Alchemy
Editorial Reviews
Album Description
A stunning colletion of ambient music by an acknowledged master of the genre.
Average customer rating:
- Drifting away?
- Not one of Acoustic Alchemy's best albums
- Great from beginning to end
- Come This Way
- Who are Acoustic Alchemy?
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This Way
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
 General
| Blues
| Styles
| Music
General
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
Smooth Jazz
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Good to Go-Go
- Born 2 Groove
- Sweet Surrender
- Moyo
- En Route
ASIN: B000PHX55K
Release Date: 2007-06-05 |
Tracks:
- Love Is All There Is
- Ernie
- Who Knows
- Slampop
- Out Of Nowhere
- This Way
- Tied Up With String
- Only In My Dreams
- Carlos the King
- Egg
- Now I'm On My Way
Album Description
Acoustic Alchemy are the British acoustic guitar duo of Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale, and with "This Way" they are celebrating a remarkable two decades since their debut with 1987's Red Dust. For all this time they have been a quiet phenomenom, constantly topping the jazz charts in the USA, being nominated for GRAMMY's and touring the world. Following the pop-soul vibe of 2005's "American English", the duo have delivered their most aggressive and swinging, hard rocking and artfully jazzy disc to date. The regular touring/recording band of Terry Disley, Snake Davis, Fred White, Julian Crampton and Greg Grainger are joined by guests such as the buzz-of-today pianist Neil Cowley, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxman Jeff Kashiwa and, on the reggae-tinged Ernie, the great Specials Trombonist, Dennis Rollins. Just two tracks, "Out of Nowhere" and "This Way" feature only the duo - the rest are a fine mix of old-school soul/jazz, funk, reggae, and rock with a mixture of electric guitars, acoustic guitars and the horn section all combining to create a smooth but completely passionate album of classy jazzy guitar music.
Customer Reviews:
Drifting away? .......2007-07-25
Ever since "Red Dust and Spanish Lace" and "Reference Point", Acoustic Alchemy has long been dominating my acoustic guitar jazz collection. Greg Carmichael has fine-tuned their sound since Nick Webb's passing but this album seems to have lost their signature sound even more (I think it kinda started from "American/English" already). There's hardly any track to remember, or even impress from the whole CD. The guitar sound is almost like background music overshadowed by other instuments among quite a few tracks. CDs like "The Beautiful Game", "AArt" are great through their reorg, but this one is losing their depth and clearly drifting away from their core style.
Real Acoustic Alchemy, WANTED!!!
Not one of Acoustic Alchemy's best albums.......2007-07-15
I bought and listened to This Way, and also went to Acoustic Alchemy concert in Phoenix on June 23rd, which mainly promoted this album. It's very listenable, but it's fair-to-middling alongside the rest of AA's 20-year oeuvre. More significantly, it's not very much like the Nick Webb-era material, except possibly for the title track. Other good tracks are "Love Is All There Is," "Ernie," and "Carlos the King" (named that because, according to Greg Carmichael, it was influenced by Carlos Santana). They played "Ernie" and "Carlos the King" at the concert, but "Carlos" wasn't so great live, because the album version has a substantial trumpet part and they didn't bring a trumpeter on the tour. The worst tracks are probably "Slampop" and "Egg."
The current state of AA is like what an Amazon reviewer said about Pierce Brosnan's last 007 movie--that it bore little resemblance to the original Bond. I'm disappointed, although this album is decent enough that I'll probably keep it. Look at the first review of this album; I agree with it.
Great from beginning to end.......2007-07-09
When was the last time you enjoyed every song on a CD? Acoustic Alchemy is about
to change your mind about CD purchases! From beginning to end, every track grabs your
attention and excites one emotion or the other. Well versed, well timed, well written and
very well executed.
In listening to this work of art, it is clear that this troupe had a great time producing this.
Everyone whom I have shared this with has fallen for it, and I suspect - no - predict you will too!!
I gave it 4 out of 5, only because I wanted more! Another 3-4 tracks like these would have been
perfect! I just have to wait for their next compilation!
Come This Way.......2007-07-03
This Way has been a long time coming. It is fabulous, and has alot of older Alchemy sounds plus great new tunes. Fantastic guest artists. Bought 2 so I don't have to share. We knew it would be great when we heard them play Ernie in concert. Been waiting since then for its release. Thanks to Amazon, received it within 6 day to my front door. You did it again, AA and so did you Amazon.
