The Al Di Meola Project Kiss My Axe 180g 2LP

Despite its confrontative title, Kiss My Axe is a somber album, reflective of the mature artist Al Di Meola had become at the time. First released in 1991, the album is a brilliant showcase of his impeccable technique yet doesn't overwhelm listeners with it. Di Meola uses his guitar skills rather subtly, enchanting the listeners and inviting them into this album filled to the brim with Latin influences and World Music elements, ranging from Middle Eastern harmonies to African grooves. The result is an immaculately arranged and passionately performed album that is widely regarded as one of the highlights in Al Di Meola's decades-spanning career.

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. Di Meola still has fine technique, but avoids overwhelming us with it, and shows more restraint than before. 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 [album'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.