The Al Di Meola Interview

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  • Опубліковано 23 лют 2022
  • I have been wanting to have a conversation with Al Di Meola for decades. I was fortunate enough to have Al invite me over to his house for an interview and then a wonderful dinner with his family. Two Italian guitar players discussing music. That's a place I feel right at home. The interview you may need to watch in a couple of sittings but it is totally worth it. Enjoy the interview!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,8 тис.

  • @RickBeato
    @RickBeato  2 роки тому +637

    This interview like my entire channel is self funded. If you would like to see more content like this you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate
    For ongoing support consider becoming a member of the Beato Club. The Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.

    • @BaroqueBlues
      @BaroqueBlues 2 роки тому +12

      Hey Rick there's a song with 3 BILLION + views plagiarized from the Al Di Meola & Barry Miles song "Southbound Traveler" it's called LEAN ON by Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ. Please check it out.

    • @robertoribeiromarques5817
      @robertoribeiromarques5817 2 роки тому +4

      i will for sure

    • @bradalker5332
      @bradalker5332 2 роки тому +14

      Thank you so much Rick Beato for this interview with Al. Outstanding. One of my all time favorite guitar players. Loved the interview with breaks of Al playing in between and showing how Al composes his songs and how he likes to put the Latin touch rhythmically on his picking.

    • @jonobester5817
      @jonobester5817 2 роки тому +3

      Wow! way to go dude! Now find out about Flora Purim and Co. :-)

    • @PaulGentryK4BWG
      @PaulGentryK4BWG 2 роки тому +13

      I'll buy something from you Rick so you can wear some nicer jeans for your next interview! Ask Al where he shops.

  • @Andrew_M_Ward
    @Andrew_M_Ward 2 роки тому +1628

    In the future these Beato interviews will be part of the historical record of the greatest musicians of our time (thank you Rick)

    • @BassByTheBay
      @BassByTheBay 2 роки тому +51

      Great point. So many musician interviews are conducted by people who don't really ask the questions that musicians would ask. Rick asks the questions we would ask if we could.

    • @brunoborela4161
      @brunoborela4161 2 роки тому +63

      he's doing god's work
      I hope he gets to interview donald fagen

    • @LeBator
      @LeBator 2 роки тому +15

      @@brunoborela4161 YES YES YES!!! I hope he does that.

    • @thewaldfe9763
      @thewaldfe9763 2 роки тому +15

      I agree!
      As great he is as an educator, musician, interviewer etc., Rick must be the most annoying person to stand close to during a concert though 🤣
      whoooooooo! 🤬

    • @awboat
      @awboat 2 роки тому +2

      @@thewaldfe9763 He is pretty good at air guitar so I would be right at home.

  • @raycummings8754
    @raycummings8754 2 роки тому +814

    When Al Di Meola says you are “the foremost professor”, that is some sky-high praise, Rick! Congrats on this landmark interview!

    • @fredcampbell4536
      @fredcampbell4536 2 роки тому +15

      Well deserved sky-high praise indeed.....

    • @owenchapman971
      @owenchapman971 2 роки тому +13

      Great comment! And quite right

    • @mikewallace1270
      @mikewallace1270 2 роки тому +3

      That was literally in the last 60 seconds of the whole video. I guess you watch the whole thing!

    • @jsamc
      @jsamc 2 роки тому +3

      @@mikewallace1270 you did too !

    • @thesuncollective1475
      @thesuncollective1475 2 роки тому +1

      True, the live performances were a real treat..Damn that was unreal. 54:30 when he goes into Strawberry Fields..too good

  • @sixpakdrinkur
    @sixpakdrinkur 7 місяців тому +5

    Prayers for AL D today.

    • @PhilipPedro2112
      @PhilipPedro2112 7 місяців тому +1

      Get well soon, Al.

    • @gabrielamaramures289
      @gabrielamaramures289 6 місяців тому +1

      @@PhilipPedro2112 Da, și să ai grijă pe viitor cu ce "te imunizezi"...

  • @davidjohn8743
    @davidjohn8743 Рік тому +210

    His playing is INSANE. What a master. So clean, zero mistakes and makes it look easy.

    • @cyanhallows7809
      @cyanhallows7809 Рік тому +6

      1:16:39 even fusion legends make mistakes

    • @davidjohn8743
      @davidjohn8743 Рік тому +3

      @@cyanhallows7809 I stand corrected. lol Still...

    • @krob5375
      @krob5375 6 місяців тому +5

      Everyone makes mistakes. The best players just disguise them the best

    • @UniMatrix_1
      @UniMatrix_1 3 місяці тому

      I like it when artists say there are no mistakes in music. Even his missed note accompanied by a chuckle to get back on track adds to the unique musicality of this moment.

  • @MonkeyDolphin
    @MonkeyDolphin 2 роки тому +573

    Rick, this is the loosest and most relaxed Al interview I've ever seen. I believe this is due to being comfortable in his own home, and his respect for you. He knows you're the real deal. Fantastic stuff - thank you for this.

    • @DRAGONGOD008
      @DRAGONGOD008 2 роки тому +20

      I was coming to the comments to say exactly that. Glad I'm not the only one who noticed.

    • @HakubaDojo
      @HakubaDojo 2 роки тому +10

      Agree! ❤️

    • @jfo3000
      @jfo3000 2 роки тому +15

      Al does seem more open here than I've ever seen.

    • @robertbeatty1633
      @robertbeatty1633 2 роки тому +5

      This is great 👍.

    • @richvanc100
      @richvanc100 2 роки тому +7

      What an honour to just listen to this musical experience of experimental glimpses of eccentricity.