Who are Acoustic Alchemy?.......2007-07-03
Acoustic Alchemy is, or was based on the foundation of two acoustic guitarists with a simple standard format around their playing. Drums, Bass guitar, and some keys. Contrary to an earlier review, when AA bought their flight to the States from England by winning a talent competition to play aboard American Airlines(also AA...cute~), they did so as Greg Carmichael and the late Nick Webb... not Miles Gilderdale. Nick actually recruited Greg to form AA. Gilderdale did not enter until after 1997's Positive Thinking (which Nick contributed some song-writing to help in the transition that Greg would continue forward and keep AA alive). Nothing against Miles, and not to nit-pic about detail, but one cannot mention Acoustic Alchemy in the same breath without Nick Webb...but the fact is, the music that was truly AA unfortunately died in Nick's absence.
I've loved these guys since I bought the 1987 MCA Sampler LP that also included Larry Carlton and other up and coming instrumentalists. The element that made AA was the 'focus' on the acoustic guitars through the fresh, infectious melodies of Nick and Greg. They fused many styles, but always with a catchy hook and melody. I was fortunate enough to see these guys live in 1993 prior to their release of 'The New Edge'and also met them after the show(as they often met with fans for autographs) & was a definite highlight as far as live shows go. Really nice English lads! ((Get the 'Best Kept Secret' DVD!~and the counterpart CD, 'Arcanum'! ie: a nice moment when they were in Florida for a gig, and visited the launch of the Columbia Space Shuttle, inspiring them to dedicate a song to the awe that is 'Columbia')).
Since Nick passed on however, it appears to me that the formula that created AA was lost and to cover up for it, the acoustics that would grab you, draw you in and not let go, suddenly became mulit-layered, multi-instrumental, I-hate-to-say-typical, pop-Jazz that only leaves me wondering. Sounds good, and I'm glad that Greg's getting recognition through awards and all, but only pales in comparison to the years prior to the wishfully optomistic 'Positive Thinking'. I applaud Greg for continuing the dream, and I certainly wish him the best, but I'm sad to say, AA has left behind it's 'Natural Elements' for a more safe and formulaic environment.
Average customer rating:
- Great Sound
- Innovation is the accurate word!
- Excelent music and outstanding performance.
- AA Deserves a 2 disc Set
- Best of the Best
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The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
Smooth Jazz
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
GRP
| Verve Music Group
| Specialty Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- American / English
- Positive Thinking
- Red Dust & Spanish Lace
- Back on the Case
- The Beautiful Game
ASIN: B00006F1IJ
Release Date: 2002-08-27 |
Tracks:
- Mr. Chow
- Catalina Kiss
- Ariane
- Jamaica Heartbeat
- Caravan Of Dreams
- Playing For Time
- Lazeez
- The Stone Circle
- The Alchemist
- Shoot The Loop
- Same Road, Same Reason
- Cool As A Rule
- Georgia Peach
- Casino
- Reference Point
- Red Dust And Spanish Lace
Customer Reviews:
Great Sound.......2007-03-10
I love this group! They are enjoyable to listen to all day and night!
Innovation is the accurate word!.......2007-02-27
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.
Excelent music and outstanding performance........2007-01-09
I consider very relaxing music while I am driving going home no matter traffic jam and of course listening the CD at home with my family.
AA Deserves a 2 disc Set.......2006-11-22
A fine collection of tracks from Acoustic Alchemy; however, this could/should have been a 2-disc set ... it is impossible to do justice to this fine duo with a 1-disc offering ... my advice: buy all the studio CDs up through Positive Thinking and make your own "very best of" collection ... that's exactly what I did ...
- Scriptor
Best of the Best.......2006-08-09
Absolutely love this CD, it has all my favorites from this magnificent duo. They explore many different styles of music while maintaining their identity within the acoustic jazz genre.
Average customer rating:
- Live Straits
- Extended live songs the way they should always be...
- great live document
- this is the best live album ever. period.
- Simply put, the best live album I know.
