Radio Contact

Acoustic Alchemy

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 24, 2003)
• Original Release Date: June 24, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Higher Octave
• ASIN: B00009PY4B
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,908 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AArt it ain't..., July 10, 2003

By	"huffdaddy5150" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

...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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars weather channel and nothing more, July 14, 2003

A Kid's Review

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Radio Contact is AAmazing!, July 26, 2004

By	M. Perrella - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.