Arcanum

• Artist: Acoustic Alchemy
• Rating:
• Release Date: June 18, 1996
• Total Time: 53:29
• Genre: New Age

Review

Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael, the duo core of Acoustic Alchemy, forego the traditional greatest-hits route by taking an amazingly fresh approach to the concept on their ninth venture Arcanum, which presents the spruced-up live performance evolution of nine old favorites along with three solid new tracks. Yet the best-selling British melodizers even twist the conventions of a typical concert disc by opting to record those takes at England's legendary Pinewood Film Studios, away from the roaring crowds and in the presence of string members of the London Metropolitan Orchestra. The most striking new element is the explosive electric guitar approach of longtime cohort/former producer John Parsons, who adds some staggering zing to the kinetic "Reference Point" and "Casino," while shading in a slightly more subtle manner on the loping "Catalina Kiss" and "Mr. Chow." The strings don't receive a huge workout, but they add new drama and flair to the Western movie themes of "Lazeez" and glamour to the new ballad "Chance Meeting." Those with really keen sonic discrimination will also detect a slightly relaxed tempo on an all-time top Acoustic Alchemy tune, the autobiographical "Same Road Same Reason." AA's ongoing brilliance for creating images by tying together title, rhythm, melody, and mood is the true charm of the disc, and the duo's storytelling abilities are in crisp bloom on the soaring "Columbia," the opening and easily best new track. The piece, inspired by the musicians witnessing a space shuttle launch, speaks eloquently of their wonder and anticipation while effectively suggesting the rocket's propelling thrust. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Columbia	Greg Carmichael, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(4:48)
Homecoming	Greg Carmichael, John Parson, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(5:40)
Chance Meeting	Nick Webb, Greg Carmichael	Acoustic Alchemy	(3:48)
Lazeez	Greg Carmichael, John Parsons, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(5:49)
Mr. Chow	John Parson, Nick Webb, Greg Carmichael	Acoustic Alchemy	(3:13)
Same Road, Same Reason	Greg Carmichael, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(4:14)
Casino	Nick Webb, Gigi Gryce, Simon James	Acoustic Alchemy	(6:06)
Something She Said	John Parsons, Greg Carmichael, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(3:55)
Jamaica Heartbeat	John Parsons, Greg Carmichael, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(3:53)
Catalina Kiss	Nick Webb, Greg Carmichael	Acoustic Alchemy	(4:21)
Reference Point	Nick Webb, Greg Carmichael	Acoustic Alchemy	(4:21)
Hearts in Chains	Greg Carmichael, Nick Webb	Acoustic Alchemy	(3:21)

Credits

Linda Schwab (Artwork), Laurie Goldman (Design), Rosemary Furness (Violin), John Sheppard (Art Direction), Klaus Genuit (Engineer), David Daniels (Cello), John Sheppard (Drums), Steve Jones (Producer), Steve Jones (Mixing), Klaus Genuit (Mixing), Caroline Dale (Cello), Mario Argandona (Percussion), Steve Jones (Producer), Dennis Murphy (Guitar (Bass)), Craig Oddy (Photography), Steve Jones (Engineer), Denny Purcell (Mastering), Randy LeRoy (?), Cathy Thompson (Violin), Yuko Inoue (Viola), Caroline Dale (String Arrangements), Greg Carmichael (Guitar (Acoustic)), Linda Schwab (Illustrations), John Parsons (Guitar (Electric)), Nick Webb (Guitar (Acoustic)), Jeremy Williams (Violin), John Parsons (Guitar (Acoustic)), Elizabeth Layton (Violin)

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