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Alchemy: Dire Straits Live
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Live Albums
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Live Albums
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)
| Classic Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Live Albums
| Classic Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Classic Rock
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- On the Night
- Making Movies
- Love over Gold
- On Every Street
- Communiqué
ASIN: B000002L5V
Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Once Upon A Time In The West
- Expresso Love
- Romeo And Juliet
- Love Over Gold
- Private Investigations
- Sultans Of Swing
Tracks:
- Two Young Lovers
- Tunnel Of Love
- Telegraph Road
- Solid Rock
- Going Home-Theme From 'Local Hero'
Customer Reviews:
Live Straits.......2007-05-07
This was a good album when it first came out and gave the listener some image of what it is like to hear this band live. Very few recordings can ever do that experience justice. This remaster of the original goes part of the way to achieving that experience. It has brought out some of the excitement and emotion of being part of that audience. I really like this album and would recommend it to any one who likes Dire Straits.
Extended live songs the way they should always be..........2007-04-07
Remember Cream, Hendrix, The Who? All these bands could play any song at any time for 10 minutes... Remember when live music was really live music? Music that did not always sound just like the record? Well, here you go. Mark Knopfler is a true genius. This live document is a real band effort. He lets all show their skills. Although when it comes right down to it, MK plays lots of great strat out of phase leads to keep you happy. Give it a listen. It might just make you a better guitar player.
great live document.......2007-02-25
This album was the first live album I ever bought. I clearly remember walking to a mall near my home when I was a kid, buying this album and listening to it on the walk back home. I had bought all of their albums by that point and was unsure about this one.
This is a great live album. The songs played here are different than the studio versions with alot of variations added. A simple 5 minute song can be played and expanded upon for 10 minutes here. That's the reason why i love this. Many live albums have songs played note for note, might have a quick ending tagged on and are filled with incessant, overloud cheering. This album has none of those.
The songs here are performed with so much energy that you can't help but be affected by it. The sound is mostly good here, but there are stage buzzes on a few tracks. It becomes noticeable during some of the quiet passages here.
'Romeo And Juliet' is performed wonderfully with a great intro before the song actually kick in. 'Love Over Gold' was a b-side that should have remained on the original album. 'Sultans Of Swing here is performed beautifully and has a nice variation on the main guitar riff.
'Two Young Lovers' is a nice little beach type tune from their 'Twisting By The Pool' EP, which frustratingly is still not available on CD. 'Tunnel Of Love' has a great Rodgers/Hammerstein intro that makes a great instrumental opening. 'Telegraph Road' is a worthy performance with a great solo at the end. 'Solid Rock' has a great keyboard opening before the song really picks up to kick some butt and the album ends with a great version of Going Home which Mark Knopfler had recorded only a few months before for a movie called Local Hero. That soundtrack is also amazing and I recommend picking it up.
So this is a great live album. Another performance from this night (Portobello Belle) was released on the Money For Nothing best of CD in 1988. Its also quite obvious they played 'Industrial Disease' on the same night. I can hear it in the fade of 'Once Upon A Time..." Why these two performances aren't available on an expanded edition of this is frustrating. Even a complete DVD of this entire performance might never see release. And that's a shame really.
4 stars for this. The sound buzzes are a bit intrusive, or i would give this five. Buy this album.
this is the best live album ever. period........2006-08-18
Knopfler's smooth textures mix with sheer rock make every song a winner.
Simply put, the best live album I know........2006-06-24
Just compare the live version of "Sultans of Swing" to the original (from the first Dire Straits album), and you'll get my meaning.
Average customer rating:
- Meditation & Healing Music
- Just what I was looking for
- some of the best music out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Let your Spirit Soar
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Tonal Alchemy
Steven Halpern
Manufacturer: Inner Peace Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Ambient
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
Electronica
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
General
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
Meditation
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
Healing
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
General
| Adult Contemporary
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Adult Alternative
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Space Rock
| Rock
| Alternative Styles
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Electronic
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Chakra Suite
- Crystal Bowl Healing
- Sound Medicine: Music for Healing
- Gifts of the Angels
- Inner Peace
ASIN: B000784XBC
Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- Pyramid Power
- OM Suite OM I
- Shakuhachi Alchemy
- 18th Century Tibetan Bowl
- Tonal Alchemy I
- Vowel Power
- Tonal Alchemy II
- OM Suite OM II
- Heavy Metal
- Tonal Alchemy III
- Tonal Alchemy IV
- Tibetan Gold
- Shambhalla
- Om Suite OM III
- Kyoto Temple Bowl
- OM Suite OM IV
- Inside The Great Pyramid
Album Description
This album is sure to appeal to the large and growing audience that loves vocal chants combined with healing instrumental music. Tonal Alchemy includes temple- and museum-quality bowls, recorded in breathtaking 24-bit audiophile format.
