“This is the record that not only inspired me to play more acoustic guitar, but it was also my gateway to world music. It got me listening to Paco de Lucia, who guests on the album, and it also exposed me to Chick Corea’s acoustic piano playing, which became a major influence.

“The songs that feature Paco and Chick are monumental pieces of acoustic guitar music, especially Mediterranean Sundance with Paco – it’s almost too much guitar brilliance. To my ears, it’s like Al and Paco were trying to outdo each other.

“The music is very virtuosic but extremely listenable; you really don’t have to be a guitar player to enjoy it. A very inspiring album. I bought a steel-string acoustic and started playing it because of Elegant Gypsy.”