  • @ron88303
    @ron88303 2 роки тому +304

    The level of guests that you get on your show is a testament to the respect they have for you. Congrats.

    • @howlinhog
      @howlinhog 2 роки тому +11

      Yeah! My thoughts exactly. I thought Pat Methany was the pinnacle, but really, there's no such thing and Al proves that point.

    • @christophertaylor9100
      @christophertaylor9100 2 роки тому +5

      I agree, he's scoring some of the best musicians alive who rarely do this kind of sit down with anyone.

    • @67gto56
      @67gto56 2 роки тому +3

      this format with playing intertwined with discussion is just great. I wish Pat Metheny had played a bit, get him back on! Al is just amazing. Great job everyone involved.

  • @NoMeWithoutYou1
    @NoMeWithoutYou1 2 роки тому +156

    This is the most relaxed I've seen Al in an interview or on stage. Must be his respect for you, Rick.

    • @percyvolnar8010
      @percyvolnar8010 Рік тому +3

      No. Remarrying and fatherhood has relaxed him significantly. :)

    • @trekbsg
      @trekbsg 9 місяців тому +2

      He's definitely "relaxed". 😉

    • @consentofthegoverned5145
      @consentofthegoverned5145 9 місяців тому +5

      This is a common thread with Rick Beato Interviews. He is the best. No one before Rick really got a true, honest amicable interview with Maynard James Keenan, before or after. Rick is as masterful at his art of interview as the musicians he interviews.

    • @theodosios2615
      @theodosios2615 2 місяці тому

      @@trekbsg 😯

  • @pdubb9754
    @pdubb9754 Рік тому +16

    A friend sat me down one afternoon and played Land of the Midnight Sun and Elegant Gypsy. This was the day I started listening to music.

  • @PeterLacis
    @PeterLacis 2 роки тому +526

    Rick, you are like the 60 Minutes of Music. Only you could have conducted this interview with an artist of this caliber. Thank you for all you do.

    • @PRIESTWORLD
      @PRIESTWORLD 2 роки тому +3

      💯

    • @SirSneakerPimp
      @SirSneakerPimp 2 роки тому +9

      Watch the Sting interview

    • @carlosayala243
      @carlosayala243 2 роки тому +15

      Rick you did it again! This is why I love your channel! Mr Di Meola is "MASTER!His chord melodies are off the charts pardon the pun! Not to mention his palm muting and a single note lines. Not to mention that he can shred like crazy but still has some melody in there unlike some shredders who just like the wank off! His speed is purposeful but not for the sake of showing how fast he can play! And his work with RTF was outstanding! Keep up the good work Rick and God bless Al Di Meola! We are still listening Al!!!!🎸🎵🎼

    • @rp2358
      @rp2358 2 роки тому +3

      Perfect comment. That's exactly where Rick is at.

    • @whitemellon
      @whitemellon 2 роки тому +3

      That is so true. He knows how to listen and he ask the right questions.

  • @keithbarry3057
    @keithbarry3057 2 роки тому +162

    Underrated aspect of this interview: Di Meola's subtle impressions of other musicians. The McLaughlin one is perfect!

  • @wesboundmusic
    @wesboundmusic 2 роки тому +22

    This... is gonna go down in contemporary music history, there is no doubt. And I must reiterate what many have said: His, Mr. di Meola's appreciation for what _you_ do shows. He wasn't just being nice, but honest. "Let's call this a 'Rick Beato run' " - whoa! Accolade, man! That was genuine in my ears!

  • @WarhawkBeyond2040
    @WarhawkBeyond2040 Рік тому +53

    From Steve Vai to Sting to Pat Metheny to name a few and to now bag this interview with Al Di Meola is not only unbelievable but a hell of a coup. Rick you are the man and thank you so much for giving us this amazing insight into the minds of one of the true guitar legends. Keep up the good work.

  • @ChipBooth
    @ChipBooth 2 роки тому +190

    In college I was practicing Fantasia Suite outside on the porch of a multi story dorm. As I played someone joined in from another porch on another floor. We finished the song and without a word started playing it again, this time switching parts. I never spoke to or found out who the other guitar player was. One of the most magical musical moments of my life.

    • @ChickenatorJr
      @ChickenatorJr 2 роки тому +7

      @BodhiSvaha It was Al in disguise :)

    • @BernardYin
      @BernardYin 2 роки тому +2

      Love it!

    • @cleverclover7
      @cleverclover7 2 роки тому

      awesome story!

    • @rk41gator
      @rk41gator 2 роки тому

      Just.....WOW!

    • @allenayers4919
      @allenayers4919 2 роки тому

      That I could only imagine(for myself and another)..truly awesome moment in your life..

  • @WilliamSilva-dq6zj
    @WilliamSilva-dq6zj 2 роки тому +73

    Best interview I've seen of Mr. DeMeola. Like two friends just talking.

  • @abelzeliang7877
    @abelzeliang7877 Рік тому +30

    Rick. Your contribution to us musicians with real in depth interviews like this with living legends will be remembered and forever cherished. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you and wishing you tremendous success.

  • @edwardbinion7485
    @edwardbinion7485 2 роки тому +38

    This is one of the best interviews of a guitar player I've ever heard. Great job Rick. Al is the best. What a great dude

  • @manami793
    @manami793 2 роки тому +209

    The Most real Musician ive seen interviewed yet , Al didnt hide behind persona or stature and you can tell he was enjoying Ricks company and fellowship as a musician. much respect!

    • @jimh3267
      @jimh3267 2 роки тому +12

      Note that he allowed Rick to accompany him. That alone is high praise.

    • @juliosanchez95
      @juliosanchez95 2 роки тому

      real ?

