Review: Consequence of Chaos by Al Di Meola

by Rick Landers

Consequence of Chaos

Al has returned to what he calls his “first love”, the electric guitar. It's been ten years since his last electric album, and in his hands, his PRS guitars cast long searing riffs and smartly executed split-second arpeggios that are all tastefully melodic. His mates on this album alone should generate strong interest and include the legendary Chick Corea (percussive piano) who’s joined Al on previous work.

A legend in his own right, Al has sold over 6 million records, including three gold albums and has shared the stage or recorded with a wide-ranging list of artists such as: Larry Coryell, Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, Jimmy Page, Stanley Clarke, Luciano Pavarotti, Stevie Wonder and Jaco Pastorius. Di Meola has pioneered jazz fusion with the best of them and can be counted on to fashion a mix of original compositions that intrique, as well as entertain.

Consequence of Chaos seems an unusual name for a song group that is all but chaotic. The compositions are structured, yet adventurous, as well as melodic with a nice network of “catch phrases” that all keep the tunes on terra firma. Maybe in Al’s mind the consequence of chaos is a yearning or desire for structure.

The intro track “San Marco (moderne)” clips along with a funky beat and buttery licks that De Meola says suggest an “almost avant-garde setting to this fabulous piazza in Venice.” True, but only if one also takes a side trip that ignores the gondolas and hops on a speed boat for a quick spin around the damp “streets” of the town. The track isn't some stroll around a piazza, as much as it's a joyful ride.

“Black Pearls” highlights a diplomatic merging of musical styles from both the West and the Middle East where Al rocks us through the bazaars and aromas of a deep and ancient culture unbound by the tethers of war.

A cacaphonus mix of African percussion, spun up with Di Meola’s splendid spurts of sinewy guitar riffs make “African Suite” the perfect musical backdrop for the fleeting gossip and delicate cuppings one sips in the small local village cafes of the dark continent. This track is also a favorite of Al's, so that alone suggests it's worth a listen.

Throughout Consequence of Chaos one bears witness to the elegant guitar virtuosity of Al Di Meola, a guitarist that can flash through as good as any rocker, but chooses to isolate or underlay his riffs to better highlight the intent of each composition rather than display his prowess in some ego driven fashion. This is another classy CD from a master guitarist and one that can be downloaded en toto or bought without concern that it’s a hit or a miss – Di Meola nails it.

Title: Consequence of Chaos
Label: Telarc International Corporation
Release date: September 26, 2006

Track Listing
1. San Marco (moderne)
2. Turquoise
3. Odyssey
4. Tao
5. Azucar
6. Sanctuary
7. Hypnose
8. Red Moon
9. Cry for You
10. Just Three Words
11. Tempest
12. Storm Off-Shore
13. Black Pearls
14. African Suite
15. San Marco (vecchio)