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The
group Acoustic Alchemy looks back on an ever-changing past.
Originally founded by guitarists Nick Webb (steel string) and
Simon James (nylon string) in the early 80s, guitarist Greg
Carmichael soon replaced outgoing Simon James. When Webb died in
1998, Greg Carmichael brought in Miles Gilderdale as his
partner. According to Wikipedia, Thirty Three and a Third is the twenty-second album of the group. The title of the album is explained by the age of the group. Beside the duo play Gary Grainger (bass), Tony Stipetic (fretless bass), John Goldsby (double bass), Anthony "Fred" White (keyboards), Greg Grainger, Bert Smaak (drums), Jeff Kashiwa (sax), Mike Herting (grand piano) Paul Stipetic (percussion), and Malcolm Strachan (trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone). The album is a tribute to late band manager Stewart Coxhead.
Acoustic Alchemy starts the album with East of Babylon. Uncompromising in virtuosity, this energetic piece is nothing for archaeologists. Carmen's Man is a typical example of the interlaced, cascading playing style of the two guitarists building a sonic infectious synergy. The song is dedicated to late guitarist Chuck Loeb and his wife Carmen Cuesta.
The Swallow's Tale turns out to be a lyrical masterpiece that captivates with its filigree guitar artistry. Jeff Kashiwa adds his jazzy attitude on sax. The title song simply shows us how the pieces of harmony fit together. A natural process of what guitar music can be all about.
The winter just started, but Acoustic Alchemy is already reflecting about Winter's End. Their soft tones make the snow melt and the audience too. With a keen sense for lyrical enhancement two melodies are linked together on A Little Closer. Malcolm's muted trumpet delivers the moody atmosphere.
Blues for Mr. Mu is stylistically an American song. Greg and Miles were doubting if the experienced American audience would like this tune, but they definitely do. The Girl With a Plan started out of a sound check jam on the Iridium NYC stage, when Gary Grainger played the bass and Greg the drums. This vibe is running like a red line through the whole piece.
Allemande is a classical guitar solo written by Johann Sebastian Bach from Suite in e-minor BWV 996, for Greg a landmark to get into playing classical guitar and follow his musical education. Prelude in D Minor from J.S. Bach BWV 999 is a further classical piece often performed in various tempi, on this album the pace remains moderate. The Wind of Change was originally recorded for Acoustic Alchemy's album Aart (2001) and is now the radiant final as solo guitar tune.
Acoustic Alchemy fulfills the wishes of their long-term fans with their new album Thirty Three and a Third and remains true to their style and instrumentation. A high recognition value paired with incredible mastery leaves a lasting impression.
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title: Thirty Third and a Third
Artist: Acoustic Alchemy
Year: 2018
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: OnSide Records
Tracks:
1 East of Babylon 3:24
2 Carmen's Man 4:01
3 The Swallow's Tale 4:23
4 Thirty Three and a Third 4:59
5 Winter's End 3:23
6 A Little Closer 4:10
7 Blues for Mr. Mu 5:02
8 The Girl With a Plan 4:55
9 Allemande 2:25
10 Prelude in D Minor 1:39
11 The Wind of Change (Solo Version) 2:18
Further reviews:
Aart
Roseland