Customer Reviews

Positive Thinking

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The recording of this album Nick Webb was finishing being already incurable ill. He couldn't walk for far distances, stay in away-studio for a long time, and therefore all the needed equipment, instruments were taken to Manor House in England where his friend and co-player of AA Greg Carmichael along with Nick and others were making the music we now hear on "Positive Thinking".

The feeling of Nick's passing is felt throughout the whole album. It's either some measured minor-key thinking ("Rainwatching W.I.", "Positive Thinking", "Augustrasse 18") or major-key songs, giving us the wish for only positive thoughts (as perhaps Nick had while suffering his dreadful disease; "Passionelle", "The Five Card Trick"), or very quite, smooth pieces like "Time Gentlemen Please", "Vapour Trails".

In general, this music shows us again how easily they treated the strings, how almost the simplest melodies become very enjoyable to ear, very melodic and easy to remember. This album is more of acid jazzy style, than the previous ones. Just take "Cadaques", "Augustrasse 18" or "Limited Excess". Very lovely, elegant music with a very soft touch! One of the best of Acoustic Alchemy works.

Greg Carmichael and Nick Webb made a lot of great music during the years they worked together. Positive Thinking was slated to be their 10th collaboration. Unfortunately, as many of us know, Nick Webb died as this album was being put together, so it was left to John Parsons to fill Webb's very big shoes. Though Webb was not around to play on the CD, he was able to share in the compositions and arrangements. Long-time Acoustic Alchemy fans will be able to feel his touch as they listen through, and that makes this a very bittersweet release indeed.
What's not to like here? The band is tight and inspired, seemingly coming together flawlessly in Webb's memory. For my taste, favorites include the languid Rainwatching W.I.; the Spanish-tinged Cadaques; The Five Card Trick, Auguststrasse 18; and the laid-back jazzy Time Gentlemen Please.
It is unfortunate but inevitable that the band went off in a new direction following the issue of Positive Thinking. Yet its a miracle under the circumstances that this project did not fall through. This is one Acoustic Alchemy CD that should be on every fan's shelf, both for the quality of the music and as a tribute to the power of Nick Webb's positive thinking and determination to see it through.

This was my first encounter with Acoutic Alchemy and it gave me a feeling I had not experienced in while. I could not decide what 'type' of music this way. I wanted to say Jazz, but when I listened to some of their other stuff, I realize they are not a jazz band. It was kind of a blend of alternative music, Jazz and county kinda fused together. I love this CD, though I don't really think this band is my everyday style of music. I recommend Postive Thinking..oh yeah, the CD too!

I too,like other devoted fans of this fine group will miss the talent of Nick Webb.His creativeness and imagination will live on his music.I can only hope that Greg will carry on his legacy. Their music is always refreshing and inspiring;I own all of their albums and not one has been a disappointment. Whenever I am not in the best of moods,need to relax,or need musical inspiration,I always reach for Acoustic Alchemy first!

I am a long time Acoustic Alchemy fan and no matter what album I am listening to, I always go back to this CD. I never get tired of it. I think with Nick Webb being so ill during the recording of this CD, made it very meaningful to the entire band. My favorites are "Five Card Trick" and "Passionelle". There is not one song on the entire CD that I skip over. I highly recommend to any smooth jazz fan !!!!!!

Outstanding work. The more I listen, the more I think it is one of their best works. I felt at times that they constrained the keyboard accompaniment unlike in the past. I caught myself expecting the piano to take off in several areas and was forced to take in the unexpected simplicity that keeps Acoustic Alchemy so fresh. The keyboard exception was in cut 6 - The Better Shoes - man, is that some rich stuff. Still I am left with the feeling of something ever so slight missing. Maybe it's the knowledge of Nick's passing. Maybe its because Greg and Company so respectfully morn their friend. Positive Thinking is more than an Acoustic Alchemy crossroad piece. It's so haunting and appealing, Cut 8 Augustrasse being a prime example. I can't leave it alone. It is a testament full of emotion and sophistication. A timeless life statement piece.

I have a number of Acoustic Alchemy recordings in my collection. (Why stop with one? :) This is probably my first and is certainly my favorite. This music carried me through many dark days several years ago when my depression was at its worst.

When the darkness threatened, I could plug in my headset and set my iPod to play AA music. The ebb and flow of their work was a welcome distraction. The work is always excellent and the recordings are well engineered. The band is tight and hanging in the pocket.

I love the mix of instruments and that they change guitars now and again. There is something about instrumental music when it is well-executed that is special. Instead of listening to a lyric, one listens to the flow of melody and the interaction of melody with harmony and support. At least I do.

If you have any Acoustic Alchemy but don't own this recording, add it to your collection. If you're new to Acoustic Alchemy, then this is a good recording to try. I'd also suggest Red Dust and Spanish Lace. It's good too.

This music exceeds the expectations of the listener for quality and energy. Of the four Acoustic Alchemy CD's I own this may very well be my favorite!

Acoustic Alchemy have that unique distinction of being far more appreciated abroad than in their own country. That can be only England's loss, for they, Greg Carmichael and Nick Web, have now spent a decade bringing fine contemporary acoustic music to the world Their latest, "Thinking Positively'' is no exception. Intricate, melodic, well crafted and turned, it is a sign of their growing maturity as guitar players. But unfortunately, this album is also tinged with a poignancy, as Nick Webb passed away during the latter stages of making this album. It is a loss for not only lovers of his music, but also for the inspiration he provided to aspiring players. His absence will be a presence for some time to come. It's a fine album, it's just such a pity Nick Webb will no longer be around to create the alchemy that made their sound so unique.

"Positive Thinking" is mostly somber fare, because of the untimely passing of Nick Webb. This tribute that is offered in fine rememberance of his compositions with Greg Carmichael. While most of the tracks are very melancholy and beautiful. "The Better Shoes" immediately jumps out a you with its funky bass pops, Greg Carmichael's inspired improvising on Acoustic Guitar and the underrated Rainer Bruninghaus' tasteful piano solo in the middle section of the song. This song was funky in a way that I had never heard Acoustic alchemy play before. It seems to me with that song, maybe Acoustic Alchemy was going in a different direction with their music. Its really a shame that we will not be able to realize the full breadth of Nick Webb's vision. Hopefully Greg will decide to continue on creating many more recording as Acoustic Alchemy or under his own name.