The Al Di Meola Project - Kiss My Axe (1991)

Despite the aggression its title implies, Kiss My Axe is the work of a softer, more reflective Al di Meola, who had become greatly influenced by Pat Metheny's subtle lyricism, but still had a very recognizable and distinctive sound. Di Meola's new approach was perfectly summarized when, in 1991, he told Jazz Times he wanted to be "enchanted" by the music instead of dazzling listeners with his considerable chops. One thing that remains is the guitarist's strong interest in world music – this imaginative session liberally incorporates Latin influences (Brazilian, Spanish, Peruvian and Afro-Cuban) as well as Middle Eastern and African elements.

In that Jazz Times interview, di Meola explained that this CD's title resulted in part from his frustration over the fact that many labels and commercial radio stations were choosing bloodless "elevator muzak" over more adventurous fusion. Consistently rewarding, Axe makes it clear that di Meola did the right thing by refusing to compromise. ~CDUniverse

Tracklist

1. South Bound Traveler [05:22]
2. The Embrace [05:48]
3. Kiss My Axe [05:04]
4. Morocco [07:40]
5. Gigi's Playtime Rhyme (Interlude #1) [02:35]
6. One Night Last June [08:20]
7. Phantom [07:53]
8. Erotic Interlude (Interlude #2) [02:32]
9. Global safari [05:42]
10. Interlude #3 [01:59]
11. Purple Orchids [06:45]
12. The Prophet (Interlude #4) [01:18]
13. Oriana (September 24, 1988) [05:19]

Total time 01:06:17

Personnel
* Al Di Meola – electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, percussion
* Barry Miles – piano and keyboards
* Anthony Jackson – electric six string contrabass guitar
* Rachel Z – synthesizers
* Gumbi Ortiz – congas, bata, percussion
* Omar Hakim – drums (tracks 3 & 9)
* Richie Morales – drums (tracks 2, 4, 6, 7 & 11)
* Tony Scherr – electric and acoustic basses
* Arto Tuncboyaciyan – bongos, percussion, voice
Alia Jordan – girl from the cover