Smooth Jazz super group, and British instrumental ensemble Acoustic Alchemy celebrates over twenty years of smooth jazz perfection with the release of their latest CD entitled American/English. A CD that does not disappoint.
I must admit I wasn’t really expecting much from American/English but must admit I was pleasantly surprised.
The CD begins with the smooth and laid back track The Crossing, then becomes more adventurous with the remaining 10 tracks.
The groups soul influences can be heard on track 5, The Detroit Shuffle, but this CD is clearly all about the strings and groove.
It appears with Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale at the helm, like fine wine Acoustic Alchemy continues to improve with age. Producing their trade mark naturally smooth sound throughout the CD these guys are still at the top of their game.
I’m of the opinion that American/English is certainly Acoustic Alchemy’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call, must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual smooth jazz fan can appreciate and enjoy the very nice mix of smooth and funky tracks.
The standout tunes and SmoothJazz247.com favorites on American/English are The Crossing [track 1], The Detroit Shuffle [track 5], and She Speaks American English [track 7]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9, The 14 Carrot Cafe. Very nice!
Release Notes:
Acoustic Alchemy originally released American/English on March 29, 2005 on the Higher Octave record label.
CD track list follows:
1. The Crossing
2. Say Yeah
3. So Kylie
4. Trinity
5. The Detroit Shuffle
6. Cherry Hill
7. She Speaks American English
8. Lilac Lane
9. The 14 Carrot Cafe
10. Get Up (Levantar Y Bailar)
11. The Moon And The Sun
By: Tom Milson
The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Jim Brickman has released him CD entitled Valentine. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Jim Brickman fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Valentine Jim Brickman’s artistic excellence is on full display as Brickman has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.
Valentine literally grabs your attention right from the start with Valentine and won’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Destiny, which by the way is another great track.
Valentine has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.
Listen to and I think you’ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Jim Brickman is clearly in top form.
While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – To Hear You Say You Love Me, track 10 – Love Of My Life, and track 12 – Destiny.
My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Valentine. Wow!
Valentine Release Notes:
Jim Brickman originally released Valentine on January 8, 2008 on the SLG Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Valentine
2. To Hear You Say You Love Me
3. Escape
4. Sundown
5. Reflection
6. You
7. Open
8. Brazil Sunset
9. Sacred Moment
10. Love Of My Life
11. Never Alone – (with Lady Antebellum)
12. Destiny – (with Jaci Valesquez)
Personnel: Jim Brickman (piano).
Additional personnel: Jaci Valesquez, Lady Antebellum, Jake Simpson, Tom Douglas (vocals).
By: Tom Milson