Friday Night in San Francisco – 180 g 45 rpm Double Vinyl
75,00 €
Friday Night in San Francisco captures Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía live at The Warfield Theatre on December 5, 1980. This 1981 acoustic guitar album contains three duets and two trios across two 180 g records that play at 45 rpm. Separate guitar and room microphones helped create a wide soundstage, while applause and shouts preserve the concert atmosphere.
Friday Night in San Francisco is a 1981 live acoustic guitar album on double vinyl. Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía perform together across five pieces. This edition is for listeners who want their San Francisco concert on 180 g records cut for 45 rpm playback.
The performance was recorded on December 5, 1980, at The Warfield Theatre in San Francisco. Three duets reveal the players’ exchanges in pairs, while two trios bring all three guitars together. Flamenco rhythms drive passages of rapid playing, and the audience’s applause and shouts remain audible.
This album suits collectors of acoustic guitar vinyl and listeners interested in the trio’s live interplay. Separate guitar microphones and additional room microphones helped capture a wide soundstage. That sense of space was already present on the original LP.
Benefits
- Live performance – The recording preserves the three guitarists’ concert at The Warfield Theatre.
- Three duets – Pairings bring the players’ contrasting approaches into direct musical conversation.
- Two trios – All three musicians contribute to the album’s remaining performances.
- Flamenco rhythms – Fast guitar passages give the live set its momentum.
- Wide soundstage – Individual guitar and room microphones help distinguish instruments and venue ambience.
- Audience presence – Applause and enthusiastic shouts preserve the concert’s immediate atmosphere.
- 45 rpm presentation – Two 180 g records carry the five-piece live album.
Who is this album for?
Friday Night in San Francisco is for listeners drawn to Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía. Its five performances offer a focused introduction to their acoustic guitar collaboration. The duet and trio format lets listeners follow each guitarist’s contribution as the combinations change.
It also belongs in a collection centered on live guitar recordings, flamenco-influenced playing, or 1981 albums. Vinyl listeners can hear the December 1980 concert with the audience response retained. The double-record format calls for a turntable capable of 45 rpm playback.
Package contents
- Two 180 g vinyl records containing Friday Night in San Francisco.
Technical specifications
| Album | Friday Night in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Artists | Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía |
| Album type | Live acoustic guitar album |
| Format | Double vinyl album |
| Record weight | 180 g each |
| Playback speed | 45 rpm |
| Album year | 1981 |
| Recording date | December 5, 1980 |
| Recording venue | The Warfield Theatre, San Francisco |
| Performances | Three duets and two trios |
| Sound engineer | Bernie Grundman |
| Tracks | “Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho”; “Short Tales of the Black Forest”; “Frevo Rasgado”; “Fantasy Suite”; “Guardian Angel” |
Why choose Friday Night in San Francisco?
The recording captures more than precisely played guitar lines. Applause and shouts place the musicians within a responsive crowd. Those reactions were unusually lively for an acoustic concert at the time. They remain part of the album’s character alongside the tightly exchanged guitar parts.
Although the guitarists sat beside one another, the recording gives their instruments a broad sense of placement. Separate microphones captured the guitars, while room microphones gathered sound from the theatre. The resulting soundstage was audible on the original LP. Bernie Grundman edited the master tape and worked on that album’s original sound.
The track sequence moves between paired performances and pieces featuring the full trio. “Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho” opens the five-track program, which closes with “Guardian Angel.” For wet cleaning these records, L’Art du Son LP cleaner is recommended. The cleaner is also suitable for new vinyl.
FAQ
Is Friday Night in San Francisco a live album?
- Yes. It documents an acoustic guitar performance by Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía.
When and where was the concert recorded?
- The performance was recorded on December 5, 1980, at The Warfield Theatre in San Francisco.
What turntable speed does this edition require?
- Both records play at 45 rpm. Select that speed on a turntable before playing this double album.
How many pieces are on the album?
- The album contains five pieces: three duets and two trios. Its program includes “Fantasy Suite” and “Frevo Rasgado.”
Can the audience be heard?
- Yes. The recording retains applause and shouts from the crowd at The Warfield Theatre.
How was the wide soundstage captured?
- Individual guitar microphones and additional room microphones captured the players and the theatre. Bernie Grundman worked on the original album’s sound.
How can these vinyl records be wet cleaned?
- L’Art du Son LP cleaner is recommended for wet cleaning these records. It is also suitable for new vinyl.
Friday Night in San Francisco brings together five live pieces and three distinct acoustic guitar voices. Its 180 g, 45 rpm double-vinyl presentation preserves the performance’s guitar exchanges, room sound, and audible crowd response.