Opus

Awash in dark romantic flavor and contrapuntal orchestration, Al Di Meola’s Opus is a veritable symphony for layered acoustic guitars, with a good deal of percussion in the mix as well. Other textures emerge: lush orchestral sounds on “Ava’s Dream Sequence Lullaby,” ethereal electric guitar on “Broken Heart” and “Rebels,” organ and other sonorities on “Escapado.” But the focal point is Di Meola’s ornate acoustic handiwork, tinged with tango and other South American influences, stirringly virtuosic but not without sensitivity and melodic warmth.