Acoustic Alchemy

Ordered this recently with a gold box deal, and it became an immediate favorite in my household. My 20 & 14 yr. old sons LOVE it! So does their mom! A great collection of music from Acoustic Alchemy. What can I say? We all love acoustic guitar and this is some of the best of the best. Highly recommend for personal enjoyment or as an affordable treat for someone else.

I have been a fan of Acoustic Alchemy for several years and these guys are the best. Ther music is soft, relaxing and extremely rich! In this album they certainly group some of their best performances. Recommended.

This is a fantastic album. Every song is different and great. I can't stop listening to it.

I love this group! They are enjoyable to listen to all day and night!

Acoustic alchemy has somehow, revitalized the concept of the guitar in the multiple possibilities the jazz as artistic movement offers, and they have vindicated in sum grade, with smart and arresting arrangements in which the creativity always shines.

His sound is original, fresh and innovative, so that's why it's very difficult to fail at the moment to acquire any one of their works.

The CD has some great tunes. Like every smooth jazz CD in my collection I have my favorite tunes and this one is no different. Great to add to your collection.

This album is good but not great. ALL the early stuff was beyond great. They are, in fact, my favorite instrumental group. But after Nick Webb passed away, AA became just 'ok.' If you get all their earlier stuff, and want more, then get the post Webb stuff. But not before! The order they came out in was: 1. Red Dust and Spanish Lace. 2. Natural Elements. 3. Blue Chip. 4. Natural Elements. 5. Reference Point. 6. Back on the Case. 7. The New Edge 8. Against the Grain. That was the last great album. On all 8 of these there is not one bad song. More than that, more than half of them are just sensational. A careful, thoughtful weaving of melodies you can't forget, with bridges that take you someplace else. Great, great, great. The group was actually started by Webb and Simon James. The current leader, Carmichael, came along after James left the group. Webb always played the steel string and James...and later Carmichael....played the nylon string guitar. In my opinion, the group was always about Webb. He played lead on the vast majority of songs. Wrote most of them too. After he left, the whole chemistry changed. Not bad stuff, but not the best instrumental group ever, IMHO. There's an interesting compilation of the pre-Carmichael stuff called Early Alchemy. Not bad stuff either and you can hear earlier versions of some of their classic songs. Get these 8 albums. You won't be sorry.

I saw this at the library the other day, and since I had heard of them, but had never actually heard them, I thought I'd give it a listen. All I can say is that if you like Kenny G and elevator music, you are bound to like this. Otherwise, there are five million jazz discs out there that are much better than this dreck.

Steering away from relaxing acoustic music, the group starts getting a bit 70s elevator sounding, with noticably more vocal and sound effect injection. Things are definitely more electronic sounding (even rappish at times) than what first attracted me to the band. Very enjoyable, but within the first few listens, nothing jumped out as an "AA Classic". Great addition the the collection, but I prefer their earlier breezy, acoustic pop stylings. I would have to say after owning all of their releases, I like this one the least. If someone were to hear this Acoustic Alchemy release before the others, it may not attract them to buying more.

As a longtime AA listener starting with "Red Dust and Spanish Lace", I always marveled at the melodic sounds that two acoustic guitars could produce. Unfortunately, that sound is lost in this CD. While I realize that musicians have to grow and experiment with new sounds, AA's historic sound has always been acoustic guitar. That's what always drew me to their music, I just don't hear it in this CD. There is too much electronic mixing and not enough "pure guitar work". I am not even sure I would call it a smooth jazz CD, not really sure how I would categorize it. I'm not saying the CD isn't good, it's just disappointing. Not what I expected or hoped for.

This is my first "Acoustic Alchemy" CD. Unfortunately, I can't wrest it from my wife, who plays it constantly in her car..... I may have to buy another copy......

