Acoustic Alchemy - Roseland (2011)

UK-based band Acoustic Alchemy is currently fronted by Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale. Formed in the early 80's the band has seen many faces. Experimentation and multiplicity were always be a key element of their music. Straight ahead jazz, folk, world music or smooth jazz, the band is a wanderer between many musical styles.

The band mainly focuses on instrumental music with acoustic and electric guitars in the lead. The new album Roseland (2011) makes no difference. Although all tracks are appealing in a melodious way, one finds a lot of depth and improvisation in the music art to avoid an insipid impression.

“For a lot of people, instrumental music is just a sound that plays in the background,” says Carmichael. “But we put a lot into it – not just with this record but with every record we’ve ever made. I’d like to think that after all these years, we’ve learned how to take people on a journey. A lot of our fans have said that we do that for them. As long as they keep coming back, and as long as they want to stay on that journey, we’ll keep doing what we’re doing.”

Marrakesh's Djemaa el Fna, a square crowded by acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, and musicians, inspired numerous artists. With the starting track Marrakesh Acoustic Alchemy celebrate their own imagination of this magic place. The shuffle One For Shorty is a jam session with a guitar intro, Ricky Peterson's Hammond B3 injection and a fulminate horn arrangement.

“Templemeads is an area in Bristol, not far from Wales,” Greg Carmichael explains. “My daughter just finished studying there. She has a masters degree in chemistry. She has introduced me to quite a bit of music over the years, so I wanted to write a song that gave her a bit of recognition.” A memorable tribute to the female academician in his family.

Marcus is nothing more than steel guitar, bass and drums, but the result is pure musical magic. A reggae-flavored wah guitar introduces into the captivating melody of The Ebor Sound System. State Of The Ark is a new building in a community that is vastly superior to all other buildings already present. We don't know, to which building Acoustic Alchemy dedicated this song, but it must be mighty and awe-inspiring.

Swamp Top deals with Ricky Peterson's organ mastery. No marshy ground in sight. Swaying in Bossa Nova rhythm Sand On Her Toes lets the guitars swing like Flamenco dancers. Roseland has the powerful intriguing theme and the density of guitar sound, that recommends it as title song. World Stage invites to a catchy fusion of smooth jazz and world music. This is the group's most distinctive sound.

With Stealing Hearts Acoustic Alchemy please friends of Country music. There is a little Crosby, Stills and Nash in the air." Frank Mizen absolutely seals that track,” says Carmichael. “He’s a British guy, but he really captures that American country sound.” Right Place, Wrong Time sends greetings to John McLaughlin's jazzy style. A Kinder Loving delivers the harmonic finish.

Roseland is Acoustic Alchemy's delicious appetizer offering a surprising diversity and brilliant chords for their worldwide audience. ~ [i][/i]