Michael Paulsen | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA USA | 04/29/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This 1985 album from Al Di Meola followed on the heels of Pat Metheny's accomplished masterpiece, THE FIRST CIRCLE, and it bears a close resemblance. It's full of smooth, latin-flavored jazz complementing Di Meola's incomparable speed and technical excellence on guitar. "Capoeira" is worth the price of this CD alone -- gorgeous and breezy Brazilian style with Portuguese vocals by percussionist Airto Moreira. It's what Jobim could have sounded like had he been younger and actively writing in the 80's. "July" is spritely and upbeat, recalling Metheny's "Eighteen" from OFFRAMP. The title track is also outstanding and gracefully winds this album down. One of Di Meola's best!"
Soaring
Russell Diederich | Littleton, CO United States | 11/14/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My first experience with Al DiMeola was through his association with John McLaughlin and Paco De Lucia on the "Friday Night Live in San Francisco". If you're looking for the same type of music here, you'll have to look hard. DiMeola uses his flamenco sound in songs like "Capoeira", but it is only a single rhythm track. There is a Latin presence on most of these tracks. Instead, this is more of an exploration of sounds, ideas and emotions. I can see the comparison to Pat Metheny with the style and voice-like synths on the guitars and pianos. DiMeola is definitely a master of the guitar, and he spends the six tracks on this album showing you that he is exactly that. His lines are fluid and astral, aided with synth-sounds. "Traces (Of a Tear)" is a good example of his solo playing. Actually, it's a good example of everyone's solo playing, as Phil Markowitz takes a spin on the 88s, and Chip Jackson adds to the mix on the bass. "Broken Heart" is more of an acoustical piece. Gentle soloing on the acoustic guitar from DiMeola trading with the piano. A beautiful song, the sounds almost sad, but ends with the feeling of hope. "Capoeira" is a mixture of playing styles, and the upbeat nature of the tune makes it a good choice to open the album with. Airto Moreira's vocals add flavor to the song. "July" is the only song that doesn't seem to hold to the trend of the album. It's almost as if it is used to give the listener a break and step up the tempo and sound. The solo in "Marina" is excellent. You won't find a "Mediterranean Sundance" on this album, but if you like Metheny's laid-back stuff, then this is a good complement to add to your collection. The guitar work is excellent, and smooth, almost fluid. The tone of the album is nearly a floating, ethereal feel to it (except for "July"). This might be worth finding for those that like quiet, nearly new age style jazz."
One Of The Most Beautiful Albums I've Ever Heard
Eric Something | Seattle, Wa | 12/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know where I stumbled upon Al Dimeola's music. Most likely I heard it when i was at my favorite record store or
on KEPC's afternoon jazz program at the community college.
However, I fell in love with it. It is so lush, romantic,
and somewhat sad. Unfortunately, Soaring Thru A Dream is very
hard to find on CD."
Some of the finest songs on the planet
Eric Something | 08/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I met Al and his band in Osaka, Japan after not keeping up with them since 1970's (Chick Corea vintage). The realm of dream-like mind-expanding music he turned me on to then has changed my life forever. Al is truly a master virtuoso, but more than that, the elements of eclectic instruments, musical constructs and ever-changing time signatures are second to none. Furthermore, this music will open up new and holy chambers in your mind--this music is tops."
A Mystical Work of Genius
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 02/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It seems that almost everything that DiMeola composes exposes his incredible talent and genius. Soaring Through a Dream is no exception. The most meditative of DiMeola's work to date (1985), it is captivating from the very first note. The second song makes love to your mind, building slowly to an orgasmic crescendo. It then falls off and follows up with a slow caressing number which is truly an "afterglow". No kidding. Everyone who I have turned on to this recording has raved about its implicit sensuality. "July", unfortunately breaks the mood temporarily. But then, "Marina" casts the spell again. A word of warning, this music is so relaxing that I advise against listening while on a late night road trip."