In the annals of jazz fusion, guitarist Al Di Meola ranks as a master of the genre. Signed to Columbia Records during the heyday of Weather Report and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Di Meola released the 1977 song “Race With Devil on Spanish Highway,” a high-speed, riff-heavy classic of the style. Di Meola’s early albums on Columbia — 1976’s Land of the Midnight Sun, 1977’s Elegant Gypsy and Casino, from 1978 — brim with invention and endlessly cool guitar licks. As well, Di Meola’s early solo records feature playing by such estimable figures as drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Jaco Pastorius and keyboardist Jan Hammer. Di Meola also made his mark as a member of one of the greatest jazz-fusion bands, Return to Forever, where his elegant approach — less abrasive than, say, John McLaughlin’s — helped define that band’s style. Now 71, Di Meola continues to play and record, and his 2024 album Twentyfour shows off his light touch on both acoustic and electric guitars on tracks like “Eden” and “Genetik.” The electric-guitar tracks on Twentyfour might remind you of the glory days of jazz fusion, but it’s a contemplative, relaxed album by a master of modern guitar.
7:30 p.m. at City Winery
609 Lafayette St.