    • @TheAgentAssassin
      @TheAgentAssassin 2 роки тому +1

      These old school session guys are just next level. The talent is so refined.

    • @rk41gator
      @rk41gator 2 роки тому +8

      Yes, no false modesty. Shy but forceful. That comes with age and experience. Some might be confused to think arrogance, but no. This is knowing. This is true wisdom.

    • @rk41gator
      @rk41gator 2 роки тому +3

      @@juliosanchez95 Absolutely. If you can not see and hear it, you do not know what 'real' is.

  • @macumbeiro_xx
    @macumbeiro_xx 2 роки тому +77

    The best thing about "being" Al Di Meola is that when you want to listen to Al Di Meola live you just get your guitar and play.

  • @tombrown9460
    @tombrown9460 2 роки тому +14

    Having someone expert like Rick interviewing these musical legends seems to bring out a relaxed and flowing conversation. He speaks to them on their level.

  • @alexdven
    @alexdven 2 роки тому +26

    This is the best interview I've seen in years. I thought Sting was the top interview but Maestro Di Meola has been in so many unbelievable musical situations.

  • @terjero
    @terjero 2 роки тому +157

    These series of interviews are most certainly going to be important for the future generations of musicians and listeners. My prediction is that it is going to be a lot more important that you think right now.

    • @LeastTango
      @LeastTango 2 роки тому

      Seems to be almost identical to another comment one day earlier😀

    • @SaloLoyo
      @SaloLoyo 2 роки тому +1

      You are so right, this are priceless treasures, like museum pieces.

    • @guuskaitjily8581
      @guuskaitjily8581 2 роки тому +2

      In future these interviews will be mandatory if you wanna attend music school

    • @andresbarriga5305
      @andresbarriga5305 2 роки тому

      It's amazing to me right now.

    • @bws1971
      @bws1971 2 роки тому

      Agreed. These guys are the last fully analog generation of brilliant artists and virtuosos. We will never see the likes of them again

  • @tonysantos6459
    @tonysantos6459 2 роки тому +140

    As a Spaniard, listening to him talk about Paco de Lucía with that admiration is so thrilling! Congrats again Rick!

    • @deldia
      @deldia 2 роки тому +13

      The people that know, know. Paco was a guitar legend. If only people could see what he could have done with Al’s Conde guitar 😂

    • @NobodySpecial512
      @NobodySpecial512 2 роки тому +9

      Doesn't everyone who has ever heard him talk about Paco de Lucia that way? If they don't, they should. But then my mother's family is Spanish.

    • @syntaxlost9239
      @syntaxlost9239 2 роки тому +12

      Don't think it'll happen, but it'd be cool if Rick did a video on Paco de Lucia. E.g. What makes this song great? Entre Dos Aguas

    • @rogercudney8238
      @rogercudney8238 2 роки тому +6

      @@syntaxlost9239 Zyryab and Almoraima are much better.

    • @syntaxlost9239
      @syntaxlost9239 2 роки тому

      @@rogercudney8238 Sure. I don't really have a strong opinion on that, just providing an example.

  • @scottstevens5481
    @scottstevens5481 Рік тому +45

    Oh my!!! The Norwegian Wood at 6:25 is SO exquisite!! Just like a very fine wine!!! So fun to watch and listen to. Al seems like such a genuine, sweet and sensitive soul! Thank you for letting us get to know him a little bit. Blessings to you Rick!

    • @UniMatrix_1
      @UniMatrix_1 6 місяців тому +1

      Just discovered this today, his playing is truly unique. His grasp of rhyming combined with near perfect technique is soooo captivating

    • @UniMatrix_1
      @UniMatrix_1 6 місяців тому +1

      Rhythm

    • @cinders302
      @cinders302 Місяць тому +1

      His take on it was fabulous.

  • @IM-dx2nx
    @IM-dx2nx 2 роки тому +31

    I love how he incorporated so many things from so many great musicians like Chick Corea, Paco de Lucia and Astor Piazzolla on his playing and you can still recognize him immediately after a few notes. Thank you Rick for this interview and greetings from Argentina.

  • @italoop7850
    @italoop7850 2 роки тому +72

    Rick---- John McLaughlin is a MUST for an interview! The man IS a legend as he's been the first playing things all others picked up later. HE is THE MAN! Please... it's a well deserved thing to do..

  • @greenethumbs5738
    @greenethumbs5738 2 роки тому +71

    Wow, Pat and Al! Do you think you could get an interview with John McLaughlin? That would be incredible!

  • @navasaband
    @navasaband 2 роки тому +17

    All the great ones are always so humble… there is obviously a strength of ego to perform with such vitality, but this always gives way to a deep and resonant respect of others and a gentle humility about their own virtuosic talent…

  • @dickburns9200
    @dickburns9200 Рік тому +13

    I watched this again and enjoyed it as much as the first time. What a great guy Al is.

  • @biswas01
    @biswas01 2 роки тому +182

    This wasn't an interview, it was a Masterclass! Thank you SO MUCH for getting all these insights into his background, his collaborators, his philosophies, and most importantly, his actual playing. There should be a UA-cam Grammy for this!

    • @percyvolnar8010
      @percyvolnar8010 Рік тому +1

      This was not a masterclass. His REH instructional video was one hell of a Masterclass. :)

  • @BradConroy_guitar
    @BradConroy_guitar 2 роки тому +23

    "It was a great era, we had no cell phones to distract us, we had no computers, we only had our room to practice." It was a great era, and thank you for the inspiration, sir!

