In 1994 three of the greatest jazz virtuosos met on stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Guitarist Al Di Meola (voted best guitarist in the world for five consecutive years in the period 1977-1981), violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and bassist Stanley Clarke then gave a magical acoustic concert in which the total exceeded the sum of the parts. The trio opened with Song To John, a tribute to John Coltrane
… written by Clarke and Chick Corea, with the footage serving as proof that only three musicians are on stage. This song is repeated in the encore with the assistance of guest pianist Monty Alexander. Halfway through the concert the gentlemen are each given the space for a solo performance. The trio's playing is rhythmically so perfect that a drummer is definitely not missed. Too bad that these types of projects are usually one-off. (AD)more
