World Sinfonia
Al Di Meola · 1991
63 min · 10 tracks · jazz
An intricate blend of jazz fusion and world music, showcasing virtuosic guitar work and rich orchestral arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tango Suite, Part I — This track encapsulates Di Meola's ability to merge classical tango elements with jazz improvisation, showcasing both rhythmic complexity and lyrical guitar melodies.
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Last Tango for Astor — A tribute to Astor Piazzolla, this piece highlights Di Meola's emotive play and deep connection to the tango tradition while incorporating modern jazz sensibilities.
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No Mystery — Spanning over twelve minutes, this track allows for extensive improvisation and showcases the interplay between Di Meola’s guitar and the accompanying ensemble, embodying the album's ethos of musical exploration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz fusion with world music, showcasing intricate compositions and skilled performances.
What we noticed
- Each track incorporates diverse instrumentation, blending traditional jazz elements with world music influences.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic exploration of musical themes
- wave-like pacing with varied intensity
- intricate guitar melodies for detail
- immersive listening for focused moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Di Meola's reputation in blending jazz and world music.
- Career context
- World Sinfonia marks Al Di Meola's return to the recording scene after a brief hiatus, following his 1987 album, Casino. This release reflects his exploration of world music influences, positioning him as a significant figure in the jazz fusion genre during the early '90s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Perpetual Emotion 3:32
- 2 Orient Blue 2:58
- 3 Tango Suite, Part I 8:48
- 4 Tango Suite, Part III 8:50
- 5 Falling Grace 4:22
- 6 Last Tango for Astor 6:20
- 7 No Mystery 12:37
- 8 Lustrine 9:11
- 9 Little Cathedral 1:45
- 10 La Cathedral 4:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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