Customer Reviews:
Meditation & Healing Music.......2007-06-03
This is a great CD and certainly unique. First of all, anything I have purchased by Steven Halpern has been great. This is the type of music that you would play during a Reiki energy-healing session, or something similar. It is also great for meditation. I just want you to understand, this is not what most people call "music". There is chanting, to Tibetan and Japanese temple bowls to Tibetan bells to harmonic keyboard vibrational sounds. Oh, and we have gongs and "OM" chanting, too. "Tonal Alchemy" also begins with a unique recording made inside the Great Pyramid in Egypt. That, to me, is beyond cool. This CD is also about using sound to heal (self and others). (If you don't already know, sound and colors are also used as healing modalities.)
It's hard for me to really describe this CD, because most "normal" people would probably not "get it". This is more for the spiritual type person, who is into healing, or meditation, and or spiritual advancement. This is a "vibration thing," like a clear your mind and connect your chakras and feel your head vibrate type CD. If you don't know what I'm talking about, this is probably not for you.
On the other hand, if you DO understand what I'm saying, this is a good one and different. It also makes a great gift for anyone you know who is into these types of alternate therapies. So, crack out the crystals, light the candles, and put on this CD. Better yet, make a crystal grid. This vibration is awesome.
There are 17 tracks, totalling a hair under 1 hour and 7 minutes, certainly ample time to let it run during a Reiki session or meditation.
Just what I was looking for.......2006-12-05
I've tried meditation and self hypnosis techniques for years--not well, but at least making the effort!--but I've never found music that I felt really encouraged the practice or helped expand my potential. I was looking for something like Tintinabulation, which involves bells from temples. Halpern's work is even more arresting than Tintinabulation. Rather than the continuous resonance of bells, his pieces are more varied. Takahashi flutes, drums, crystal bowls, as well as temple bells are played with each segment of the recording having a slightly different tonal character and texture. I find that I can select the recording I feel comfortable with and put it on replay while attempting meditation and it truly does help me concentrate. I'm very pleased. This is not just New Age music--which I also like--it's actually intended for those who want to create an environment conductive to meditation. I plan on giving a copy to several friends. Superb.
some of the best music out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-05-04
I purchased this CD at the bookstore it features ancient tibetan & Japenese bowls! track #9 features a gong being hit three times. this is a great introduction to far east asia music! if you buy it you will like it!!
Let your Spirit Soar.......2005-12-15
As a long-time fan of Steven Halpern, this is one of his best projects yet. If you are a fan of Tibetan signing bowls, then this is the CD for you. It is a great meditation tool...you can OM away with the surrealistic sounds.
My only criticism would be that on occasion, between cuts, there is a long empty silence when you're not exactly sure if the CD is over yet. As an example, on cut #17, there is total silence for several minutes and then Whoops! you hear the faint meditative sounds..then total silence again.
I fall asleep each night to the beautiful sounds of Steven Halpern. I have most of his CD's; you can't beat him for relaxing, smooth, meditative music....I always, always fall asleep before the CD is over! His music puts you in a totally beautiful, spiritual, sublime place.
Average customer rating:
- My Favorite Acoustic Alchemy Recording
- Probably the most soothing Acoustic Alchemy album
- A Bittersweet Release
- BEST EVER !!!!!
- First encounter
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Positive Thinking
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
Smooth Jazz
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
General
| Adult Contemporary
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Adult Alternative
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
GRP
| Verve Music Group
| Specialty Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- The Beautiful Game
- Back on the Case
- Red Dust & Spanish Lace
- Reference Point
- Against the Grain
ASIN: B000006NGP
Release Date: 1998-05-19 |
Tracks:
- Passionelle
- Rainwatching W.I.
