Al Di Meola plays guitar with speed, soul, and global color, turning complex ideas into clear stories. He broke through with Return to Forever, then soared with solo albums like Elegant Gypsy and the acoustic Guitar Trio. Across stages and studios, he blends Latin rhythm, jazz pulse, and tight melodies into bold, living music.​ Born July 22, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he grew up near the New York scene and its big sounds. That location gave him clubs, records, and mentors that pushed his