Paging Fred - Truth time

Posted by: Rasher on 15 July 2004

Replaying some stuff recently with Al DiMeola, and I reckon his playing - particularly in the 70's, is pretty up there. So why do you dislike him so much? Is this more to do with a little personality clash? HHmm?
A simple yes or no would do - you are far too diplomatic to expand on this , I know. Wink
(a bit cheeky to ask, but you know me by now Smile)
Posted on: 16 July 2004 by David Tribe
I'm not Fred but wanted to say that I also like several Al Di Meola efforts from the seventies. I like the Return to Forever album "The
Romantic Warrior" and Di Meola's first solo album "Elegant Gypsy". I have been less impressed with his other work, too much "Kid Techno-flash" and not enough substance.
DCT
Posted on: 17 July 2004 by Rasher
Exactly David. I was playing RTF's No Mystery, and the guitar playing was very OK.

I also want to hear when Fred is going to put out the self-indulgent slightly avant-garde solo acoustic piano double album. You know - the one he should have done when he was in his 20's and arrogant still. I for one would buy it like a shot [unless of course it already exists, in which case I need to know about it]. It would be one of those albums you would play very late at night. I would love it.
Please Fred. I'm not kidding here, I would love to hear it.
Posted on: 18 July 2004 by fred simon
Hi, Rasher.

It can't be a true personality clash because I don't know Di Meola, haven't even ever met him.

Musical personality clash, more likely. Obviously he can operate a guitar, but I just don't feel deep musicality.
Posted on: 19 July 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Rasher:
I also want to hear when Fred is going to put out the self-indulgent slightly avant-garde solo acoustic piano double album. You know - the one he should have done when he was in his 20's and arrogant still. I for one would buy it like a shot [unless of course it already exists, in which case I need to know about it]. It would be one of those albums you would play very late at night. I would _love _it.
Please Fred. I'm not kidding here, I would love to hear it.


Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rasher, but I'm not sure I can deliver what you're looking for, especially something that I might have done in my 20s ... that ship sailed a long time ago.

I did release a solo piano album 20 years ago, Short Story, but in no way could it conceivably be described as even "slightly avant-garde." In fact, I'm not even sure what avant-garde means to you in terms of solo piano ... Cecil Taylor?

The only aspects of your request I can fulfill are:
  • I'm still arrogant
  • My new forthcoming album would sound great very late at night. Or any other time of day.
Posted on: 19 July 2004 by Rasher
I will certainly be buying the new CD - no worries there, but will have to search to find Short Story somewhere.
You don't seem arrogant Fred, but I'll take your word on it. Smile
By avant-garde I mean when you climb under the lid and start hitting the strings Big Grin