- Cadaques
- The Five Card Trick
- Positve Thinking
- The Better Shoes
- Vapour Trails
- Augustrasse 18
- Time Gentlemen Please
- Limited Excess
Customer Reviews:
My Favorite Acoustic Alchemy Recording.......2007-05-14
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.
Probably the most soothing Acoustic Alchemy album.......2005-11-16
Acoustic Alchemy founding member Nick Webb died before Positive Thinking was completed, and that had to have influenced the album. Every track is gentle or noticeably sad, or both. It doesn't have the energy or edge that many other Acoustic Alchemy albums (such as Arcanum, Red Dust and Spanish Lace, and Reference Point) have, but it may make good relaxation music. The best tracks are probably "The Five Card Trick" and "Positive Thinking."
A Bittersweet Release.......2004-04-30
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.
BEST EVER !!!!!.......2003-11-25
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 !!!!!!
First encounter.......2002-12-24
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!
Average customer rating:
- 5 stars ain't enough!
- A superb master album!
- One of my oldest, best loved CDs
- really nice cruising music
- Pure Pleasure & Joy -- Best Album By AA -- A Great Group!!
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Back on the Case
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
Smooth Jazz
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
GRP
| Verve Music Group
| Specialty Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Reference Point
- Positive Thinking
- Against the Grain
- Red Dust & Spanish Lace
- The Beautiful Game
ASIN: B0000001RK
Release Date: 1991-08-13 |
Tracks:
- The Alchemist
- Jamaica Heartbeat
- Georgia Peach
- Playing For Time
- When The Lights Go Out
- Clear Air For Miles
- Fire Of The Heart
- Freeze Frame
- On The Case
- Break For The Border
Customer Reviews:
5 stars ain't enough!.......2007-04-11
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.
A superb master album!.......2007-03-14
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.
One of my oldest, best loved CDs.......2006-09-09
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.
really nice cruising music.......2005-11-23
A friend back in high school gave me this album on cassette. I must have listened to it for about ten years before I lost my copy. I used to love to pop this in and cruise around the lonely country roads in wintertime. I listen to all types of music and I would say that anybody who wants to relax and enjoy something nice (yet still jammin') should definitely give this one a try. I also liked their other album, Against the Grain, but this one by far takes the cake. This is very enjoyable and engaging music. I give it five stars.
Pure Pleasure & Joy -- Best Album By AA -- A Great Group!!.......2002-04-14
Very Rarely, have I experienced an album of complete and balanced quality creating homogeneous musical pleasure and satisfaction. Each song fits together with a smooth blend of textures bringing out the best of the Acoustic Guitar mixed with a superb mixture of other instruments. I love Acoustic Guitar and have lots--but this Album for me significantly beats any other Acoustic Album for a complete package! I simply LOVE each song and the result gives a relaxing...but yet optimistic and uplifing feel...I'm rejuvenated and "made right" after listening to it...no matter how often. I especially find "On The Case" a great track, but the others are just as good.
BTW...each album of AA in the collaboration of Webb/Carmichael is excellent...and I also recommend "A Beautiful Game" of AA
after the sad, untimely passing of Nick Webb due to Cancer in 1998.
Personally...of the 1,000 or more albums I've have had and/or listened to in my life from about every genre...this album would have to be easily in the top 5 for musical quality and the feel it gives. A great piece of Work!!
Average customer rating:
- Wow!!!
- Great Music
- Outstanding music.
- It's worth a listen
- Elevator music
|
American / English
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Higher Octave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
Smooth Jazz
| Jazz
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Wild Card
- The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy
- Got It Goin' On
- Flipside
- Positive Thinking
ASIN: B0007QCLS6
Release Date: 2005-03-29 |
Tracks:
- The Crossing
- Say Yeah
- So Kylie
- Trinity
- The Detroit Shuffle
- Cherry Hill
- She Speaks American English
- Lilac Lane
- The 14 Carrot Cafe
- Get Up (Levantar Y Bailar)
- The Moon And The Sun
Customer Reviews:
Wow!!!.......2007-04-03
I must disclose; I'm an Alchemy fan and have been one for about 15 years. However, this fact does not keep me from hearing the truth and the truth on this one is... This one is a must have!!! Do you remember Red Dust and Spanish Lace? Yeah, it's that good and more. The Crossing is destined to become a classic. So Kylie will get you moving and She Speaks American/English is just plain good music. Enjoy a great cd.
