Taylor Eigsti opened for Al. He's an extraordinary pianist. I thought of you when he debuted a newly discovered John Coltrane piece. He had gotten permission to play from Coltrane's son, Ravi. The piece brought me back to Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," which you introduced me to so many years ago. Eigsti's fingers danced on the grand piano keyboard. I loved it. I remember how you would be so caught up in such musical genius that you would leap from your seat. You would have leapt last night not only for Eigsti's virtuoso piano playing but for Al's guitar work.
If Taylor Eigsti's fingers dance on the keyboard, Al Di Meola's surely dance on the neck of his guitar, whether acoustic or electric. Al surrounded himself with great musicians from Italy, Cuba. Fausto Beccalossi played accordion. Among the many pieces were one from Astor Piazzola whom he attributed as a great influence over the past 20 years. Piazzola was Argentine and perhaps the greatest Tango composer of the 20th century.
Al paid tribute to his guitar teacher from Bergenfield, NJ where he grew up. The audience gave the teacher a standing ovation. You would have loved it.
