Customer Reviews

Reference Point

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was lucky enough to see Acoustic Alchemy perform live one Friday in 1995 and I was blown away. This album was the one I purchased that very night at their concert (by Sunday night I owned every CD they'd released). "Homecoming" was the first song of the first set and still makes me smile. I think that "Lullaby for the first born" is the finest of all the Webb/Carmichael two handers. There's not a bad track on here.

"Take Five" is a rich, blended & balanced musical treat for the ears! An outstanding remake, of a timeless classic! Bravo, Acoustic Alchemy!

The acoustic guitar licks are magic. The rendition of Take Five is awesome, and Same Road Same Reason makes me groove. There is a variety of music types...all very good. I have all Acoustic Alchemy has done and I highly reccomend. I think Reference Point is one of my favorites.

It' s always gratifying to get close into the acoustic universe of this ensemble. They are filled of renovated inspiration in every work they present. Its rich hues and inspirational sound has always something new to offer us.

Reference point, Missing your touch are the jewels of the crown Their version of the classic "Take five" is very interesting., but then pay attention to this funny to listen to and moving song Make my day with visible country allusions and spiced with rock' s echoes; Caravan of dreams matches with the supreme version of Peter White, recreated with lyric inspiration and brilliantly performed; Homecoming is a gay theme supported by percussion, drums, steel and nylon string guitar is one the best tracks of this fabulous CD, and lullaby for the first born is a splendid nest song for the arrival of baby.

This album should be part of your personal collection.

Regardless of where one lives, Missing Your Touch instantly sweeps you away to a late-night California coastal highway drive. Maximum pleasure.

Great album and all I can say is don't listen while driving, as it could be hazardous for your health!

Very relaxing and so easy to get lost in the music! Eyes tend to close and then you zone out! Great all around album!

One of my favorite jazz groups!

I am lucky to have a nice condition copy of this on vinyl LP. The record was made in Switzerland.

In high school my Math teacher suggested this album. Despite my studies in advanced music I never rejected acoustic alchemy as a trite smooth jazz group.

The concept of the album makes a large enough statement and musical presentation. You hear different styles and a very very relaxing experience is had.

To survive acoustic alchemy had to go in different directions after 1998 but I don't dislike all of that music. It's an album's like reference point where the magic really was. Perhaps my favorite post 1998 album is "The Beautiful Game."

I've always enjoyed these albums and have been influenced by them quite a bit.

For that matter "Passionelle" is like reference point part 2. Passionelle is a track from the album "Positive thinking." The melodies take more chances in Passionelle, the music doesn't get too exceedingly exciting. You have the brilliant bass playing of Dennis Murphy and brilliant electric guitar of John Parsons on the "Positive thinking" album as well.

The positive thinking album shows that Acoustic Alchemy was always brilliant, it is like listening to the end result of all their work up to that point, an album to silence the critics.

I remember really loving this album when I bought it a decade ago. Unfortunately, the passage of time and a new evaluation reveal I had overestimated this recording.

Acoustic Alchemy are Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael, who play acoustic nylon and steel string guitars, coupled usually with light keys, bass and percussion for a fairly average smooth jazz sound.

At its best, the riffs created by Carmichael and Webb dance out of the speakers and grab you by the ears. At worst, the music turns in soft, gauzy inoffensive aural wallpaper...the kind of music that's on in the background that you don't really pay any attention to.

High points include the brisk "Make my Day", the title track and the buoyant "Cuban Heels": probably the lowest point on here comes as the duo cover the Dave Brubeck chestnut "Take Five". A bass figure rumbling underneath suggests we may be in for a very funky rehaul of the Paul Desmond classic, but it rapidly deteriorates into a very uninspiring version that won't make anyone forget the original.

A nice one to consider if you're particularly into acoustic guitar, but not a fantastic outing overall.

3 1/2 stars