The Beautiful Game is an interesting combination of newage jazz and steel-string free-bop. Overall you'll find it enjoyable, though at times overly simplistic. Most of the melody lines, Angel of the South and The Last Flamenco especially, are easy enough to pick out and jam along with. If you're a Jazzer and looking for easy jam tracks, BUY THIS ALBUM! If you're someone after a more tangibly academic listening experience, I'd recomend Allan Holdsworth's Velvet Darkness, which has several acoustic tracks with simmilar sentiment. Sadly though, the album seems to be lacking the live quality that guys like Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana can pull off on even their most overproduced albums. Meanwhile, Acoustic Alchemy is heavily synthed and filtered, but still an enjoyable experience with great atmosphere.

I have been looking for new music for quite some time to add to my collection. Turns out that I have been looking for an album like this for years!!! This is my first but not my last album from Acoustic Alchemy. I have been playing this CD over and over again since I bought it. This is definately a MUST HAVE CD!

Reading the other reviews here, it all really depends what you're wanting to hear. Jazz, New Age, Pop...whatever. I tracked down Acoustic Alchemy because I liked the background music on the Weather Channel! Tracks like Big Sky Country (country/pop) are superb in my book, and more of what I prefer to hear - mainstream, light pop, with some funk, jazz thrown in there too. I would say this has a little more pep & "pop" than their "jazzier" CDs. If this doesn't relax you, nothing will.

I think this is one of the best CD's I own. It goes with me on all my road trips. I had not listened to any of Acoustic Alchemy's music and "just happened upon it" while searchign for some new CD's. It truly is a beautiful CD.

The first 13 tracks are unfocused, uninspired, smooth jazz dreck. And then the album closes with a typical Acoustic Alchemy gem. It looks like Greg Carmichael saying farewell to the old sound, which apparently came more from the heart of Nick Webb.

So I won't be listening to this band anymore, but I'll always be thankful for the great music made when Nick was alive. And I'll never forget how blown away I was on first hearing "Red Dust and Spanish Lace", an absolute classic and one of the greatest guitar albums ever recorded.

"AArt" CD was my first ever CD, bought this, as for some time, had heard "The Velvet Swing" on tape, and on a Jazz FM + compilation CD. Cannot fault the CD, I like pianos, the excellent roll of the natural smooth jazz from AA's guitar was great, nice sax. The AA's are real talented musicians, like playing the CD more and more. Thoughts on tracks, might buy more AA CD's:

Track 1: "Wish You Were Hear". A track that I had always wanted
Track 2: "AArt AATACK". Topical throughout, great sax
Track 3: "Flamood Logo". Some real fast Latin guitar, nice band
Track 4: "Tuff Puzzle". Excellent band, nice strings
Track 5: "Passion Play". Nice slow relaxing movements
Track 6: "Senjo Wine". Melodic beat, uplifting
Track 7: "Viva Che". Wonderful delivery, nice guitar and piano beat
Track 8: "The Velvet Swing". Sensual, wonderful Julie Dennis's backing, well done Julie!
Track 9: "Robbie's Revenge". Liked the Peter White style backing of guitar
Track 10: "Love At A Distance". Lovely and snow, real Latin style
Track 11: "Code Name Pandora". Passionate, melodic, nice sax & piano
Track 12: "Nathan Road". Nice rhythm motion, warm, uplifting, refreshing
Track 13: "Cactus Blue". Great guitar and piano harmony
Track 14: "The Wind Of Change". Sentimentally warm peice

Based up this CD, I now plan to research and buy more Acoustic Alchemy CD's

Listening to AA for the first time this year (2003), I couldn't help but fall in love with the group's authentic style. Since then I've bought three straight AA albums and I'm hoping to broaden my collection. AART definitely stands out as some of their best work; there isn't a single bad song on this album - it becomes an issue of judging which is the best of the best. By far the most astounding tune is "Passion play" - I have practically played it every day and it's still a wonderful experience listening to its melodies.

