Following up the superb
Elegant Gypsy was no mean feat, but Al di Meola gave it his best shot with the similarly styled
Casino, released in 1978. Featuring a core band of
Steve Gadd,
Anthony Jackson, and
Barry Miles (whom di Meola came up with before the guitarist was invited to join
Return to Forever), the playing is sharp and fiery, matching the youthful intensity of the leader. Di Meola is a good composer in the fusion idiom, and the four original compositions on
Casino, although clearly bearing the mark of
Chick Corea's influence, are strong. His "Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars," featuring di Meola accompanying himself via multi-tracking, is beautiful and dramatic, and hints at the guitarist's later all-acoustic works such as
Friday Night in San Francisco. "Dark Eye Tango" opens with a slow theme before turning into an uptempo vehicle for di Meola's darting Les Paul. In fact, it is the leader's solos that frequently prevent the Latin grooves and rhythms found on
Casino from sounding stale and a bit dated. His trademark staccato phrasing and high-velocity improvisations are what is noticed upon first listen, but di Meola does have an excellent sense of phrasing that is undeniably present. Contrary to popular opinion, he knows how to use his technique to good effect.
Casino is not as strong as either
Elegant Gypsy or
Romantic Warrior, but is nevertheless well worth picking up for fans either of di Meola himself or of the entire 1970s fusion scene.
![Title: Breakin' the Rules [25th Anniversary Edition]](https://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0819873010852_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg)
