The legendary shred maestro—best known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of Return to Forever and other high-profile, hot-shot collabs—drops by to chat with Cory about his new epic full-length, Twentyfour. It features “sixteen brand-new compositions and they’re all very involved. I hope I don’t have to do this again.”
One of Di Meola’s biggest projects is, of course, the guitar trio he shared with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía and their thrilling 1981 record, Friday Night in San Francisco, which elevated the acoustic guitar ensemble to the level of high art. Di Meola shares the behind-the-scenes stories of that tour and the 2022 archival release from the next night’s concert, Saturday Night in San Francisco. He calls the ensemble’s dynamic a “real healthy competition” and explains, “I knew I was up against two guys who were relentless in their delivery of phenomenal ideas. When they finished a solo, it was like, ’Oh my god, what am I gonna come up with.”
No chat with Di Meola, who famously opened up his kitchen in the post-lockdown part of the pandemic, would be complete without a survey of Southern Italian food. Why is sfogliatelle the maestro’s favorite pastry, and where does he get his? If he’s on tour and there’s nowhere to eat but an Olive Garden, what’s his order? And much, much more.
Wong Notes is presented by DistroKid.
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You could WIN everything you need to build a Lightcycle Phasor II from StewMac! Ends May 7, 2024.
StewMac Lightcycle Phasor II
Build the revered studio-quality phaser in a box.
The Lightcycle is our take on the incredibly versatile Mu-Tron Phasor II. We’ve packed all the tone and legendary flexibility of the original in a pedalboard friendly box. By just twisting the controls you can dial in rotary speaker shimmer or wild spacey soundscapes all from this single pedal.
We've written these detailed step-by-step instructions for the beginner—from getting familiar with all of the resistors, to soldering, to the first time you plug it in, we're here to help. Even if this is your first electronic project, these full color instructions will make it easy and fun to make something you'll be proud of.
Blackstar's HT MK III Series amps offer four voices, Infinite Shape Feature, and Power Reduction down to 10%. The addition of CabRig DSP technology and USB-C connectivity for professional recording. ISF control allows for versatile tonal shaping.
Blackstar has unveiled the latest incarnation of the company’s vaunted HT compact tube amps – the MK III Series.
There are eight models in the range: HT-1R MK III combo, HT-1RH MK III head, HT-5R MK III combo, HT-5RH MK III head, HT-20R MK III combo, HT-20RH MK III head, HT-212VOC MK III cabinet, HT-112OC MK III cabinet.
A new addition is Blackstar’s advanced IR-based CabRig DSP technology, an embodiment of latest innovations in speaker, cab, mic, and room emulation. This technology, originally featured in the company’s St. James and AMPED products, represents Blackstar’s commitment to making Blackstar the ultimate tools for self-expression. Coupled with 4-channel audio via the USB-C, capturing professional quality valve tone in your DAW is simple.
The CabRig outs (XLR, Stereo Line Out, and USB) can also be used in Standby Mode making it ideal for both recording and silent stages too. Upgraded circuit board components and an all-new digital reverb with adjustable parameters further enhance the tone and performance.
Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
On the HT MK III amplifiers is Blackstar’s patented ISF. ISF stands for ‘Infinite Shape Feature’. Unique to Blackstar products, this control can take you from a more ‘American'-sounding amp all the way through to a classic ‘British’ amplifier and anywhere in between.
What does HT stand for?
‘HT’ stands for High Tension meaning the high voltage internal circuits needed to push valves to their full tonal potential. The HT name goes back to the very beginning of Blackstar and our first products: the HT valve pedals.
Prices for Blackstar’s new HT Series amps are:
- HT-1R-MKIII $499.99
- HT-1RH-MKIII $449.99
- HT-5R-MKIII $699.99
- HT-5RH-MKIII $649.99
- HT-20R-MKIII $899.99
- HT-20RH-MKIII $849.99
- HT-112OC-MKIII $299.99
- HT-212VOC-MKIII $499.99
For more information, please visit blackstaramps.com.