Jazz-Pittsburgh.com Smooth Jazz Artist BiographyAcoustic Alchemy - British smooth jazz instrumental pop acoustic guitar based group CD Radio ContactVisit the Pittsburgh smooth jazz news resource and restaurant guide at Jazz-Pittsburgh.com, the official Smooth Jazz event listings website and best dining directory of jazz clubs in pittsburghAcoustic Alchemy - Radio Contact in Pittsburgh Did you ever buy a new CD, put it in your player, and from the first sounds of it, know that the whole CD was going to be great? And all of a sudden, you wanted to stop what you were doing and just listen? Well, when you hear the latest offering from the British Smooth Jazz group Acoustic Alchemy, chances are you'll do just that. Stop and listen...
Following the highly acclaimed, award winning, and Grammy-nominated "AArt" album, Acoustic Alchemy released "Radio Contact", their thirteenth album, this past June (2003) again fortifying their stronghold in the NAC/Smooth Jazz format. The science behind the Acoustic Alchemy signature sound is the way their combined acoustic guitars (usually a nylon stringed and a steel stringed) create the up-front and personal feel of their multi-flavored and refreshing compositions. The guitar duo's history spans almost 20 years and 13 albums blending jazz, pop, folk, reggae, and flamenco. Initially conceived by the late Nick Webb paired with Simon James, Acoustic Alchemy was born in the early 80s. Greg Carmichael entered the picture and would replace James in the mid 80s before the duo would sign with MCA to release the 1987 attention getting debut "Red Dust and Spanish Lace". For 11 more albums, Acoustic Alchemy would nurture a legacy and a loyal American following by consistently topping the contemporary jazz/adult contemporary charts and radio station play lists with an extraordinary body of work: "Natural Elements" (1988, MCA) "Blue Chip" (1989, MCA) "Reference Point" (1990, GRP) "Back on the Case" (1991, GRP) "Early Alchemy" (1992, GRP) "The New Edge" (1993, GRP) "Against the Grain" (1994, GRP) "Arcanum" (1996, GRP) "Positive Thinking" (1998, GRP) In 1998, pancreatic cancer would take the life of Nick Webb and leave Carmichael at the helm. John Parsons would temporarily stand in for Webb's open spot on the "Positive Thinking" tour. Later, the electric guitarist of the band Miles Gilderdale would pick up an acoustic and become Webb's permanent replacement, maintaining an essence of the band and the Acoustic Alchemy signature sound. "The Beautiful Game" (2000, Higher Octave) "AArt" (2001, Higher Octave), the Grammy-nominated (Best Pop Instrumental Album) was a step in a different direction for Acoustic Alchemy. The album would feature more horns, saxophone, and take on more of a collective writing effort including the other band members' input as opposed to writing primarily for the guitars and then later writing the other existing instrumentation around them. The overall vibe of the album is an up-tempo one emphasizing the groove and features some blistering saxophone solos and tasty horn section arrangements. "Radio Contact" (2003, Higher Octave), Acoustic Alchemy's 13th release, would return the band to its acoustic guitar centered sound. The album starts with "No Messin'" produced by guitarist and recording artist Chuck Loeb. With a Spanish flavor and feel-good vibe, you'll feel like clapping your hands each time the chorus comes around. Among other Jazz-Pittsburgh.com favorites on "Radio Contact" are "El Camino Del Corazon", "Little Laughter"--Acoustic Alchemy's first vocal track featuring the vocals of Jo Harrop, and "Shoestring" has a replay appeal to it (so get your remotes ready!) with a catchy melody, groove, and airy vocals in the chorus--not to mention the cool Rhodes solo. Check it out! Rounding out the band on "Radio Contact" is: Greg Carmichael - nylon string guitar; Miles Gilderdale - steel string guitar, electric guitar; Jamie Norton - keyboards; Anthony White - keyboards; Frank Felix - bass; Greg Grainger - drums. Acoustic Alchemy is currently on tour in support of "Radio Contact" and will be in Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 13th for an 8pm performance at the Rosebud in the Strip District! Get your tickets at Ticketmaster! Find out more about Acoustic Alchemy at www.acoustic-alchemy.net! Don't forget to sign the Jazz-Pittsburgh Guest List and receive the newsletter to stay tuned to the announcements about what’s going on when and where! Leave any comments and/or suggestions you might have in the Guest Book and spread the word by Telling a Friend! See you at the show!! Also view:
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