It would be an understatement to say Di Meola is a master of the instrument. Described as a “guitarist of spectacular abilities” by The New York Times, the maestro entered Boston’s Berklee School of Music in 1971, began playing with Chick Corea’s Return To Forever in 1974 and during his long and distinguished career recorded 26 solo albums, three of which were gold-certified.

Di Meola’s upcoming two-month tour with his acoustic group World Sinfonia begins in Vienna, Va., at the Barns at Wolf Trap Jan. 28. Red Bank, N.J., is next with an engagement at the Count Basie Theatre Jan. 29 followed by Albany at the The Egg Jan. 30 and Norfolk, Conn., at Infinity Hall Jan. 31.

The first Feb. gig is in Atlanta at the Variety Playhouse Feb. 4. Other shows slotted for that month include Orlando at the Plaza Theatre Feb. 6; Dallas at the Granada Theater Feb. 11; Tucson at the Rialto Theatre Feb. 19 and West Hollywood at the House of Blues Feb. 26. Last date on the tour is San Francisco at the SF Jazz Festival Feb. 27.

Di Meola also has a new live album – Live From Seattle And Elsewhere – coming out Jan.12. For more information, please click here for Al Di Meola’s Web site.