Search - Acoustic Alchemy :: Sounds of St. Lucia

Hear the energy of a LIVE performance

AOK | Jackson, NJ USA | 04/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you thought from listening to AA studio CD's that a live concert would be like a couple of guys sitting around picking a tune, this is the album that will show how misguided that idea is. From the allman-style trailblazer to the incredibly energetic finale of Lazeez, Acoustic Alchemy shows the energy and intensity they bring to their performance on this cd. The songs are a minute or 2 longer than the studio versions to allow for more solo work, but the solos never stray into never-neverland, they remain within the structure of the work. Frank Felix's strong bass which is highlighted in Panama Cat is the glue that keeps the groove throughout the concert. This was not a big crowd, as the DVD version of this show showed, but as one who has seen them perform live, you can't help but be positively influenced by the solid beats, beautiful intricate guitar work, and positive vibes. You can't help but smile ear to ear from the first note to the final encore. I only wish they included ALL of the songs from the DVD, Catalina Kiss and Casino, but if you have any curiousity whatsoever about what AA sounds like live, this is a MUST have, and as they tour in the US. from june through October, 2003, you will likely want to see for yourself."

Excellent Music. Very upbeat and high energy.

cyclista | the Midwest | 01/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW! What great music. The interplay of guitars is tremendous. Miles does use electric guitar on some songs, but it does not take over or detract from the acoustic guitar still played by Greg Carmichael. (Well, maybe the electric guitar does take over a bit in "Panama Cat"!) Because of the setting, St. Lucia, several of the songs have a Latin flair, but not overwhelmingly so. The sound is very full, crisp and clean. "Flamenco Loco" has several Latin passages with a strong bass and rhythm. Almost a Latin-Rock-Jazz synthesis! "Panama Cat" is the highlight of this performance. Frank Felix on bass is spectacular. Miles gets pretty heated up on the electric guitar on "Panama Cat", also. Highly addictive music. Listen to "Sounds of St. Lucia" at your own risk.Because AA has used different instruments, here is what is on this CD:
Greg Carmichael: Acoustic Nylon String Guitar
Miles Gilderdale: Acoustic Steel String Guitar/Electric Guitars
Frank Felix: Bass Guitar
Tony (Fred) White: Keyboards
Richard Brook: DrumsThe tracks:
1. Trail Blazer - 6:06
2. Playing for Time - 6:26
3. Angel of the South - 7:18
4. The Beautiful Game - 5:24
5. Viva Ché - 4:15
6. Cool as a Rule - 4:17
7. Red Dust & Spanish Lace - 4:40
8. Flamoco Loco - 7:54
9. The Wind of Change - 2:34
10. Augustrasse 18 - 7:01
11. Panama Cat - 8:46
12. Lazeez - 6:52"

Superb "live" playing - period!!

Brother John | The O.C. | 01/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I couldn't believe a couple of the extremely negative reviews here! Unfair! This is THE AA album I return to over and over again. Nicely produced live album too. I have the DVD as well and I think folks who haven't seen them might want this to their collection. Perhaps get the DVD version and make your own audio CD from it. (Two songs from the DVD that are not on the cd are "Catalina Kiss" and "Casino".) Interesting that the audio disc switches the playing order of the DVD, but musically it works out.

Those who still can't get over with Miles replacing Nick Webb might want to realize that Miles played in AA - mostly electric guitars - on several of their earlier albums! He fits in just nicely up front now on acoustic steel, thank you very much. Both are extremely gifted musicians who can write and perform quality pop-jazz material. And the rest of the band are no slouchers either.

You won't be disappointed with this "live" effort. 10 stars!

"