  • @aymenlouhibi5775
    @aymenlouhibi5775 8 місяців тому +8

    After all these years of record releasing and live performances, I still think of Al Di Meola as an underrated guitarist and one that should have had more a lot more recognition and appreciation from music lovers all over the world. To me, give Al an acoustic guitar, shut your eyes and you're guaranteed an unprecedented astronomical voyage. Thank you for this episode Rick

  • @yodajazzcat
    @yodajazzcat 2 роки тому +22

    That was an epic interview. And Al's playing, although I can't begin to fathom what he's doing, is incredibly mesmerizing.

  • @onecarnivore
    @onecarnivore 2 роки тому +16

    No one else has done 40 years of prep for an interview. It was perfect Rick.

  • @sdemosi
    @sdemosi 2 роки тому +94

    His Strawberry Fields is mind blowing. There are fast players & technically adept virtuosos but Al combines fast clean runs with vast chord knowledge & improvisational fluency. Then he adds his varied syncopation & Latin influences and you get something unique.

    • @anthem3560
      @anthem3560 2 роки тому +1

      totally

    • @aleaallee
      @aleaallee 2 роки тому

      Sounds more like Flamenco influences, which is Spanish, not Latin.

    • @sdemosi
      @sdemosi 2 роки тому +6

      @@aleaallee Latin music is a broad title which includes Hispanic, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, samba and bossa nova.

  • @Franck.Jazzman
    @Franck.Jazzman Рік тому +6

    Thank you from 🇫🇷 for this great pleasure Rick🙏Master Al is a beautiful person, eminently sympathetic and his fantastic acoustic playing 💫 he is one of the greatest.

  • @DuhQuanNigstix
    @DuhQuanNigstix Рік тому +14

    In my teenage years I was listening to Joe Pass, John McLaughlin, Pat Martino, Earl Klugh, John Scofield, Paco De Lucia, Pat Metheny and many others. However, there was something that really stood out about Al Di Meola that really resonated with me. Beyond blazing fingers there was a soul and voice to his playing that really stood out to me. Great interview!

  • @xxstormbringerxx
    @xxstormbringerxx 2 роки тому +173

    My God... He is an absolute master of his craft! Race with the devil on a Spanish highway still my all time favorite.

    • @autk
      @autk 2 роки тому +8

      Yes ..and Flight over Rio, for the baddest ass flying riffs. Longer song and you have to wait for it...but sheesh.

    • @ricpett171
      @ricpett171 2 роки тому +6

      That song reaches another Level for sure..

    • @eddyvideo
      @eddyvideo 2 роки тому +4

      Yep , my fav as well !

    • @BaroqueBlues
      @BaroqueBlues 2 роки тому +5

      There's a song with 3 BILLION views on UA-cam that was plagiarized from the Al Di Meola & Buddy Miles song Southbound Traveler, the song with 3 billion views is called: LEAN ON by MØ

    • @NobodySpecial512
      @NobodySpecial512 2 роки тому +3

      That a great song. It was past of the soundtrack of my high school years.

  • @dgax65
    @dgax65 2 роки тому +138

    I think this has to be your best interview to date. I really enjoyed the Sting interview, but it took him a while to open up. Al was open and engaged from the start. The format of going back and forth between the dialogue and playing really works well.

    • @beyondinfinity3876
      @beyondinfinity3876 2 роки тому +7

      i agree!

    • @gun_toting_lefty
      @gun_toting_lefty 2 роки тому +4

      Ditto! Best interview I've heard Rick do yet.

    • @rk41gator
      @rk41gator 2 роки тому

      Sting was wonderful. It was interesting to see it blossom, but this was special.

    • @fcamiola
      @fcamiola 24 дні тому +2

      Sting was so pretentious I had to turn it off. I dig his music but he's insufferable as a person. Copeland was great though!

  • @nicholasthornton7000
    @nicholasthornton7000 11 місяців тому +16

    What an incredible interview! Clearly so much mutual appreciation and respect. Love how there is so much Paco in his playing.
    Would love Rick to do an analysis of a Paco piece if not done already.

  • @lokitaporangi18
    @lokitaporangi18 2 роки тому +4

    Hi Rick, I watched all 1:25:26s of the interview and since I am a self taught drummer and the very first time that i head the name Al DiMeola was back during the very early 1980s for a mutual musician, a guitar player in fact, whose older brother tunned him onto DiMeola, but never really got into his music, because I was into rock music, and then I heard DeMeola's name again but from a Jazz drummer from Chicago, which is where I live, named Ernie Adams, who toured and recorded with DeMeola and I was blown away to know someone that knows Al DeMeola. Anyway, this was a very interesting and very cool video/interview and I was surprised at how much DeMeola performed because most of your interviewees only perform a little but Al, really gave it his all. Also, one of the things about the video that intrigued me the most is when you were cracking up at the very beginning of the video, which I'll assume that Al made you laugh, where you cats may have been talking about Jaco, and I wish I knew what Al said to you that was so funny. Lastly, super cool video, keep up the great videos, and keep following your bliss, because we're definitely enjoying the ride.

  • @domfox
    @domfox 2 роки тому +63

    An interview of this calibre with McLaughlin would be really something too. The way Di Meola talks about rhythm, the way he moves his body when talking about rhythm, told me so much about how his music works, what moves him to make it the way he does. A really great encounter.

    • @bofad6074
      @bofad6074 2 роки тому

      That would be amazing McLaughlin seems like a wonderful human

  • @larryk5541
    @larryk5541 2 роки тому +79

    Only been watching your videos for a couple years now, Rick, but I think this is the finest interview you've done. To be able to sit down with a music legend like Al and not gush all over him like a 15 year old must have taken a major force of will. Congratulations and here's to more like it.

