richer musical rewards can be found through exploring Di Meola's post-Columbia catalogue:
"Al Di Meola Revisited" is an excellent compilation taken from his 3 albums recorded from 1985 through 1987. Beautiful compositions, some featuring Di Meola's acoustic guitar; the lengthy "Cielo e Terra" (from album of same name) is a complex and mysteriously pulsating piece with the great Airto Moreira on percussion. There are also a couple of fiery electric tunes ( "Bejing Demons" & "Song to the Pharoah Kings" ) which successfully combine the tight and aggressive, suite-like arrangements of Di Meola's previous work with light ( Pat Metheny influenced) Brazilian/pop textures and guitar synthesisers.
Two albums DiMeola recorded in the early 1990's ( "World Sinfonia" and "Heart of the Immigrants" ) bear the stamp of Astor Piazzolla's highly original and vibrant "tango nuevo". The late Argentinean genius spurred Di Meola to some of his most sophisticated and impassioned playing, not only in versions of wonderous Piazzolla compositions but in a variety of originals and standards which hold together as well today as they did 15 years ago.
Listening to the aforementioned albums may prove the best remedy for both sustaining faith in a talented musician and banishing the memories of a particularly egregious release.
Free Music Review: Hopeless
Hit: 2 Stars
Take the worst of world jazz and combine it with clueless guitar heroics and you have Consequence of Chaos.
First of all, what does the title of this disc mean? Certainly it fails to resonate with this highly arranged and suffocatingly sterile music. What is it, then? You tell me.
Next, despite Al Di Meola's undeniable monster chops--sadly seldom put to any kind of decent (or even serviceable) use--there's not even one attractive song vehicle.
Third, over half the numbers are completely vitiated by what must be the world's cheesiest synth stylings ever.
Really, this music is insufferable. It proceeds along lines of complete predictability. It absolutely depends on the most hackneyed melodic, chordal, and rhythmic devices, brashly deployed for greatest bombastic effect.
If you dig hyped up wannabe world jazz, go for it.
But don't blame me if you hate it: I warned ya.
*1/2.
Free Music Review: Full Spectrum Indeed
Hit: 4 Stars
Why is it that so many music fans want the musicians they like to continually rehash their glory days? I read all the reviews and then listened to Consequence of Chaos a half dozen times and came away pretty much agreeing with the reviewer from Hungary who asks fans to listen to this CD on its own terms. While this CD may not be the heralded return to Al's electric days, it does at least touch on them while not forsaking his most recent direction. It covers the full spectrum of his talents indeed!
I have been an Al DiMeola fan from the start and have seen him live many times over the past thirty years. When he makes a new album, I don't want him to recreate favorites like Casino, Soaring Through A Dream, or Orange and Blue any more than I wish to hear him remake albums I didn't like so much like Kiss My Axe or Scenario. I want to hear something new! Consequence of Chaos, while not among his five best, is an album that has at least something to offer fans of all periods. With musicians like Chick Corea and Steve Gadd, he assures us of his respect for his early years. With long-time percussionist Gumbi Ortiz still on board, he reassures those most attuned to his later World Sinfonia projects.
There are no tunes on Consequence of Chaos that stand out for me either positively or negatively. I have been enjoying it in the office for half the day now and find its vibes to be extremely soothing and conducive to a productive day. DiMeola's mastery is such that you can close your eyes if you like, kick back, and the music will take your mind anywhere in the world you want to go!
Free Music Review: There Are Gems Here
Hit: 5 Stars
San Marco (moderna), Red Moon and Tempest are the gems of this cd in my opinion. Al's playing is techically brilliant, as usual; he gets exactly what he wants out of the guitar. This is very evident on this cd.
I am glad that Al is not sucking up to the music establishment and is doing what he wants to do.
It's funny how people compare this cd to his other ones. But they are all great really. A 'bad' Al cd is still a great cd when compared to the rest of the stuff out there.
In another note, I hope that Sony gets off of their tails some day and releases Al's 'Columbia' cds as remasters.
Free Music Review: Sounds good
Hit: 3 Stars
What I love about Al is his ability to kick you in the teeth from time to time. This album has some, but not nearly the fire of Kiss My Axe. If you are looking for gratuitous wanking, Kiss My Axe is your best bet. I still crank that up in my car periodically. This album fits with Al's other work nicely. He stays true to his strengths.