Cheers
Great Music.......2007-03-10
I love this group! Great Jaz sound you can listen to all day long!
Outstanding music........2007-01-10
Same as "The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy" I consider very relaxing music while I am driving going home no matter traffic jam and of course listening the CD at home with my family.
It's worth a listen.......2007-01-06
I have been a fan for 12 years and still love their sound. Since the death of Nick Webb Acoustic Alchemy has continued in his memory and honors his influence while moving forward and trying to incorporate other styles. Radio Contact and American English continue on with quality music. This is worth adding to your collection.
Elevator music.......2006-04-21
A pale, half-hearted set. Reminiscient of Positive Thinking from 1998, but without the energy. I can't fault the technical musicianship of the band: they're all super-accomplished. But this album left me cold. Blah.
Average customer rating:
- Just over-rated.
- Wow
- Makes you wish they'd go on and on and on!
|
Alchemy: Dire Straits Live
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
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Similar Items:
- On the Night
- Making Movies
- Live at the BBC
- Communiqué
- Love over Gold
ASIN: B0000242CE
Release Date: 1996-06-10 |
Tracks:
- Once Upon A Time In The West
- Expresso
- Romeo And Juliet
- Love Over Gold
- Private Investigations
- Sultans Of Swing
Tracks:
- Two Young Lovers
- Tunnel Of Love
- Telegraph Road
- Solid Rock
- Going Home- Theme From 'Local Hero'
Customer Reviews:
Just over-rated........2004-04-24
I beg to differ from some reviewers that the live renditions of some of the tracks on this LP are better than the studio versions. Some are, maybe but not all and this album definitely has its moments but is a bit overrated I think compared with subsequent live concerts the band did. I had the good fortune of seeing them live in 1985 and was sorry that the 1985-86 tour was never brought out on DVD or CD.
Part one of 'Alchemy' is tedious. Too slow in the main, the instrumentals ramble at times and the weakest track on the set 'Love Over Gold' (which was not included on the vinyl version of the album) should have been left off - the original studio version of this track was definitely better; ditto 'Romeo & Juliet' which also drags on. By far the best cut on the first disc is 'Sultans of Swing'.
The second disc is much better in the main. 'Telegraph Road' is superb and so is 'Tunnel of Love', these are unquestionably the best two tracks on the album. 'Going Home' is good too.
Knopfler's singing is weak much of the time. The stage buzzes (which are especially audible on 'Private Investigations') can be a bit intrusive at times as well. Not my favourite live album by any means and certainly not among their best work.
Wow.......2004-01-06
Listening to Knopler's guitar work on a studio album sends chills, he is amazing. The only thing better is hearing him live. Alchemy is a fantastic live album. What he does live on Sultans of Swing and Telegraph Road alone is worth it, but the whole damn thing is great. If you are a Dire Straits fan this is essential.
Makes you wish they'd go on and on and on!.......2003-02-22
Have you ever wondered how many variations of a song, or of song's theme a band can perform live without ever getting boring? Ever listened to somebody play and wished he'd never stop because he is just that great? "Alchemy" is exactly that kind of experience. Recorded two years before what was probably their most successful studio album ("Brothers in Arms"), this more than 90 minute-long live release easily explains why Dire Straits took off with rocket speed in a time otherwise dominated by disco music on the one hand and punk on the other, and why to this day they are considered one of the greatest rock bands ever to have existed. Listen to the first chords of "Once Upon a Time in the West," and you'll know why Mark Knopfler is, in addition to all his other accomplishments, a much sought-after film score composer. Listen to "Romeo and Juliet," and you'll understand why the greatest love story ever told truly is more than a story of two rich kids born to feuding families a couple of centuries ago in Italy, and holds as much truth for us streetwise teenagers of the late 20th century as it did 400 years ago. Listen to "Telegraph Road," and you`ll find a dark, brooding novel of epic proportions condensed into one song, culminating with as haunting and intense a guitar solo as you'll ever hear - by Mark Knopfler or others.
