Customer Reviews

Radio Contact

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...but as Acoustic Alchemy have consistently shown over 16 albums, they are constantly finding a new voice that remains true to the classic AA sound. Radio Contact goes in a whole new direction than their previous Higher Octave releases, but still manages to remain comfortably familiar.

The horns which were so integral to the tunes on AArt are gone, replaced by smoother keyboards, with piano being given a larger role in the arrangements than on practically any previous offering. Not surprising, considering Tony White's considerable contributions to the writing credits. The return of percussionist Mario Argondona to the group is long overdue, as is their return to Hansa Haus Studios where the familiar sound stylings of Klaus Genuit has Greg's nylon string sounding warm and mellow, while Miles' steel rings clear.

Fans who are looking for the classic AA stylings will enjoy No Messin', Shelter Island Drive, and Shoestring. The former two tracks feature production and additional guitar work by Chuck Loeb, who clearly grasped the AA feel while adding a new flavor of his own to the mix. The more relaxed Turn The Stars On and Ya Tebya Lubliu demonstrate the overall smoother groove present on Radio Contact. Nods to the past with Venus Morena (which could have easily been at home on Against The Grain) and El Camino del Corazon keep the familar AA sound moving forward. The surprise first vocal tune for the group, Little Laughter, is quite nice, but Miles' vocal backgrounds, particularly on Shelter Island Drive, seem more in line with the band's style.

Once again the boys have turned out a beauty, but don't come expecting a repeat performance of AArt. Radio Contact has a style and groove all its own, and why shouldn't it? Fans of AA will expect no less, and won't be disappointed by their latest.

God rest Nick Webb.

I have been a fan since Reference Point and continue to be amazed at how their sound evolves with every new release. Radio Contact is no exception. They have found beautiful ways to intertwine their signature acoutic guitars in various musical styles from jazz, country, latin rhythms and new age/adult contempory. They have even added sensuous vocals as heard in the track 'Little Laughter', taking the listener on an intimate musical journey. Beautifully juxtapositioned after 'Little Laughter' is 'Tinder Box', a completely intoxicating tune that just envelopes the listener in heart felt passion. The sounds of steel guitars add an haunting quality to it that brings one comfortably into the warmth of the chorus of the track. Truly an incredible piece of music that shows the depth and breadth of AA's talented composers and musicians. Other highlights include: 'No Messin' with its semi-bossa nova sound to begin the CD on a most pleasent note. 'Milo' is reminiscent of Joe Sample with the strong underlying piano line to the track and brings with it a bit of funk that still rings true of AA's style we have come to know and love as fans. 'Shelter Island Drve' and 'Urban Cowbowy' provide some very catchy piano rifts that make you want to drive along the coast line with the top down on a warm summer's day... such a comforting feeling. 'El Camino del Corazon's guitar licks bring that Latin feel to the forefront, especially heard in the bridge of the song. It will make you want to get up and dance! 'Shoestring' has a strong A/C sound that is warmly enhanced by Greg and Miles' playing. 'Turn the Stars On' is one of those songs to play after a hard days work with a nice glass of wine in hand. It bring a gentleness and calm to the listener with its flowing melody. 'Ya Tebya Lubliu' evokes that sense of love lost. Although it brings along feelings of sadness, you feel compelled to keep listening to it. 'Venus Morena' wraps of the CD with a strong latin rhythm and ends the CD on a high note. This is truly a remarkable piece of work that stands solid on its own merits, but it should also be seen as an integral part of Acoustic Alchemy's musical evolution.

As a long-time listener of AA, I recently had the privilege to see them in person in Houston in a small cafe setting. Quite frankly, they gave one of the best live performances I've ever seen! They were able to duplicate the recording without the use of "pranks" and sounded better live than this
CD demonstrates. Simply put, they were professional in every aspect. AA has now taken their music up to another notch. If given a chance go and see them live. You won't be disappointed.

I'll start off with saying that any Acoustic Alchemy release is welcome & worthy of buying. This CD is pretty much a standard AA release, some superb tracks, some not so great. Tunes like No Messin' & Shelter Island Drive are their classic sound - fantastic. It was interesting to hear female vocals on a tune, and male chorus on another, but I honestly didn't care for it, or buy it to hear that. Coffee With Manni got to be a bit irritating for some repetitive reason. There's good & bad with just about any CD you buy.

Overall, a very worthy purchase, nice assortment of styles, and more great tunes to add to your collection. I own all of their CDs, and this isn't their best, some of their tracks have just knocked me off my feet!..but as in my heading, it's always great to see a new release from this class act!

This is a real disappointment for a longtime AA fan. If I want vocals, I'll buy Diana Krall or Norah Jones who do it far better than the nondescript voice that appears on one of one of the tracks. If Carmichael is just slumming to test the waters, I can forgive that. But if he plans to relegate AA to the position of backup instrumentals for ordinary vocal talent, then I've bought my last AA cd.

another great, smooth, relaxing group of songs for the premier acoustic group. the deep Acoustic Alchemy fan will love it. way to go Greg and Miles.

Remember their previous albums like "AArt", some great arrangements and performances that keep locked in your mind. The Acoustic Alchemy is probably one of the best kept secrets around ~ but if you're into Jazz, New Age or just good music, you've heard them at least once or twice, I guarantee it!

Many highlights come to mind with the opening track "NO MESSIN'", is real funky with a good time beat ~ "SHELTER ISLAND DRIVE", is good highway driving listening, puts you in the mood to put miles behind you ~ "URBAN COWBOY", has a celtic flavor that blends into the realm of high mountains and valleys below ~ "TURN THE STARS ON", after a hard days work, kick off your shoes and find an easy chair and give a listen, very relaxing to unwind music ~ "YA TEBYA LUBLIU", tells a story within each counter part of the melody, simply a tune you would hear on a music box that came your way one day.

Total Time: 60:09 on 13 Tracks ~ Higher Octave 617836 ~ (6/24/2003)

Acoustic Alchemy's latest offering (Radio Contact) is a musical pleasure from start to finish. Before I bought it, I was somewhat shy after reading one of the negative reviews on this site criticizing the band's addition of vocals on a few songs on this album. Then I listened...and I loved what I heard!

Several tracks on here will have a hard time finding "Smooth Jazz" airplay, but by my standards this is a good thing...no, a GREAT thing. Radio Contact features beautifully crafted music performed by outstanding musicians who play as a cohesive unit. 5 Stars for "Radio Contact"...I agree it's their best yet!!!

I just picked this one up having owned most of their older and some newer stuff and was initially disappointed when I first heard this. But upon 2nd listen, it really grew on me. I could hardly tell this was even AA the first listen but I really like bands that are able to put out different sounding music album to album that is at least listenable material. The songs are well written, kinda mellow and flow well together, so give it another listen and you might like it.

No Messin' from this CD was my first introduction to Acoustic Alchemy about 5-6 years ago. I was driving along and I was blown away when it came on my XM radio. Bought it right away and haven't ever been disappointed by any of their CD's, even though they all seem to have a different direction. I now own all their CD's and have seen them live 8 times. I never get tired of seeing and hearing them. They are all incredibly talented and are my favorite band in the world!