Concert: Acoustic Alchemy

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This band was formed in early 80's. This is a British modern instrumental and smooth jazz band. This was formed by the Acoustic guitarists Nick Webb and Simon James. They have evolved with the passage of time and still continues to lure its listeners.

There was little respect and fondness for such kind of band in the 80s in U.K and the big names were all Americans. The two acoustic guitarists when played - Simon James on nylon and Nick Webb on steel, was a fresh addition to this category of music. This resulted in the immediate success of the band, supported by The Violettes.

James left the band to focus on other projects in the mid 80s and Greg Carmichael became his immediate successor.

This new duo thus started playing as the in-flight band in Virgin Atlantic flights. This was when the flight was to and from the States. They sent many demo tapes to Nashville-based label MCA and then six weeks later they got the scope to record their first album.

Their debut album "Red Dust And Spanish Lace" was released in 1987. In the project they could associate themselves with Mario Argandoña and Bert Smaak. At Hansa Haus Studios, in Bonn, Germany the album was recorded. It was then that they met engineer Klaus Genuit.

"Red Dust And Spanish Lace" was an immediate hit. The first single "Mr. Chow" mixed reggae with that of the Chinese music. Other noteworthy songs remain "The Stone Circle". There were two more albums along with MCA "Natural Elements" came out in 1988 and "Blue Chip" was released in 1989.

The band soon moved to GRP Records that was the world's biggest jazz label.

For "Arcanum" (1996) their eighth album, the band decided to record some of their old hits and go back to introspect. It was recorded in London's Pinewood Studios. The three new tracks were "Columbia", "Something She Said" and "Chance Meeting" it also had the recreation of the nine classics.

"Positive Thinking" (1998) was there last album with Nick Webb. He was ailing with cancer and then as the project went on, he further became worse. In the end all he could was to offer inspiration. On February 5, 1998 he passed away. The album remained their best.

Miles Gilderdale came in and the band went to Higher Octave Music. Their debut album on the new label "The Beautiful Game" (2000) was marked different. They started getting influenced from all the corners and genres and soon it was marked that the band was now indulging in experimentation and diversity.

"AArt" (2001), is their huge sell out and best release to date. Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, had helped in it and it contains 14 tracks. The album was nominated for the Grammy Awards.

"Radio Contact" (2003), they included their first ever vocal "Little Laughter". The vocal was by Jo Harrup, discovered by Gilderdale when he was doing his session with Enrique Iglesias.

Their latest "American/English" (2005), promises real good music with that Acoustic Alchemy feel.