Alchemy

Alchemy

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Before the Tannahill Weavers reintroduced the Highland bagpipes to Scottish folk music in the early '70s, the distinctive skirl was pretty much heard only in marching bands and at funerals. On Alchemy, their 13th album, the Weavers continue to demonstrate that the pipes were made for more than just military music and "Amazing Grace." They use it as the main instrument on their medleys of Scottish dance tunes such as "The Wagtail Set" and "The Silver Whistle Set," and as a backdrop for the band's stunning vocals. As on their previous recordings, the Tannahill Weavers skillfully blend the rural tradition of wild Highland flings and reels with the more polite, and urban, Lowland song tradition. And when they sing their stirring harmonies on "It Was All for Our Rightful King" and "The Gallant Shearers" and play their relentlessly rhythmic dance-tune sets, they are continuing their own personal tradition of recording some of the finest Scottish folk music ever heard. --Michael Simmons

Alchemy,Tannahill Weavers,Green Linnet,Celtic/Irish,Folk,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

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?

This Way
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
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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

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

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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:

The best of Dire Straits Live - ever!!
Live Straits
Extended live songs the way they should always be...
great live document
this is the best live album ever. period.

Alchemy: Dire Straits Live
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002L5V
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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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:

The best of Dire Straits Live - ever!!.......2007-07-29

This is the best live show of DS... believe me, I have more than 300 cds of live shows of all years, starting in 1977 and the last live tour. This one is my favourite and I am hearing it since 1987, exactly 20 years and can't get satisfied. If you like this, buy the VHS (so far, no dvd release) and see it with your eyes, you will not believe what Mr. Knopfler can do!

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.

Average customer rating:

My Favorite Acoustic Alchemy Recording
Probably the most soothing Acoustic Alchemy album
A Bittersweet Release
BEST EVER !!!!!
First encounter

Positive Thinking
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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:

Wow!!!
Great Music
Outstanding music.
It's worth a listen
Elevator music

American / English
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Higher Octave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007QCLS6
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

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So Kylie
Trinity
The Detroit Shuffle
Cherry Hill
She Speaks American English
Lilac Lane
The 14 Carrot Cafe
Get Up (Levantar Y Bailar)
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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:

Meditation & Healing Music
Just what I was looking for
some of the best music out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let your Spirit Soar

Tonal Alchemy
Steven Halpern
Manufacturer: Inner Peace Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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:

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

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On the Night
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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:

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!!

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
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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!!

Red Dust & Spanish Lace
Average customer rating:

One of Their Best

Timeless

This Is A Good One!!!!

Classics don't get any better than this

An eclectic mix of New Age, Flamenco and Jazz!!

Red Dust & Spanish Lace
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
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ASIN: B0000001VE
Release Date: 1996-01-30

Tracks:

Mr. Chow
Ricochet
Stone Circle
The Rideout
Girl With A Red Carnation
The Colonel & The Ashes
One For The Road
Sarah Victoria
Red Dust & Spanish Lace

Customer Reviews:

One of Their Best.......2007-05-14

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.

Timeless.......2006-08-03

An old album, yes! But this music is timeless. The loss of Nick Web was a blow to this planet and all of it's music listening inhabitants.

We are missing him and this album will help you appreciate and understand why!

This Is A Good One!!!!.......2005-12-27

I bought this on cassette when it first came out. The original art work was a lot nicer. But, I suppose it's what's inside that really counts. This disk is short, but has some great songs. The title track, Mr. Chow, and Ricochet are the standouts on this CD...but, their isn't a bad track on it. This recording is actually better than most of their later ones. This is a good one!!!

Classics don't get any better than this.......2004-07-03

I just haven't been able to stop buying up Acoustic Alchemy albums since I first heard "AART" in 2003. What attracted me to this album is the title track, which the group played at a concert in Reading, PA (2004). It was reason enough to buy the CD; but that's not to say that the other songs are a waste - listeners will be charmed and seduced by each track, especially "The Stone Circle", "One For The Road" and "Red Dust & Spanish Lace" which are the crowning moments to an obviously perfect album.