From their first studio album on, Dire Straits defied the three-minute limits imposed by the conventions of radio airplay. But it has always been in a live venue that Mark Knopfler's talent shines most, and that he is able to fully explore all that his Fender will give him ... and more. Each song on this double CD is extended as compared to its respective studio version; no less than four of them ("Once Upon a Time in the West," "Sultans of Swing," "Tunnel of Love" and "Telegraph Road") are over ten minutes long, three even over 13 minutes - only a Dire Straits live album would make it necessary for "just" 11 songs to be spread out over two discs. But these recordings are not about length. They are about one man's dialogue with his guitar, the poetry of his lyrics, his awareness of society; in short, all that great music stands for and can express. Gifted as he is, Mark Knopfler has always found musicians who are exceptionally talented in their own right to provide a foundation he can build on, and this early (although not the earliest) incarnation of Dire Straits is no exception. Yet this band, in all of its formations over the course of the years, was as dominated by Knopfler's musical genius as few other bands have ever been, and nothing could have made this clearer than their live recordings; an experience only surpassed by actually witnessing Knopfler live on stage, particularly as he just seems to get better and better over the course of the years. "Telegraph Road" alone, the dramatic finale of his unforgettable live appearance during the recent "Sailing to Philadelphia" tour, left me completely stunned and wishing the show would go on and on for hours more.
"Anybody who finds nothing to love here has either got a problem with the essential fabric of rock and roll or cloth ears," writes British music journalist Robert Sandall in the introduction to Dire Straits' greatest hits album, "Sultans of Swing." And while this is true for anything they have ever released over the course of their career, and likewise for each and every one of Knopfler's solo albums and movie scores, you have to have more than cloth ears and a problem with the things that rock music is all about not to be inspired by this incredible piece of live recording.
Average customer rating:
- The magic acoustic!
- A great album
- Nice acoustic guitar smooth jazz duo
- Smooooooth
- This is where I fell in Love
|
Reference Point
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
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Smooth Jazz
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Similar Items:
- Back on the Case
- Against the Grain
- Positive Thinking
- Arcan'um
- Red Dust & Spanish Lace
ASIN: B0000001R1
Release Date: 1990-07-19 |
Tracks:
- Reference Point
- Missing Your Touch
- Take Five
- Same Road, Same Reason
- Make My Day
- Caravan Of Dreams
- Homecoming
- Cuban Heels
- Lullaby For The First Born
Customer Reviews:
The magic acoustic!.......2007-03-10
It' s always gratifying to get close into the acoustic universe of this ensemble. They are filled of renovated inspiration in every work they present. Its rich hues and inspirational sound has always something new to offer us.
Reference point, Missing your touch are the jewels of the crown Their version of the classic "Take five" is very interesting., but then pay attention to this funny to listen to and moving song Make my day with visible country allusions and spiced with rock' s echoes; Caravan of dreams matches with the supreme version of Peter White, recreated with lyric inspiration and brilliantly performed; Homecoming is a gay theme supported by percussion, drums, steel and nylon string guitar is one the best tracks of this fabulous CD, and lullaby for the first born is a splendid nest song for the arrival of baby.
This album should be part of your personal collection.
A great album.......2006-07-13
Someone--it might have been on Amazon, can't recall--claimed that Reference Point didn't live up to expectations after Acoustic Alchemy's prior album. I say, don't be ridiculous. This is one of their best. It's a little edgier than Back on the Case, which comes afterward. It also, in my opinion, comes closer to being actual jazz than any other AA album. (AA is *not* a jazz group; their influences are too diverse. They are a mainstay on smooth-jazz stations.) One of the tracks covers Dave Brubeck's jazz classic "Take Five," but reworks it into something new. Several reviewers here say their version is awful, but they're out of their minds--it's better than the original!--unless you really like the "cool jazz" style Brubeck and his group played.
Nice acoustic guitar smooth jazz duo.......2005-02-03
I remember really loving this album when I bought it a decade ago. Unfortunately, the passage of time and a new evaluation reveal I had overestimated this recording.
Acoustic Alchemy are Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael, who play acoustic nylon and steel string guitars, coupled usually with light keys, bass and percussion for a fairly average smooth jazz sound.
At its best, the riffs created by Carmichael and Webb dance out of the speakers and grab you by the ears. At worst, the music turns in soft, gauzy inoffensive aural wallpaper...the kind of music that's on in the background that you don't really pay any attention to.