This album will not disappoint

After reading the reviews here, I decided that it is time for me to throw my 2 cents in. I have been an avide listner of Acoustic Alchemy for as long as I can remember, and I liked their sound with the nylon and string guitar. And I'll also admit this is a far stray from previous albums, but it is still an awesome CD that is sure to get you grooving.

Other reviewers have put this CD down on the base reason that it is not "Acoustic Alchemy." If that is the only reason you have, that does not make it a bad CD. In fact, this CD is great with many hummable tunes that you will have stuck in your head for days.

So don't blow this CD off because it isn't that same old AA, but pick it up because it is a great CD.

It's Albums like this that gives Smooth Jazz a bad name.

I have several AA CD's in my collection, I particularly liked the recent 'Beautiful Game', this album is however a great disappointment. Instead of the carefully crafted arrangements that characterise much of the earlier AA catalogue, what we have here is Smooth Jazz by Numbers.

The solos lack inspiration, and the catchy tunes I associate with AA just aren't here. I'm sure this album will sell well but its bland to the point I wonder if the record company was insisting they put something out no matter what.

Spend your money on some of the earlier Albums and steer clear of this one.

I have a number of Acoustic Alchemy recordings in my collection. (Why stop with one? :) This is probably my first and is certainly my favorite. This music carried me through many dark days several years ago when my depression was at its worst.

When the darkness threatened, I could plug in my headset and set my iPod to play AA music. The ebb and flow of their work was a welcome distraction. The work is always excellent and the recordings are well engineered. The band is tight and hanging in the pocket.

I love the mix of instruments and that they change guitars now and again. There is something about instrumental music when it is well-executed that is special. Instead of listening to a lyric, one listens to the flow of melody and the interaction of melody with harmony and support. At least I do.

If you have any Acoustic Alchemy but don't own this recording, add it to your collection. If you're new to Acoustic Alchemy, then this is a good recording to try. I'd also suggest Red Dust and Spanish Lace. It's good too.

Greg Carmichael and Nick Webb made a lot of great music during the years they worked together. Positive Thinking was slated to be their 10th collaboration. Unfortunately, as many of us know, Nick Webb died as this album was being put together, so it was left to John Parsons to fill Webb's very big shoes. Though Webb was not around to play on the CD, he was able to share in the compositions and arrangements. Long-time Acoustic Alchemy fans will be able to feel his touch as they listen through, and that makes this a very bittersweet release indeed.
What's not to like here? The band is tight and inspired, seemingly coming together flawlessly in Webb's memory. For my taste, favorites include the languid Rainwatching W.I.; the Spanish-tinged Cadaques; The Five Card Trick, Auguststrasse 18; and the laid-back jazzy Time Gentlemen Please.
It is unfortunate but inevitable that the band went off in a new direction following the issue of Positive Thinking. Yet its a miracle under the circumstances that this project did not fall through. This is one Acoustic Alchemy CD that should be on every fan's shelf, both for the quality of the music and as a tribute to the power of Nick Webb's positive thinking and determination to see it through.

I am a long time Acoustic Alchemy fan and no matter what album I am listening to, I always go back to this CD. I never get tired of it. I think with Nick Webb being so ill during the recording of this CD, made it very meaningful to the entire band. My favorites are "Five Card Trick" and "Passionelle". There is not one song on the entire CD that I skip over. I highly recommend to any smooth jazz fan !!!!!!

This was my first encounter with Acoutic Alchemy and it gave me a feeling I had not experienced in while. I could not decide what 'type' of music this way. I wanted to say Jazz, but when I listened to some of their other stuff, I realize they are not a jazz band. It was kind of a blend of alternative music, Jazz and county kinda fused together. I love this CD, though I don't really think this band is my everyday style of music. I recommend Postive Thinking..oh yeah, the CD too!

