Al Di Meola pay tribute to Paco de Lucia

Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola had an incredible history and a warm friendship. First time Meola heard Paco de Lucia when he bought several recordings of Paco in Spain that he toured as a part of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever at 19 years of age. Almost immediately he saw the potential of collaborating with Paco one day. This happened first time in 1976 when Paco de Lucia arrived New York and 22 years old Al Di Meola invited 28 years old Paco de Lucia to record on Al's second solo recording, Elegant Gypsy, at Jimi Hendrix’s studio, Electric Lady, on the duet “Mediterranean Sundance,” which became a major pop hit around the world. In result Paco and Al toured together between 1977 and 1979. During this period the first guitar trio emerged with Meola's friend, guitarist Larry Coryell, soon replaced by another jaaz guitar legend - John McLaughlin. In 1980 the trio recorded "Friday Night in San Francisco" album, released in 1981 and sold in seven million copies!

"I knew Paco well, and can imagine him saying that in actuality he had lived a quite full life most people don’t get to experience in two lifetimes! I will cherish our thousands of great memories and camaraderie and all the great musical bridges we crossed! Rest in peace, my dear friend." - said Al Di Meola after Paco de Lucia's untimely death in 2014.

In 2016 Al Di Meola performed at Leverkusener Jazztage Festival. He played in trio with Peo Alfonsi (2nd guitar) and Peter Kaszas (drums). The last piece the played was famous "Mediterranean Sundance,” with personal dedication to great Paco de Lucia.