Song: "Race With Devil On Spanish Highway"
Album: Elegant Gypsy (1977)
Al Di Meola is a jazz guitarist whose technical skills and influence garnered my attention not too long ago. He is considered one of the first guitar shredders, having been doing his best work in the mid to late 70's, and influenced such greats as Yngwie Malmsteen and John Petrucci. Now, you might be wondering, "Isn't this a hard rock/metal list?" And you'd be correct, however, this list also represents spectacular guitar work, and in all honesty, metal and rock have roots in jazz, so it certainly does belong here on this list. As for the song itself, it's the first of many instrumentals which will appear here (lots of skilled guitarists make their way here instrumentally), and it's pretty hot. His technique doesn't sound like 80's shred, but it's just as fast. It's got a nice jazzy beat which is somewhat infectious, and the solo itself is a finger-snapper- it's complex, technically advanced, and best of all, sounds good and fits with the song. Enjoy! \m/
