Introducing… Acoustic Alchemy
Formed in the early 1980’s, Acoustic Alchemy is an English contemporary instrumental and smooth jazz duo. It was originally fronted by Nick Web and Simon James.
The dueling acoustic guitar sounds featuring James on nylon and Webb on steel was difficult to push in the UK at a time when jazz was taking off in the states. Nick Webb fronted the cost for their first two records, which ultimately ended in a loss. Soon after Simon left the band and went on to later form Kymaera in the 90’s.
In 1985, Nick Webb discovered Greg Carmichael, who eventually became James’ successor. The new pairing accepted work playing as the in-flight band for Virgin Atlantic flights to and from the United States. This gig gave them the confidence to send a demo tape to the Nashville-based record label, MCA. Within six weeks they were called in to begin recording their first record. “Red Dust & Spanish Lace” debuted in 1987.
Webb and Carmichael stayed with MCA for two additional albums before teaming up with GRP Records, which was the world’s biggest jazz label at the time. They went on to produce six albums, including the critically acclaimed “Back on the Case,” released in 1991.
In 1998, the duo released “Positive Thinking,” which was to be the last with frontman Nick Webb. Webb was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer upon starting work on the record and by the time it was finished, he could only offer inspiration. He had become to weak to play. He passed away February 8, 1998. To date, this album is noted as one of the band’s best.
Following Webb’s death, Carmichael decided to continue with the project, bringing in understudy Miles Gilderdale. This marked a new era for Acoustic Alchemy. They began working with EMI’s Higher Octave record label and instituted several other changes including some vocals and new and stronger influences and instruments, drawing from all music genres.
Currently, Acoustic Alchemy is getting ready to begin their US summer tour, which runs from July through October.
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 9:22 am by elizabeth
Tags: acoustic alchemy, acoustic alchemy news, acoustic alchemy summer tour, acoustic alchemy tickets, acoustic alchemy tour dates, emi records, greg carmichael, grp records, higher octave records, mca records, miles gilderdale, nick webb, simon james, virgin atlantic