High points include the brisk "Make my Day", the title track and the buoyant "Cuban Heels": probably the lowest point on here comes as the duo cover the Dave Brubeck chestnut "Take Five". A bass figure rumbling underneath suggests we may be in for a very funky rehaul of the Paul Desmond classic, but it rapidly deteriorates into a very uninspiring version that won't make anyone forget the original.
A nice one to consider if you're particularly into acoustic guitar, but not a fantastic outing overall.
3 1/2 stars
Smooooooth.......2004-06-28
Great album and all I can say is don't listen while driving, as it could be hazardous for your health!
Very relaxing and so easy to get lost in the music! Eyes tend to close and then you zone out! Great all around album!
One of my favorite jazz groups!
This is where I fell in Love.......2000-05-28
I was lucky enough to see Acoustic Alchemy perform live one Friday in 1995 and I was blown away. This album was the one I purchased that very night at their concert (by Sunday night I owned every CD they'd released). "Homecoming" was the first song of the first set and still makes me smile. I think that "Lullaby for the first born" is the finest of all the Webb/Carmichael two handers. There's not a bad track on here.
Average customer rating:
- A near-masterpiece, and Acoustic Alchemy's best album--really
- Not Up To Par
- the best from this duo
- Twilight at Snowmass
- Nouveau Tango/Lazeez
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Against the Grain
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Jazz
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| Jazz
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General
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Similar Items:
- Reference Point
- Back on the Case
- Positive Thinking
- Arcan'um
- Early Alchemy
ASIN: B0000001U0
Release Date: 1994-10-11 |
Tracks:
- Against The Grain
- Lazeez
- A Different Kind Of Freedom
- Lady Lynda
- Road Dogs
- Shoot The Loop
- Across The Golden Gate
- Papillon
- Silent Partner
- Nouveau Tango
Customer Reviews:
A near-masterpiece, and Acoustic Alchemy's best album--really.......2007-04-17
I don't know why some reviewers think Against the Grain stinks. It's the last of the Nick Webb-era albums I listened to, and I have come to think it's their best ever, edging out what I think are competitors Arcanum, Back on the Case, and The Beautiful Game.
It's without a doubt the most overlooked AA album (their only hit from it was Lazeez), for no good reason, and probably also their most jazz-influenced work.
I admit that I don't care much for the title track, often skipping it; a lot of AA albums have an unfortunate pattern of the title track being weaker than the others.
"A Different Kind of Freedom," is a pleasant and cheerful South American-type piece.
"Lady Lynda" sounds a little bland and too much like every other Acoustic Alchemy track, but is easy on the ears.
The incredible and weird "Shoot the Loop" is like nothing else I've ever heard from Acoustic Alchemy, rising above most of AA's discography in a way I can only say "The Angel of the South," from the album The Beautiful Game, does; it's probably the best track on the album. It sounds like the soundtrack to an avant-garde sci-fi movie at some points, and at others vaguely like something I heard on a Herb Alpert jazz-funk album from the 1970s. An electric guitar joins Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael's steel and nylon strings about four minutes in. Carmichael says in the liner notes that they simply wanted to record the melody over a dance backtrack and dance rhythms, but they outdid themselves--"Shoot the Loop" is too good to be dance music.
"Across the Golden Gate" is rather sleepy, but soothing; it almost belongs on the Positive Thinking album that would come four years after this.
"Papillon" is a brilliant piece of jazz, and is not very similar to their usual material in that it uses piano and soprano sax extensively. It's not fast jazz, but laid-back and relatively slow.
"Nouveau Tango" is also great. It starts out with a whisper, but is striding and optimistic. Feels like the sort of thing I'd like to hear on a long walk.
Against the Grain is sometimes brilliant, and in any case is probably the best album to data by Acoustic Alchemy. Listen to it.
Not Up To Par.......2004-04-22
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.
the best from this duo.......2003-08-25
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.
Twilight at Snowmass.......2001-02-15
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.
Nouveau Tango/Lazeez.......2000-05-27
Tango song is a woundeful composition for an English Duo, This song and Lazeez is how you'll define the word MUSIC (the good Art of syncronize the sound with time.)I think this whole Album and this Duo are GREAT.
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