Crusin’

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant track "Crusin’" by Al Di Meola from his 1982 album Electric Rendezvous, a jazz fusion gem that gets the Zoo Freaks grooving. This song, composed by keyboardist Jan Hammer, is a standout for its driving rhythms and dynamic interplay between Di Meola’s electrifying guitar and Hammer’s flashy Minimoog synthesizer flights, evoking a Mahavishnu Orchestra-like energy. Fans on platforms like Discogs rave about the track’s pristine production, with one reviewer noting its “fat and tight low end, clear mids, and crisp highs,” mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig. The song was also featured in Di Meola’s first live album, Tour De Force, recorded in 1982, showcasing its high-energy performance alongside Hammer’s contributions. A lesser-known tidbit is that "Crusin’" reflects Di Meola’s collaboration with Hammer, who pioneered the “keytar synthesizer hero” concept, bringing a rock-infused edge to the fusion genre, as highlighted in reviews on Amazon.

Another layer of intrigue around "Crusin’" comes from its context within Electric Rendezvous, an album that leaned into the rockier side of jazz fusion, distinct from Di Meola’s earlier Latin-tinged works like Elegant Gypsy. According to ProgArchives, the track’s “catchy and dynamic” atmosphere captures Di Meola’s virtuosic guitar work, with Hammer’s presence making it a fan favorite for fusion enthusiasts. Social media buzz, particularly from the Al Di Meola Official Facebook page, often highlights the album’s iconic “electrified panther” cover art, which some fans jokingly say matches the song’s ferocious energy. While Di Meola hasn’t shared specific anecdotes about "Crusin’" in recent interviews, his discussions with Rick Beato on palm muting techniques suggest the song’s clean, precise guitar lines owe much to his innovative approach to controlling sound “wash” on electric guitars.

Al Di Meola’s journey to becoming a guitar legend began in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was born on July 22, 1954, to an Italian family. Growing up in Bergenfield, he was immersed in the sounds of Elvis Presley, The Ventures, and The Beatles, crediting the latter as a major catalyst for picking up the guitar. By his early teens, Di Meola was already an accomplished player, dedicating 6–8 hours daily to practice during high school, as he told Down Beat. His big break came at 19 when a friend sent a recording of his New Year’s Eve performance to Chick Corea, leading to an invitation to join the fusion supergroup Return to Forever. Despite initial skepticism from his parents, Di Meola left Berklee College of Music and debuted with the band at Carnegie Hall, launching a career that would see him release over 30 albums and collaborate with icons like John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía, and Stanley Clarke.

Di Meola’s official online presence includes his website, where fans can explore his tour dates and unique offerings like the “Meet, Greet & Eat” dinner experiences at his New Jersey home. His Facebook page, with over 831,000 likes, is a hub for updates and fan engagement, while his Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes moments and performance clips. On X, Di Meola shares thoughts on music and upcoming projects, connecting directly with Zoo Freaks and beyond. Fans also gather at sites like Al Di Meola Art, which highlights his 2023 venture into Rhythmic Expressionism artwork, and community spaces like the Al Di Meola Fans Facebook Group, where enthusiasts discuss his discography and share concert memories.