Cielo e Terra
Al Di Meola · 1985
58 min · 10 tracks · jazz
Intricate acoustic guitar melodies intertwine with ethereal soundscapes, creating a serene yet dynamic listening experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cielo e Terra — The title track is a sprawling composition that captures the essence of the album with its fluid transitions between themes and intricate guitar work. It embodies the blend of technical prowess and emotional depth that defines Di Meola's artistry.
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Traces (Of a Tear) — This track showcases Di Meola's ability to convey deep emotion through his guitar playing, combining melancholic melodies with rhythmic complexity. It's a standout piece that highlights the album's thematic exploration of longing and nostalgia.
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Enigma of Desire — In this short but impactful piece, Di Meola uses subtle harmonies and delicate picking patterns to create an atmosphere of mystery and yearning, illustrating his knack for storytelling through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalIntricate guitar work and ambient elements create a distinctive yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate acoustic guitar melodies that often intertwine, creating complex textures.
- Several tracks utilize ambient soundscapes that enhance the serene atmosphere without overshadowing the guitar work.
- The track 'Etude' stands out with a solo guitar performance that showcases technical proficiency and compositional depth.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- ethereal soundscapes for dreaming
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- reflective moments of solitude
- dynamic flow through listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents an ambitious blend of genres and showcases instrumental proficiency.
- Career context
- By 1985, Al Di Meola had solidified his place in jazz fusion following the success of his previous albums, particularly 'Elegant Gypsy' and 'Casino.' 'Cielo e Terra' marked a continuation of his exploration into world music influences and complex compositions. This album showcased Di Meola's virtuosic guitar skills as he navigated between jazz, Latin, and classical elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Traces (Of a Tear) 7:57
- 2 Vertigo Shadow 3:16
- 3 Cielo e Terra 10:42
- 4 Enigma of Desire 2:45
- 5 Atavism of Twilight 5:17
- 6 Coral 3:24
- 7 When You're Gone 4:31
- 8 Etude 7:06
- 9 Solace 4:49
- 10 Traces (Of a Tear) 8:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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