One of the most celebrated and influential acoustic guitar albums ever recorded. This is an original 1981 Australian first pressing of the legendary Friday Night in San Francisco, featuring the legendary super-trio of Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco De Lucia in perfect synchronicity.
Recorded live at The Warfield Theatre in San Francisco on 5 December 1980, this album documents the breathtaking and telepathic interplay between three undisputed masters of their craft. From the exhilarating flamenco runs of Paco De Lucia to the fusion pyrotechnics of Al Di Meola and the spiritual depth of John McLaughlin, this is a masterclass in acoustic guitar performance — a moment of musical magic that has captivated audiences for over 40 years.
Mastered by the legendary engineer Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, NY, this pressing captures the dynamic range and percussive attack of the acoustic guitars with stunning presence and clarity. The stereo separation is used to brilliant effect, placing the three guitarists in distinct channels to highlight their incredible musical conversation. An audiophile-grade recording that rewards careful listening.
Every item is photographed individually. The gallery above shows the exact record for sale — front cover with the iconic bold typography in red and gold, back cover showing full tracklist and credits, the vinyl itself, and a detail of the label. No stock images: what you see is what you receive.
| Artist | Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia |
| Title | Friday Night in San Francisco |
| Label | CBS Records |
| Catalogue Number | SBP 237625 |
| Released | 1981 (Australian First Edition) |
| Format | Vinyl LP, 12", 33 RPM |
| Genre | Jazz, Latin, Flamenco |
| Recording Date | 5 December 1980, The Warfield Theatre, San Francisco (Live) |
| Mastered By | Bob Ludwig, Masterdisk, New York |
| Audio Format | Stereo, High-Fidelity |
| Vinyl Condition | Excellent (EX) |
| Sleeve Condition | Very Good Plus (VG+) |
| Case Type | Cardboard Sleeve with Front and Back Cover |
| Barcode | 0856276002213 |
Side One
Side Two
Vinyl: Excellent (EX). A beautiful copy with a clean, bright surface retaining a fantastic deep gloss. Under direct light, only a couple of very faint, superficial hairline marks or paper scuffs are visible — none of which should significantly affect the superb audio quality. A fantastic listening copy that has been well cared for.
Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+). The sleeve is in great shape for its age, clean and solid with vibrant colours throughout. It shows some minor, honest signs of shelf wear, including light rubbing to the surfaces and some light bumping to the corners and edges. The spine is strong and fully legible. A very handsome and presentable sleeve.
Please examine the photo gallery for a detailed view of all surfaces, the label, and the sleeve condition. We invite you to judge the condition for yourself from the high-resolution images provided.
Q: Is this a genuine 1981 first pressing, or a later reissue?
A: This is an original 1981 Australian first pressing, as confirmed by the CBS catalogue number (SBP 237625), the label design, the print quality, and the cardboard sleeve artwork. It is not a later reissue or remaster.
Q: How does the sound quality compare to other pressings?
A: This Australian pressing was mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk in New York — the same legendary engineer who worked on the original release. It captures the live performance with exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and stereo separation. Collectors and audiophiles regard this pressing highly.
Q: Is the vinyl playable, and are there any surface noise issues?
A: Yes, the vinyl is in excellent condition and fully playable. The surface is clean and bright with only very faint superficial marks that will not materially affect sound quality. This is a fantastic listening copy.
Q: Is the sleeve complete with original artwork and inserts?
A: Yes. The cardboard sleeve is complete with front and back covers, all pages intact and legible. The artwork is vibrant and the spine is strong. There are no missing inserts or damaged sections.
Q: Would you recommend this to collectors and audiophiles?
A: Absolutely. This is one of the most important acoustic guitar recordings of the 1980s and a landmark fusion album. Combined with an original pressing in excellent condition and a very good-plus sleeve, this is a serious acquisition for any serious collector of jazz, fusion, flamenco, or guitar music.
Shipped promptly from the UK with FREE UK postage; carefully protected in transit within a sturdy, purpose-made record mailer. The vinyl is removed from the outer sleeve and placed in a new anti-static inner sleeve to prevent seam splits and further damage. Dispatched within one working day of cleared payment. International buyers welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Programme — international postage costs and any applicable import duties are calculated automatically at checkout.
Questions? We're happy to help. Send a message and we'll respond promptly. If you'd like additional photos — such as a closer look at specific tracks, the label detail, the spine condition, or any page of the sleeve — just ask and we'll provide them. We want you to buy with complete confidence.