  • @xXvaloisXx
    @xXvaloisXx Рік тому +10

    When i had first discovered Al for my self, it was over 20 years ago. i could only have dreamed of footage this is depth and personal. I feel spoiled and extremely lucky to be able to watch these masters in a room setting. Thank you Rick! I'm forever grateful for your content.

  • @electreelife
    @electreelife Рік тому +21

    Rick Beato’s work in showcasing Music History is truly remarkable! I mean sitting with all those legends and not only…thank you for all this goodness🥰

  • @eyelidman09
    @eyelidman09 2 роки тому +39

    A living guitar legend. Along with maestro John McLaughlin and the late great Paco De Lucia ‘Friday Night in San Francisco’ (1981) is the stand out seminal album and game changer for me. Utter respect. Thank you Rick. 🙏🇬🇧🌞🙏24.2.22.

    • @JoeContiMusic
      @JoeContiMusic 2 роки тому +2

      Great album. I saw them the next night in LA. Fantastic

  • @HowCommunicationWorks
    @HowCommunicationWorks 2 роки тому +63

    This is a great interview. Al is incredibly interesting and open. His music intimidates me, but as a person, he’s very mellow and down to earth. Rick is putting down some archival quality stuff here.

  • @magicruss1
    @magicruss1 Рік тому +12

    Rick Beato being such a great musician and producer himself knows exactly the right questions to ask,such a great interview to add to his list

  • @RobertSababady
    @RobertSababady 2 роки тому +18

    What an epic talk. So nice to see Al Di Meola alive and grateful to be at peace with himself!

  • @stellarrat
    @stellarrat 2 роки тому +12

    A long time ago, probably 1981 or something like that, I took my friend to see Al DiMeola. It was really an evil plot by me to surprise him. He was a huge Rush fan and didn't know anything about DiMeola, but he was a rock guitar player and had an open mind about music. We were young beginner/intermediate guitarists and used to play together all the time. He kept telling me how Rush were greatest musicians because their songs were so complicated and they played so precisely, etc, etc... Anyway, I got the tickets and asked him if wanted to see DiMeola with me without really telling him too much other than he was a good player. We got up to Portland at the Paramount theater. The Paramount had great acoustic properties because it was originally built as playhouse and a music hall. It's now the home of the Oregon Symphony. So, we get our seats and Al walks out then band immediately opens up with Egyptian Danza. I look over at my friend and his jaw is just about hanging on the floor. It was hilarious. I just started laughing. He pretty much just stood there the entire show transfixed just blown away. They sounded better live than on my records. After the show he said, "Rush aren't the greatest musicians, I just saw the greatest." From then on he was a huge DiMeola fan, but we could never come close to even attempting to play anything by him. We just admired him from afar as mere mortals.

  • @markparee99
    @markparee99 2 роки тому +61

    Your interviews with musicians, Rick, are just SO good. Would love to see you talk with John McLauughlin at some point.

  • @rrryanocerous
    @rrryanocerous 2 роки тому +8

    Been into Als music since high school and I still constantly go back to it for inspiration and motivation . He is truly the gold standard of authentic guitar guitar playing. Love the guy!

  • @DrProgNerd
    @DrProgNerd 2 роки тому +81

    Back when I was learning guitar and listening to hair-metal in the early 80's, my older brother had me listen to Race With the Devil on a Spanish Highway and Mediterranean Sundance. I couldn't believe those sounds could be pulled from a guitar. Friday Night ...and Romantic Warrior are glorious. Honestly, as good as he has always been, I think his playing now is even better. His dynamics - and the clarity with which he executes is sublime. There aren't many players of his caliber left.

    • @stevenjones6780
      @stevenjones6780 2 роки тому +1

      It''s amazing how good he looks, seems very healthy and happy...

  • @drdre4397
    @drdre4397 2 роки тому +63

    Wow that Norwegian wood rendition was beautiful. I know he's a seasoned pro but it sounded so full for 1 solo classical guitar. This was a real treat, thank you as always Rick.
    Edit: wood not would.

  • @markpeavy4005
    @markpeavy4005 9 місяців тому +4

    I know this is a year old...Al De Meola!!!! Genius in front of you!(genius too!) I played Al De Meola to "woo" my wife! Forty years ago! She is still with me for some strange reason! Rick, as always love your work! I could live a lifetime with what you have heard live!

  • @Redwane-Music
    @Redwane-Music 6 місяців тому +3

    I met Al Di Meola in the early 90s in Musician Exchange Cafe and had a little chat with him. I found him very sweet and kind and down to earth
    Really how a true artist should be.

  • @TheOdieD3
    @TheOdieD3 2 роки тому +22

    Rick,
    Oh man! I don’t know how you are going to top this. This is the best trip into Beato Land ever.
    Al Di is a very generous guy. I have run into him twice. Each time he has been exceptionally gracious. No airs. He just loves music. The first time I mentioned I am mesmerized by his timing and his band’s timing. He just lit up, and started a whole conversation.

  • @metalpractor5150
    @metalpractor5150 2 роки тому +81

    That was amazing! No one brings out the candor like you do , Rick. You speak their language in terms of music knowledge, but you also are a fan and feel the emotional sentiment and appreciate the artistry being portrayed , which is not lost on Artists such as Al. Beautiful. What a wonderful gift this video is.

    • @metalpractor5150
      @metalpractor5150 2 роки тому

      Rick, I was wondering if Al ever mentioned specifics to you on how Chick helped in his writing development along with the other up and coming musicians that he played with?

  • @newbbietrader9918
    @newbbietrader9918 2 місяці тому +2

    RICK this interview is worth GOLD. lots of good stories from AL.

