Al DiMeola & Leonid Agutin - Nobody

First of, I must say – cool! Thisthree year old album is finally available in the US – long overdue. One would think DiMeola’s name alone would have insured success in the US. I have no idea of the reasons why this escaped our visions for so long, but here it is, and deserves a bit more elaboration than I normally get into. Leonid is a singer who is popular in Russia, and he managed to get Al in his back-up band. In many ways it sounds like those records Carlos makes with other people, where the guitar is simply jamming along, albeit played with true excellence. Still makes for some real tasty listening, especially when the guitar is allowed to solo. DiMeola graces this album with both acoustic and electric guitars, therefore many jazz flavors are enjoyed here from flamenco to salsa to rock & roll and beyond. Nice work. Shoutouts for Cuba Africa, Smile, and Cosmopolitan Life. Extra shoutouts for the less adventuresome but still tasty listens of Tango and Portofino. Thanks! Al DiMeola & Leonid Agutin on CD + Al DiMeola & Leonid Agutin on DVD.