This is a must-have for an Acoustic Alchemy fan!!!!!!!!!

An eclectic mix of New Age, Flamenco and Jazz!!.......2002-11-28

First heard the group's album on the legendary smooth jazz station, KKSF in San Francisco back in 1987. I was so impressed with the duo's track "Mr. Chow" that I purchased a cassette copy and was immediately hooked. Since then, it has been one of my favorite albums of all time. I love every track on this CD including "Rideout" and "Girl with the red carnation". A great piece of work!!

Average customer rating:

Fusion lacking a fuse...
Uneven; masterful and mediocre
Beautiful Album
Great!
Absolutely wonderful!

The Beautiful Game
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Higher Octave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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American / English
Radio Contact

ASIN: B00004T9SL
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Tracks:

Angel Of The South
The Panama Cat
Trail Blazer
The Beautiful Game
Hats Of Magic
Tete A Tete
The Last Flamenco
Kidstuff
Big Sky Country
Hold On To Your Heart
Jubilation
Big Sky Country (Nashville Version)
Trail Blazer (Nashville Version)

Amazon.com

Without question, this is the finest Acoustic Alchemy outing since their 1987 smooth-jazz classic, Red Dust and Spanish Lace. Back then, the current leader, Greg Carmicheal, co-led the group as a duet with his partner, Nick Webb, who died from cancer in early 1998. With a new, expanded version of Acoustic Alchemy, Carmichael has significantly retooled the sound of the group, with the help of San Francisco keyboardist Terry Disley and Incognito member Richard Bull. The stamp of Bull's acid-jazz leanings is evident on "The Panama Cat" and "Trailblazer," while "Hats of Magic" and "Hold on to Your Heart" are two of Carmichael's prettiest guitar ballads ever. Loyal fans shouldn't fear Alchemy's change of direction; while the band seems headed more toward London, Carmichael still remembers that his first American records came from MCA's Nashville office. He does enough serious pickin' on "Kidstuff," "Tete à Tete," and the Dobro-enhanced "Big Sky Country" to help bolster the claim that jazz and bluegrass are cousins. --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

Fusion lacking a fuse..........2006-04-22

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.

Uneven; masterful and mediocre.......2005-01-23

If you are a new Acoustic Alchemy listener, the reason you should consider The Beautiful Game unusual is because it was their first album since co-leader Nick Webb died in 1998, and current leader Greg Carmichael then modified their style. Carmichael collaborates heavily with the band members, which he and Webb generally didn't do (not on the actual playing), and generally produces a more typical smooth-jazz sound than they used to have.

Listen to (not necessarily buy) this album for the first track, The Angel of the South. It should be a timeless classic of instrumental music. Other highlights are Tete a Tete, The Panama Cat, and the title track.

However, the rest of the album is forgettable or worse when compared to everything produced during the Nick Webb era. I hate 'Kidstuff'; it starts with a baby's goofy voice giggling 'I don't know [unintelligible] I feel about you' or something like that. 'Big Sky Country, Nashville Version' is irritating, although their regular takes on 'Big Sky' and 'Trail Blazer' are not bad). 'Hold On To Your Heart,' 'Jubilation,' and 'Hats of Magic,' are yawners, pieces of music I had to hear again just now so I could remember what they sound like. (Most Acoustic Alchemy tunes are harder to forget.)

Try another Acoustic Alchemy album first (probably Arcanum, a reworked hits collection, or The Best of Acoustic Alchemy); but in any case, listen to The Beautiful Game, too--if only for "The Angel of the South."

Beautiful Album.......2004-12-05

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!

Great!.......2003-06-15

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.

Absolutely wonderful!.......2003-01-11

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.

Music Review:

Music Review

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