August 7, 2007

It was close to 100 degrees outside, but it was both hot and cool when Acoustic Alchemy played to a large and enthusiastic audience at the Birchmere.  The Birchmere crowd loves Acoustic Alchemy and shows it each time they perform here.  The night was filled with the sounds of new music from their latest release, This Way, as well as some of their popular and favorite earlier songs.

The show began with a few very familiar notes being played.  Do you remember the game show Name That Tune?  The contestants were given a few notes from a song and challenged to name the tune in the fewest notes.  Without an introduction to the song, Miles picked up his guitar and played the opening notes of “No Messin,’” I’m reminded that I can name that tune in four notes (maybe three!)  This was followed by another of my favorites, “Say Yeah!”  Starting with these two foot tapping songs set the mood for the night.  This was going to be a great show.

We were treated to three songs from their latest CD; “Carlos the King,” and “Ernie,”-both guitar player tributes to other guitar players, and the very jazzy “Tied Up with String.”  I had never seen or heard Julian Crampton perform live, but I certainly knew who he was.  His name gets mentioned from time to time within the smooth and contemporary jazz circles.  “Ernie” and “Tied Up with String” gave him a chance to show what he could do on the bass.  He’s a great player and it showed throughout the night.  “Tied Up with String” is becoming one of my favorites on the new album.  Hearing it live was a treat.  Greg Grainger and Julian had the serious mojo working on this tune as they brought it home.

Sometimes when a band has been around as long as Acoustic Alchemy and they’ve built up an impressive musical catalog, I begin to wonder how they decide what songs to play in concert.  There are so many to choose from.  Some are a given and almost required.  As they got into some of the songs, I found myself thinking how long it’s been (if ever) that I’ve heard this song, or that song.  “Jamaica Heartbeat” and “Tough Puzzle” were both nice surprises.  They both still sound as good as when they were released, as did my sentimental favorite, “Angel of the South.” 

By far, the highlight of the evening was the timeless and hauntingly beautiful ballad, “Ariane.”  While the band all played this to perfection, Greg C. played like man possessed.  He was on fire, taking that song into the stratosphere.  For his intensely passionate playing, he received a well deserved standing ovation.

They ended their set with the crowd favorite, “Lazeez” which featured a beautiful long solo introduction by Greg C.  Of course, the audience would not let then go without an encore.  After all the clapping, shouting, whistling, and banging on the stage and tables brought The Lads back out, they encored with “Moon and the Sun.”  What a perfect way to end a show. 

-  Mary Bentley