I am relatively new to Acoustic Alchemy--this is my 4th purchase. However, I must say that rarely have I enjoyed an album more. From the first listen, I find the selections, rich, robust and soothing. I particularly love the title track which moves me in a way I have not been moved by this genre--except, perhaps, by Pat Metheney. It is much harder to critique music than literature, since there is much more subjectivity involved. However, if you like Alchemy's previous work, you're sure to find something to love on 'Positive Thinking'!

From the first licks of 'Mr. Chow' to the final (namesake) track, there are few sets that stand up to this, one of the all-time classics of acoustic jazz. This sound lifts one into the stratosphere of 'the joy of music' like no other save perhaps John Klemmer's sax extravaganza 'Touch'. To boot, these sounds are ANCIENT history, yet remain timeless...

This is perhaps the most engaging, beautiful CD I've ever heard (and I have a lot of them, including several other Acoustic Alchemy CDs). "Red Dust and Spanish Lace" is so lovely it draws you in and you almost forget to breathe. Genuis!

I love smooth jazz, and I mean GOOD smooth jazz. No Kenny ABCDEFG to ZZZZZZZZZZZZ... for me! I want my smooth jazz simple, yet sophisticated. Colorful, yet refined. Pretty, yet edgy without being too rough on the cut. Pleasant, well-balanced instrumentals that don't require too much of your attention, yet still managing to grab it at the same time. Greg Carmichael and the unfortunately late Nick Webb manage to do this with their beautiful and diversified stylings on 1987's Red Dust and Spanish Lace.

Trust me, this British guitar duo is like listening to Peter White times two. Wonderful instrumentals abound on this disc with influences that vary from oriental with the catchy and "hum-alongable" "Mr. Chow" to subtley rock and western flavored "The Stone Circle," and then to the great flamenco meets Larry Carltonisms of the title track. Everything on here is great, uncluttered, memorable, and timeless. My personal favorite is the bright and spirited "One for the Road." Please buy this oldie but goodie. I had it on vinyl with the old MCA cactus picture for years, and still wonder why it took so long to purchase it on disc. It's worth it simply because the music is just that good.

Red Shoes & Spanish Lace is the debut instrumental album of Acoustic Alchemy and some say it is their best, though they are still playing and were nominated for a Grammy in 2001. This UK band has a positive and distinctive funk-accented sound, led by two acoustic guitars (one steel, the other nylon) that might fit into a "smooth jazz" programme without ever quite disappearing into the background. Released in 1987 it has both freshness and precision, with tight percussion and hypnotic, swaying melodies you instantly recognise, but want to hear again.

I've owned this recording, along with several other Acoustic Alchemy recordings, for several years. I discovered them when a friend mentioned them to me. I picked up one or two recordings and was hooked.

I wouldn't exactly call this jazz, but at the same time it's not new age either. At least, it isn't new age in the way I typically think of that genre. This is high-quality music that at times almost sounds like world music and then at others borders on classical. The melody lines are lyrical, the rhythms robust, and the recording quality is excellent.

It's good listening music. I love to put them on when I'm involved in something else, much like it's good to listen to friends talking in the background. Without vocals, I can pay attention to what I'm doing. Yet, the music stands up to serious listening. I sometimes sit at the computer or listen to my iPod and pay attention to what they do. The work stands up to critical listening.

If you haven't explored Acoustic Alchemy, this is a good place to start. I prefer their work prior to 1998, when Webb died from cancer. The nature of AA music changed after his death, as it must.

Driving home from early Sunday a.m. water polo practice in Bethesda, I clicked onto a DC radio station that was experimenting with NEW AGE music. Back in 1987, they only played it for a couple of hours each Sunday morning. This is when I first heard Acoustic Alchemy ("Mr. Chow"), and I have been hooked on their sound ever since.

I have all their recordings, and "Against the Grain" is my favorite. Not unlike a rabid Beatles fan, I used to buy their latest CD as soon as it was released. "Reference Point" and "Back on the Case" were so outstanding, I used to believe they will have a hard time topping these works and keeping up the creative momentum.

