Kiss My Axe

About

Despite the aggression its title implie, Kiss My Axe is the work of a softer, more reflective Al Di Meola, who had become greatly influenced by Pat Metheny's subtle lyricism, but still had a very recognizable and distinctive sound. Di Meola's new approach was perfectly summarized when, in 1991, he told Jazz Times he wanted to be "enchanted" by the music instead of dazzling listeners with his considerable chop. Di Meola still has fine technique, but avoids overwhelming us with it, and shows more restraint than before. One thing that remains is the guitarist's strong interest in world music -- this imaginative session liberally incorporates Latin influences (Brazilian, Spanish, Peruvian and Afro-Cuban) as well as Middle Eastern and African element. In that Jazz Times interview, Di Meola explained that this CD's title resulted in part from his frustration over the fact that many labels and commercial radio stations were choosing bloodless "elevator muzak" over more adventurous fusion. Consistently rewarding, Kiss My Axe makes it clear that di Meola did the right thing by refusing to compromise. Credits Todd Carpenter -- Assistant Engineer Victor Deyglio -- Assistant Engineer Al di Meola -- Arranger, Cymbal, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Handclapping, Performer, Producer, Tabla Frank Filipetti -- Engineer Dante Gioia -- Assistant Engineer Milton Glaser -- Design Omar Hakim -- Drums Anthony Jackson -- Bass (Electric), Clarinet (Contrabass) Alia Jordan -- Model (sexy girl) Kip Kaplan -- Executive Producer Bob Ludwig -- Mastering Mark Mason -- Assistant Engineer Barry Miles -- Arranger, Hand-clapping, Piano, Producer, Programming, Synclavier, Synthesizer Bill Milkowski -- Liner Notes Dan Mockensturm -- Engineer Richie Morales -- Drums Gumbi Oritz -- Bata, Conga, Handclapping David Palmer -- Engineer Tony Scherr -- Ba, Bass (Acoustic), Bass (Electric) Arto Tuncboyaciyan -- Bata, Bongo, Percussion, Voices Henry Wolf -- Photography Rachel Z -- Synthesizer Vittorio Zammarano -- Engineer .

via Last.fm

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