Acoustic Alchemy Tickets

I was expecting some mellow smooth jazz set... technically perfect guitar duo'ing, which of course I got, but I wasnt expecting all the other "extras" ... the most amazing keyboard solo, unbelievable bass slapping solo, bass-drum duel and tons of Al Jarreau funk that rocked the house. Impeccably tight, you can tell they have been working at it for 25 years. The guys are unbelievable and part of what makes it so, is that they are from England. They have way too much funk soul for that to be true ;-) Good on you brothers!

It's amazing that after 25 years, this group still puts out a terrific performance. Each of the five artists is top notch. Although the group focuses on the two guitarists, the supporting members play vital roles and are regularly given a chance to show their skills. The music is melodic, yet rhythmic and covers a full spectrum of styles. No two songs sound alike. You might say they live up to their name: alchemy. The two guitarists (Greg and Miles) are some of the best guitarists I've ever heard. They go way beyond other bands with complex chord structures, enchanting melodies, and unusual (often Latin-flavored) rhythms. The arrangements feature each guitarist soloing and then playing rhythm backup. There aren't any groups I can think of that are able to hand the lead back and forth so smoothly.

I have no idea why this band isn't more famous than they are. This is the 4th time I've seen them in ten years and they get better every time.

Hoping to hear the luscious chords and unusual guitar illustrations of emotions, I was surprised to hear that Acoustic Alchemy has evolved away from that. The concert was extremely loud, focused instead on rhythmic use of sound. There were hints of the music that made them famous, but it wasn't enough to justify the price of the tickets. I miss the sound they created in their earlier days.

The venue is great, and the band was wonderful... they gave an intense 90 minutes of music, and were in fine form. My wife loved it as well.

I have seen Acoustic Alchemy perform many many times and they always put on a great show. You get your money's worth for certain. Out of all those times, last night was the very first time they've ever performed "Mr Chow" - their first and my all-time favorite AA song. It was awesome!!

These guys are geniuses - not just Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale (who certainly fit the description) but the bass player, drummer and keyboardist also display virtuoso-like mastery of their tools as well. If you have ever looked on in awe at someone who has truly mastered a musical instrument you will have plenty of opportunity to relive the experience when you see these guys live. They are brilliant. The music still fits into the beautiful smooth jazz genre that AA are famous for, but the technical complexity of the compositions and the inspired manner in which the lineup work together to deliver the goods will delight fans of any musical genre. If you like to see ultra-talented musicians do their stuff, do yourself a favor and get along to see these guys. We saw them at the intimate Birchmere..a venue well suited to this type of performance.

Wonder ful musicianship. They were a joy to watch and the music was fantastic.

I've been a fan since they're inception but have never seen a live performance till now. The underlying energy was contagious. I was prepared for a relaxing "easy listening" dinner concert at the Birchmere. Instead I was completely enthralled by the dynamic performance. From subtle classical guitar riffs to stunning electric guitars jams that had me jumping in my seat. Incredible.

We went to BB Kings for the first time to see Acoustic Alchemy with Dahlia playing about 5 acoustic songs as warm up. Acoustic Alchemy was very good. They played a broad range of music from old to new, including Mr. Chow (encore), Passion Play, Jamiacan Heartbeat, Arriane and more. Grianger Brothers on 5 string bass (Gary) & acoustic drums (Greg), were rock solid and more. They did a tasty duet near the end of the set that was one of the highlights Guitar work was highlighted the most and was great. Mostly acoustic with Miles playing an electric Fender occasionally. Wished the keyboard was mixed in better. Had difficulty hearing it clearly at times. Also wished the keyboard player would have cut loose a bit more. Nothing wrong with him at all but did appear either laid back or stifled. I thought the overall sound was authentic and stayed true to studio versions. There were some much desired live variations but a person looking for them to duplicate the album versions of stuff would be very pleased with this aspect.

With the general atmosphere of BBKings, soft jazz played during a pre-show dinner. Dala, a Canadian duo, with a similar sound to Jewel, offered lyrics that made me want to hear more. They delivered. Here's to hoping Dala goes places. As for Acoustic Alchemy, as they took their music and made it new to an audience that walked in thinking they knew the music. With improvisation and a general bright atmosphere created by the unique sound of the instruments, I have never seen such passion pooled into the playing of an instrument. With that passion came a unique sound that livened up the stage and crowd.

ALWAYS a great show...never a sour note...energy, passion, good humor, obvious is their love of music and an appreciation of its power to connect to the audience.

Greg, Miles & the gang played their hearts out. It's always worth the trip to see them. Wish they would play in New Jersey? Looking forward to some new material from them soon! God Bless & All the Best to Them! On another note , my prayers go out to Greg the drummer who lost his daughter not too long ago!

The Rhythm Room continues to be a funky venue. Arriving about an hour early to wait in line, we lucked out and had bar stool seats with a table top in perfect view of the band. So glad they do not allow smoking in the bar anymore. The servers are friendly and kept us happy. The crowd was good, seemingly most in the 50 age group. The band played all the favorites for 1 1/2 hours or so. It was a good show! The sound was not great, however, not terrible either...just could have been better. Our party of 6 had a great time. We stopped at Sandy's BarBQ nearby before the concert.

Acoustic Alchemy were great...very talented musicians. The drummer and bass player brother team were also very gifted. What an intimate venue. Not a bad seat in the house. I would reccomend the Rhythm Room to anyone.

I've seen this band before and followed their music for years. It's 10 years or more since the passing of Nick Webb, and although his unmistakable legacy lives on, and his spirit rings through each note, Miles Gilderdale has picked up the baton and run with it, with individual style and skill, but still allowing the echoes of the founder ring thorugh with respect and love. There's something completely special about the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. Bands that would play arenas arrive to link with an audience barely breaking three figures. It's an intimate club where you can sit with your feet on the front of the stage and experience concerts face-to-face that would otherwise only provide a view of the band on a big screen and stick figures in the distance. In fact the intimacy is such that one really becomes part of the experience rather than partaking of it. Acoustic Alchemy were really in the moment, I don't think the smiles ever left the faces of the Grainger Brothers on Bass and Drums. Greg and Miles out front were completely on the same wavelength and the venerable Mr White - ah Fred - your orchestrations are fabulous. One could be a little disappointed by the sound system at the Rhythm Room, but with all its faults, the night was magical. Miles' work with Line6 has produced a sound that is distinctive, not perfect, but real, and certainly an exact match for the work being done. Greg's authenticity on the nylon strings rang through, and the back line knew exactly what was required and delivered it with aplomb. All-in-all a fabulous night, and I hope and pray that Acoustic Alchemy consider the Rhythm Room as a second home when next travelling across the South-West.