With "Against the Grain", they proved me wrong. I think I enjoy it the most because, not only did it break new ground for AA, but many of the songs could have easily been from earlier albums. For example, "A Different Kind of Freedom" would have fit nicely into "Blue Chip", and "Road Dogs" sounds as if it was borrowed from "Reference Point". "Lady Lynda" reminds me of those early Sunday mornings in the car back in Maryland.

Some of my favorite tunes on "Against the Grain" include beautiful piano blended in with the acoustic guitars. The title track begins with thunder, transitions to the keyboards, and is met by the dueling guitars. The song races forward with that distinctive AA tempo. "Papillon" also begins with ethereal piano fingerwork as an intro for the waiting guitars. Other great songs include the flamenco based "Lazeez", the march of "Nouveau Tango", and the synth heavy "Shoot the Loop".

Since "Against the Grain", AA has still produced some outstanding music, including tracks from "Positive Thinking" and "The Beautiful Game", but without Nick Webb, the focus of the music has changed. We are all fortunate that they had such a great run for over a decade.

By the way, they are great in concert. Their music is more energetic in person. My wife and I have enjoyed several of their shows in Seattle and in northern California; however, it is just not the same without Nick.

This is the 7th Acoustic Alchemy CD that I have purchased and it is possibly my favorite (it is a toss up between this one and Reference Point). I love the Latin beat in several of the songs and the entire CD is recorded exceptionally well. Beats todays overly compressed music by a mile.

Acoustic Alchemy has been one of my favorites since I was first introduced to their music back in the 1980s. I have owned this for 10 years and recently dusted it and gave it a few rotations in the CD player since I had not listened to it in some time.
Against the Grain is a decent CD, but when you stack it up against what the boys had done in the past, it is simply not up to par. There ARE some good songs here, but the CD as a whole just doesn't meet my expectations for the group.
I like the excellent title cut, the Latin-inflected Lazeez which is easily the strongest piece, the languid Silent Partner and Nouveau Tango. Across the Golden Gate and Papillon have their charms, but the rest of the CD is just plain weak. A Different Kind of Freedom, stated in the liner notes to be an "African" piece sounds rather like some bad Brazilian jazz.
Though the music overall is not as good as I had hoped for, the CD is mellow and made for listening on a laid-back day. If you are a huge fan of Acoustic Alchemy, you may love this regardless of what I've written but if you are new to the group you may want to start with one of their earlier works like Back On the Case and come back to this once you've learned what Greg Carmichael and Nick Webb can do when they really want to.

This is the best album from Acoustic Alchemy with Nick Webb & Greg Carmichael, The passion and romance from this tango-rhythm album is so delightfull.

"Against the grain", "lazeez" & "Shoot the loop" were my favourites. I keep playing this album on my car audio since I bought it over 3 years ago.

Heard the duo in Snowmass at Aspen (CO) in 1995. Many cuts are from this CD were played at that concert. Excellent CD for a rainy or snowy day. In contra from other reviews, this is their best.

Acoustic Alchemy is one of the best giutar bands around in any style. Get some of their music. You will not be disapointed.

I bougth this CD in 1991 and since then, it's one of my favourite. I am not tired of listening (now on my computer - Itunes) and I guess I'll never will be. It's amazing how good music can be eternal.

For the ones who are thinking about buying, don't think, DO IT!!!!!!

Want to own just one CD you can listen to, over and over again, and not get bored? This is the one. My copy has hardly left my car CD player since I bought it. Every Acoustic Alchemy recording is a winner, but this is the cream of the crop.

Track by track, this is probably the most solid and compact work of this formidable ensemble. You won't find just a single minor piece: Filled of visible inspiration, mercurial enjoyment, mesmerizing summer breeze atmosphere and continuous creative breath, this album has earned through the years a notable support not only for critics but the audiences.

So, make yourself a favor and make this recommendable acquisition that will reward you for years to come.

