Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia Friday Night In San Francisco (2LPs, 45RPM, Impex)

Three of the world’s greatest guitarists on one amazing live album from 1981 – this is ‘Friday Night in San Francisco’. In three duets and two trios, Al di Meola, Paco de Lucia and John Mclaughlin show the full range of their skills, recorded on December 5, 1980 at ‘The Warfield Theatre’, San Francisco. In a wonderful show, the exceptional guitarists spur each other on to top performances, play inhuman chops and driving rhythms in flamenco style that amaze the listener. In the real recording, the three guitarists actually sat next to each other, but the miking using individual microphones and additional room microphones allowed Bernie Grundman to create an extremely wide stage setting even on the original LP. Applause from the scene and frenetic cheering from the audience – hitherto unusual phenomena in acoustic concerts – were also captured during the recording and ensure a great listening experience. The LP is a classic among live acoustic guitar albums and defining the genre, the recording is an audiophile ‘must have’!