  • @gitarrenpost
    @gitarrenpost 2 роки тому +10

    For me, this is the most beautiful and inspiring combination of an interview and a session so far. Seeing two guys celebrating their addiction to making music reminds me of my younger days.
    I was lucky enough to see and hear Paco, John and Al behind the iron curtain in East Berlin on the Jungferninsel. Unforgettable.

  • @stephanmariani8313
    @stephanmariani8313 2 роки тому +59

    Absolute GOLD!!! This interview!!!

    • @outoper
      @outoper 2 роки тому +2

      Totally agree!!!

  • @roguecheddar6252
    @roguecheddar6252 2 роки тому +148

    I was at Berklee in 76, 77, when Return To Forever , Weather Report, Stanley, Jaco, and Al, were all hitting really big. What a wondrous time. I wish I could relive it all over again.

    • @hugonongbri8100
      @hugonongbri8100 2 роки тому

      how many bands you been in since then ??

    • @roguecheddar6252
      @roguecheddar6252 2 роки тому +6

      @@hugonongbri8100 about eight, mostly Top 40 dance or wedding bands, a couple classic rock bands. I gigged a lot late 70s into the 90s, took a long time sabbatical when the kids came along.

    • @joeinterrante7873
      @joeinterrante7873 2 роки тому +1

      Yes me too my friend

    • @ilmisxx2
      @ilmisxx2 2 роки тому +1

      That sounds like a time to relive. I wasn't even alive at that time and I wish I could share that experience.

    • @peterpedersen1641
      @peterpedersen1641 2 роки тому +3

      Hey Rogue... I grew up around NJ. and lived in Berkeley Heights in 76. I was 21 at the time. I went to the Coffee shop at Rutgers one afternoon. This band was setting up to play there... Strange... Turns out it was Al, Chick, Stanley and I think, David Sanches...? Not sure. But it was Stanley birthday. and we watched an amazing afternoon of jamming. I became a huge Stanely Clark fan that day. already was an Al DiMeola fan and saw in in the city a ton. We are only a few months off in age. I didn't go to music school but self taught from around 68 on. Mostly a fingerstyle player these days. Some jazz background. Took my first lessons with Harry Leahy back around 1977 just for 6 months. I was too into Pink Floyd and Playing rock. But always went to see Return to Forever and Mahavishnu. This interview is way cool....

  • @Morten6842
    @Morten6842 Рік тому +20

    Love this interview, Al Di Meola is such a fascinating composer, musician and human. Greatly shown in this interview.
    Hope to see an interview with Steve Morse someday 🤞

  • @bmaniac1
    @bmaniac1 Рік тому +13

    This was just amazing!! Great job Rick!! There's not a guitar player on the planet that does not have much respect for Al. We're all in awe of him.

  • @breft3416
    @breft3416 2 роки тому +25

    Well, if there was a Grammy and an Oscar for the interviews you and others have done, they would name it the Rick Beato/Al DiMeola award for most valuable content. All your stuff is great, but this one had some magic goin' on!

  • @JerryT21
    @JerryT21 2 роки тому +39

    Rick , you have the respect of every musician in the world , from legends to beginners . 🙏

  • @TVoltG
    @TVoltG 2 роки тому +7

    My mom took me to see him when I was an early teen in San Francisco. I was mesmerized by this man's playing. Unreal.

  • @glen4326
    @glen4326 5 місяців тому +4

    Almost a million views. Well deserved. I am so glad we have Rick to bring us content with greats such as Al Di Meola. Too cool.

  • @geneobrien8907
    @geneobrien8907 2 роки тому +16

    I love how Al gets into the zone as soon as he starts playing, everything else is muted. I can relate just when listening to music, I don't hear it if someone starts talking to me when I'm actively listening music.

  • @nolongerthere
    @nolongerthere 2 роки тому +29

    Those first three albums of Al's back in the 70's were my gateway drug into fusion and from there into jazz. Never looked back and I'm thrilled to catch up with the master 45 years later!

    • @skepto-o-punk8286
      @skepto-o-punk8286 2 роки тому +2

      Same here.

    • @spydergkh6337
      @spydergkh6337 2 роки тому

      @@skepto-o-punk8286 Absolutely! I saw Al open for Renaissance in Tucson, AZ right after the release of "Casino" in 1978. After watching him, as much as I love Renaissance, it took a bit to settle into their show!! Lol! They were wonderful, as well! Just an amazing night of music, for sure!

  • @rickwintheiser5621
    @rickwintheiser5621 2 роки тому +9

    I have been a fan since I heard, 'Race with the Devil on Spanish Highway", to be reinforced by seeing him live (opening for some band that never stood a chance to rise to his level). So real, so approachable, I love how he apologizes when he messes up a riff, this interview just looked like to friends exploring the day. Rick Beato is becoming more amazing with each interview. Congratulations.

  • @johnnalty5150
    @johnnalty5150 2 роки тому +6

    DiMeola the “master” What a fantastic interview, the interviewer was the perfect person to conduct the interview

  • @wegert1
    @wegert1 2 роки тому +51

    This was a really beautiful interview. Al was so free in expressing himself through his playing, and his words. Like others have said, only you could do this interview. And like others have said, congrats.

  • @philosopher0076
    @philosopher0076 2 роки тому +30

    Almost 1/4 of a MILLION people have watched this interview, in just 2 days. An Al DiMeola interview video?...in 2022 no less?? Wow. No wonder Al, as he stated was, " nervous ". He knows the following this channel has. Think about it, one of his best selling albums ever sold 8 million copies in around two years or more. This is now 2 DAYS and close to 1/4 million people have watched and heard it. I'd flub more than a note or two if that was me. Not to mention Al likely had a little vino in him from dinner. He kind of sounded pleasantly buzzed. So those few tiny flubs are nothing. He pretty much played perfectly. Great job Rick...what a beautiful, comfortable, interesting, friendly and informative interview here. Fantastic.

