Di Meola in the Studio, Unguarded
A double album where the guitarist steps back from virtuosity and leans into mood.
By 1980, Al Di Meola had already proven he could play faster and more cleanly than almost anyone. Splendido Hotel (1980) arrives at a moment when he seems less interested in showing off that fact. This is a studio record in the truest sense — composed, arranged, and built in the control room rather than written for a live band. What makes it distinctive is how much restraint lives inside it. The guitar is still there, still precise, still capable of speed, but it's deployed differently. Di Meola lets songs breathe. He lets other elements — keyboards, synthesizers, production textures — share the space instead of dominating it.
For listeners who came to Di Meola through his earlier fusion work, this album can feel like a sideways move. It's more produced, more commercial in its instincts, less interested in the acoustic interplay that defined his earlier trio recordings. That approach will frustrate some people; they want the old Di Meola back. But that's not quite fair to what he's doing here. The guitar work is still sophisticated. The writing shows range. He's simply made a different kind of album — one that values atmosphere and song craft over display. It's solid work, cleanly executed, and it connects with listeners who wanted fusion to be less aggressive and more approachable.
As a double album, it has the room to wander. Some tracks stick immediately; others need a few listens to settle in. The production values are high for 1980. If you're new to Di Meola, start elsewhere — try an earlier fusion record or a live performance to hear what he built his reputation on. But if you already know his work and want to see how he sounded when he had the budget and the studio to experiment without restraint, this is the place to look.
Who's playing
Tim Landersbass guitar
Anthony Jacksonbass guitar
Chick Coreapiano
Peter Cannarozzisynthesizer
Jan Hammersynthesizer
Robbie Gonzalezdrums
Steve Gadddrums
Eddie Colonpercussion
James Mingo Lewisbongos, congas
Al Di Meolamandocello
Philippe Saissekeyboard
Where next?
More by Al Di Meola
Friday Night in San Francisco 1981
Elegant Gypsy 1977
Passion, Grace & Fire 1983
Electric Rendezvous 1982
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