This was one of the first CDs I bought when I got my first CD player. I think I had heard Mr. Chow on the radio and just had to have it. Even better,not long after I got it AA came to my town (Reston, VA, circa 1992) to play at our little smooth jazz fest at Lake Fairfax Park. I got to see them up close as it started to rain and everyone else ran. To see Nick and Greg up close and personal was an incredible experience! Now that Nick is gone I feel a deep sadness. The memory of that rainy day concert will be with me forever. I only wish we'd had cellphones with cameras back then.
God bless you, Nick.

Every time I hear "No Messin'", I have this vivid picture of the Peanuts Gang just a rockin' out. You should see little children watching this segment (from "A Charlie Brown Christmas") with the sound down and "No Messin'" playing in the background. Priceless!

I like Acoustic Alchemy because their mix of jazz is comprehensive. They have some flamenco, some fusion, some pop, etc. But this album tops them all because of the number of ballad like songs, in addition to the snazzy up-beat mixes.

A must have for any jazz-guitar afficionado

The other day I heard "No Messin'" blasting from a system at Circuit City. I dug the groove, so much so that I went out and bought the CD (my first AA purchase). I have to admit that as a player I really love the tune and I admire the musicianship and tightness of the band; however, I find some of the other Radio Contact tunes to be less than inspiring. Of course, I can't speak for their other stuff, but if it's anything like the Radio Contact tunes other than "No Messin', I might not be all that inspired to do much further listening.

This was my first AA CD and I'll have to say that I like every track on the album. Usually I find that most CD's have a few garbage tracks thrown in as fillers. Not this one. Some are great, but all are good.

I have been a fan since Reference Point and continue to be amazed at how their sound evolves with every new release. Radio Contact is no exception. They have found beautiful ways to intertwine their signature acoutic guitars in various musical styles from jazz, country, latin rhythms and new age/adult contempory. They have even added sensuous vocals as heard in the track 'Little Laughter', taking the listener on an intimate musical journey. Beautifully juxtapositioned after 'Little Laughter' is 'Tinder Box', a completely intoxicating tune that just envelopes the listener in heart felt passion. The sounds of steel guitars add an haunting quality to it that brings one comfortably into the warmth of the chorus of the track. Truly an incredible piece of music that shows the depth and breadth of AA's talented composers and musicians. Other highlights include: 'No Messin' with its semi-bossa nova sound to begin the CD on a most pleasent note. 'Milo' is reminiscent of Joe Sample with the strong underlying piano line to the track and brings with it a bit of funk that still rings true of AA's style we have come to know and love as fans. 'Shelter Island Drve' and 'Urban Cowbowy' provide some very catchy piano rifts that make you want to drive along the coast line with the top down on a warm summer's day... such a comforting feeling. 'El Camino del Corazon's guitar licks bring that Latin feel to the forefront, especially heard in the bridge of the song. It will make you want to get up and dance! 'Shoestring' has a strong A/C sound that is warmly enhanced by Greg and Miles' playing. 'Turn the Stars On' is one of those songs to play after a hard days work with a nice glass of wine in hand. It bring a gentleness and calm to the listener with its flowing melody. 'Ya Tebya Lubliu' evokes that sense of love lost. Although it brings along feelings of sadness, you feel compelled to keep listening to it. 'Venus Morena' wraps of the CD with a strong latin rhythm and ends the CD on a high note. This is truly a remarkable piece of work that stands solid on its own merits, but it should also be seen as an integral part of Acoustic Alchemy's musical evolution.

I am serious. Jam this CD into your car and don't take it out. I HAVE to drive on I-95 everyday, and I think that I'd give into the constant calling of road rage if it wasn't for this CD. Craig Chaquico, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, 3RD Force. How can you go wrong. My personal favorite - The Panama Cat by Acoustic Alchemy. I could be stuck behind 2 jack-knifed tractor trailors and not really care.

Do yourself and your fellow drivers a favor - BUY THIS CD.