    • @th3m1ke
      @th3m1ke 2 роки тому

      Knowledge is like wine - it gets better with time and experience and I think this generation is now beginning to seek out the oracle like wisdom of seasoned legends now. We've watched guys sweep and rip at 330 bpm on social media for so long but now we want the goods.

    • @nick326697
      @nick326697 2 роки тому

      Makes me optimistic for the future...

    • @mickknight6963
      @mickknight6963 2 роки тому

      He seems like a very open and sharing guy, I know he shares a lot on his Facebook. He gets involved in discussions easily and is very easy to talk to, which is very cool if being interviewed. Very good.

  • @andreastroster285
    @andreastroster285 2 роки тому +7

    What an amazing musician! 50 years of musical research under his belt. And it shows in his playing. Genius.

  • @richjasctt
    @richjasctt Рік тому +7

    1:14:00 to 1:23:20 or thereabouts. Rick Beato was there live and was clearly blown away. Collectively we all have to pick ourselves up off the floor after that astonishing, other-worldly playing. Thank you, Al! Thank you, Rick!

  • @tonekilltech
    @tonekilltech 2 роки тому +105

    Al is the GOAT! Met him after a show in Charlotte, NC around 2005, shook his hand and he signed my copy of his book Chords, Scales, and Arpeggios. Thank you for sharing this awesome interview!

    • @shriggs55
      @shriggs55 2 роки тому +8

      You might want to check out "the rite of strings"-with Al,Jon luc ponty,and Stanley Clark.It's great!

    • @tonekilltech
      @tonekilltech 2 роки тому +2

      @@shriggs55 yes, I have that CD somewhere, probably nearly worn out.

    • @shriggs55
      @shriggs55 2 роки тому +3

      @@tonekilltech I know what you mean.

    • @tiacho2893
      @tiacho2893 2 роки тому +3

      He's been the guitarist I aspire to be for almost 4 decades!!!

    • @tiacho2893
      @tiacho2893 2 роки тому +1

      @@tonekilltech Dad joke on LPs. So worn you could hear the other side!!!

  • @JAYDUBYAH29
    @JAYDUBYAH29 2 роки тому +5

    I love how Rick is bemoaning the need for tablature at the end and Al has just gone back inside his interior music palace and is suddenly reminded of something else he wants to play -"check this out" he says softly, and then as he imperfectly pays the most beautiful and mysterious music he mutters "too nervous.." Floored.

  • @valeriesuttonpayne7413
    @valeriesuttonpayne7413 Рік тому +7

    I had no idea that musicians are so interesting. I love hearing their stories. And of course many of them I’ve never heard of. I love your interviews, Rick.

  • @nosondre
    @nosondre 2 роки тому +5

    Al and his contemporaries were a huge part of my life when I was a teenager. Music became meditation instead of a distraction in the background. They taught me to listen and I’m grateful.

  • @SooBahkJoel
    @SooBahkJoel 2 роки тому +36

    Any time I talk to non guitar players about Al DiMeola I simply tell them that HE is the guitar player that all the ones they have heard of aspire to be.

    • @Snarkapotamus
      @Snarkapotamus 2 роки тому +2

      I'm a pretty decent guitar player but he and Pat Metheny freak me out...

  • @mdc58
    @mdc58 2 роки тому +68

    Astounding interview! Al was a big influence on me with that 1st solo album. I was 19 teaching myself alternate picking. One night I had a dream Al showed me how he played fast. The next morning, no lie, I was about twice as fast I was the day before. ;-) Only to a group a guitar nerds would I tell that story.

    • @eugenestandingbear6516
      @eugenestandingbear6516 2 роки тому +3

      I'm a believer 😁

    • @susanhudak1542
      @susanhudak1542 2 роки тому +11

      I totally believe you. My friend Terry Kath was a friend of Jimi Hendrix. He had a dream in which Jimi came and gave him a song complete with music and lyrics. I believe he recorded it with Chicago. I don't remember the name but it's there. We all remember Paul McCartney dreaming the music to Yesterday and asking everyone what song is this? He finally realized it was his. Keith Richards famously kept a cassette recorder next to his bed. Sometimes he would see he had turned it on during the night. He found things that came through his subconscious mind that he didn't remember. When we're sleeping we open ourselves to receive things that are blocked with the noise of everyday life.

    • @stratcat4450
      @stratcat4450 2 роки тому +2

      @@susanhudak1542 great comment and it's true. I once in a while dream in the morning of playing things I'd never come up with awake an if I immediately pick up a guitar I can sometimes capture it, if I don't then its gone.

    • @skyhorseprice6591
      @skyhorseprice6591 2 роки тому +2

      @@susanhudak1542
      My entire musical life has been about capturing the music I hear in my Music Dreams. It's incredible, unearthly music, and in the dreams I can be a participant, I can edit snd add parts, change the flow. It's just.....if I can ever get it right while still in planet earth human guise, I will die a happy man.

  • @gpl6789
    @gpl6789 Рік тому +1

    43:20 Prince.. Playing - Singing & Dancing ..at the same time :)) Great Interview, Rick !

  • @Swampster70
    @Swampster70 Рік тому +2

    I've never been a fan of Al Di Meola just because I never gave him the time to listen to his music. It's way different from what I normally listen too.
    But fuck, I watched this interview because if followed on from another of yours I was watching and was enthralled. What an amazing musician and guitarist. Thankyou so much for this interview and thankyou for your style of interview - allowing the artist the to speak and when they're performing, allowing them to continue playing until they're done rather than interrupting.

