Search - Acoustic Alchemy :: AArt

A seamless blend of classic and new AA styles

Alan | North Carolina | 09/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the passing of founder Nick Webb, long time fans wondered how the group would evolve around Greg Carmichael, the other half of the guitar duo Acoustic Alchemy. 'The Beautiful Game' was the beginning of a new direction for Acoustic Alchemy with expanded musical horizons. 'AArt' continues the metamorphosis to a brilliant climax. Devotees will appreciate the classic AA sound in tunes like "Cactus Blue", "The Wind of Change" and "Tuff Puzzle", melodic pieces driven by Carmichael's nylon strings and his guitar partner Miles Gilderdale's steels. But perhaps some of the most dazzling music on 'Aart' is in the more jazzy pieces, most notably "Wish You Were Near", "Aart Attack", and "Robbie's Revenge". A new sound for AA emerges in these tracks, a sonorous interplay between the twin guitars and a full-frontal horn section, with the likes of Jeff Kashiwa on sax. The new sound is full and fresh, while staying true to Acoustic Alchemy's roots. "Flamoco Loco" is a tongue-in-cheek look at the Latin sound which was so much a part of the band's early days, while "The Velvet Swing" shows a new maturity and passion in the group's songwriting.Long time fans will find something familiar to hold on to with 'Aart'; the spirit of Nick Webb lives on in the group. New fans, however, will find that Acoustic Alchemy definitely has something to offer with a more rounded sound and melodies that keep you spinning the disc. Whichever catagory you fall into, you won't be disappointed.God Rest Nick Webb."

"sounds are soothing to the ears...having an AArt attack"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 09/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Acoutic Alchemy is probably the best kept secret around, unless you're into New Age, Jazz, Easy Listening or just GOOD MUSIC!...more radio stations today are playing their music or somewhere between the cracks...but there is no substitute for the real thing, and this group since the late '80s has the ear of the public, big time.Remember many of their previous albums...but "Arcanum", from 1996 stands outs with "Jamaica Heartbeat", great song...but since joining the Higher Octave label they've come of age, for instance ~ "The Beautiful Game", last year was outstanding...believe they will surpass expectations on this one ~ "AArt", fourteen original tunes, with terrific arrangements..."FLAMOCO LOCO", jumps up and grabs you with energy and a non-stop beat, great flamingo guitar solo..."VIVA CHE'", samba anyone, can't sit still as everyone gets into the swing of things..."ROBBIE'S REVENGE", opening bridge could be a "James Bond" film theme, as 007 enters the room..."LOVE AT A DISTANCE", beautiful ballad counterpoints each measure with inner feeling..."CACTUS BLUE", a little bit of each genre, a touch of blues takes the moment..."THE WIND OF CHANGE", adds culture with classical emblishments...but the highlight is "AART ATTACK", the repeating theme will be ringing in your head days, weeks and even months from now, gospel hints surface...very contagious.Total Time: 62:18 on 14 Tracks ~ Higher Octave Music HOMCD-11103 - (2001)"

Wonderful introduction to Acoustic Alchemy

john907 | Jakarta, Indonesia | 08/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since I liked Peter White's music so much, Amazon.com recommended me this album. Well, it turned out they were right! (duh!) There's not even one bad song on this CD. Here's my favorite tracks:1. Wish You Were Near: OK, the best song I've ever heard in my life. The chords are right, the tempo's great, the guitar's wonderful, and the sax/trumpet's complement it all. It's so uplifting, you'll find yourself moving your head/feet.
2. AArt Attack: As one reviewer said before, this is very hummable.
3. Passion Play: Beautiful melodies, beautiful chords.
4. Viva Che: Fast tempo and uplifting. Makes you wanna dance!
5. The Velvet Swing: Can't help but sings along.
6. Robbie's Revenge: Very unique! It's like you're in India!
7. Love at a Distance: So sweet and romantic.
8. Code Name Pandora: Another great song, with the mute trumpet this time.
9. Nathan Road: Got a unique oriental feel at the intro. A great track. Can't stop playing it in my head!
10. Cactus Blue: Such a soothing and relaxing track.Personally, I like the old and the new alchemy; they're just different, and it depends with our own taste. Amazon, thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of AA!"