This post is by Scott and Dan
Recorded in 1985
Soaring Through a Dream is surely one of life's guilty pleasures. Even the most hardened pure jazz freaks might confess to enjoying the smooth, fusion-like sounds that Al Di Meola and company concoct. Some fans express disappointment that Di Meola abandoned his technical showmanship by selling out. But others delight in the pleasant sounds on this album.
The obvious comparison is to Pat Metheny because of the synth guitar sounds, Airto Moreira's soft vocalizing, and overall smooth vibe. Of course, many people love Pat Metheny, and he sells lots of records. This album remains a favorite for us because it's honest, utterly enjoyable to hear, and reveals its excellence in small details. The Ovation acoustic guitar makes unexpected appearances amidst the ambient keyboards of Phil Markowitz and the wash of synths. There is also a peculiar drama that threads through the tracks, a somewhat mysterious story is being told. There are not that many albums made that suggest comparable levels of understanding and interpretation.
Obviously, listeners must decide for themselves whether they like this album or not. We're pretty knowledgeable about all of the music in this blog, and we like it a lot. Give it a listen.
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