  • @JK-js2td
    @JK-js2td 2 роки тому +58

    Rick....amazing you got to interview Al. He needs no introduction for people in the know....he is a guitar god of the highest level and i cant wait to hear your interview with him. Well done 👏 congrats sir!!! After listening...loved hearing "Norwegian Wood" part!

  • @seehearthink
    @seehearthink 2 роки тому +59

    Rick, man, these videos that you do is like "60 Minutes" for Musicians. The way that you draw out the soul of each of these musicians is magical! Your work is and will be a lasting legacy that you should be proud of! Thank you, your crew, and thank you to the musicians that share their time with all of us! Legendary!

  • @westwindpainting
    @westwindpainting Рік тому

    At 61 ...this is like being invited into the home of one of your life's favorite musicians..plus the interviewer knows the home as if he built it with the musician

  • @robertkoascorpio
    @robertkoascorpio 2 роки тому +6

    I can tell what a brilliant yet down to Earth guy DiMeola is. I am so surprised at how brilliant his Solo Guitar stuff is and how beautiful sounding . His sense of time has even improved to a really really high level with the syncopation across voices.

  • @JoshClarkson
    @JoshClarkson 2 роки тому +38

    Certainly the best display of fresh produce I've ever seen in an interview with a musician.

    • @michaelscott356
      @michaelscott356 Рік тому +1

      Funny you say that, Josh! I too was thinking "That's one helluva batch of Sangria they've got planned there!"
      Then...wait a minute... RADDISHES?

    • @JoshClarkson
      @JoshClarkson Рік тому +2

      @@michaelscott356 that's fusion cuisine for you

  • @guitarrazen
    @guitarrazen 2 роки тому +73

    Al is really an amazing player, as a Brazilian musician, I have to say that he was one of my greatest influences on the electric and acoustic guitar, ever. Awesome interview, Rick!!!!

    • @outoper
      @outoper 2 роки тому

      O Al é o maior guitarrista de progressive jazz vivo. O Return to Forever foi um canhão por conta da guitarra dele, que puxava o som criado pelo gênio do Chick.

    • @RFDlic
      @RFDlic 2 роки тому

      @@outoper You never listened to the first record with Joe Farrell, Flora Purim, Stanley Clarke, Airto Moreira?

  • @paulmorgan5841
    @paulmorgan5841 Рік тому +5

    Rick dives into the art. It’s why these amazing artists talk to him.

  • @arthurwilson1966
    @arthurwilson1966 7 місяців тому +1

    Just wanted to find somewhere to post a heartfelt 'get well soon, Al' following the upsetting news that he suffered a heart attack while performing in Bucharest, Romania this week. Really love this man's music. Truly one of the great composer's and players

  • @mikewallace1270
    @mikewallace1270 2 роки тому +13

    Rick I think you've cornered the market on in-depth interviews with great musicians. There's nothing else like this anywhere.

  • @aquilomanganelli175
    @aquilomanganelli175 2 роки тому +35

    I can't begin to describe how riveting this entire interview was. DiMeola is the first fusion guy who's musical voice I was completely awestruck by. Thank you!

  • @rickwatford4573
    @rickwatford4573 Рік тому +5

    Al is truly a legend and a huge inspiration. He often doesn’t get the credit he deserves

  • @duaneperkins8329
    @duaneperkins8329 Рік тому +8

    Grew up a rocker but Al and Herb Alpert taught me to really love jazz. Herb, I loved due to my father having all his records, but Al I found due to MTV (back when they were good). Really amazing player. Thank you, Rick.

  • @skyhorseprice6591
    @skyhorseprice6591 2 роки тому +43

    I cannot thank you enough for this one, Rick. It's inspirational, illuminating. That part where Al is sitting there with his foot tapping and he's playing some classical thing in like straight 4/4 ....then he just switches it up and _goes off_ .....oh man, that was glorious.
    I never realized until this very moment, after watching this interview, that Al DiMeola was an influence on my own playing. But now, in this new light, I can see that he was, and that blows me away. I've kinda always wondered where the 'Sinister Latin Arabic Scale' (😂) that I gravitate towards came from. It's All DiMeola! He does it a lot. This whole interview helped me to realize how much of an influence I have from the jazz/rock fusion scene. I mean, my first big influence was Alvin Lee, but when Mahavishnu came out, and Yes with Steve Howe (more prog rock, but the guitar stuff was always more advanced than just straight 1-4-5 blues stuff, not that there is anything wrong with that). John McLaughlin was a huge influence, as was Al DiMeola, only with Al _I didn't even realize it!_
    Funny, ain't it, how music can reach into us and shape our destiny, yet we may not even be consciously aware of it. _Awesome!_

  • @buzzfretwear2906
    @buzzfretwear2906 2 роки тому +49

    Haven’t paid much attention to Al in many years. Needless to say my interest has been renewed. God he’s good. Al seems like a very decent guy too. Great story teller. Great job Rick!

    • @gun_toting_lefty
      @gun_toting_lefty 2 роки тому

      IKR? Been awhile since I listened to Al and then watching something like THIS. It's like where have I been all this time?

    • @mikejager9434
      @mikejager9434 2 роки тому

      I agree. Definitely will be dusting off the old old stuff. This will be fun to hear Al with my 35 year older ears. TY Rick & Al.

  • @gitarmats
    @gitarmats 9 місяців тому +2

    The thing that always gets me about Al is his ability to always throw in a hip rhythm somewhere where you least expect it and it sounds so fresh.

  • @LicksoftheLegend
    @LicksoftheLegend Місяць тому

    In 2024 it’s almost hard to fathom at one point a jazz fusion act could be playing stadiums. This is an amazing interview.