Against The Grain

Another theme run of the blog has run its course. Hope you enjoyed some of my favorite Live Records from a smattering of artists. In the process of updating the blog I wanted to branch out a little more than I already do with postings. Having a wide variety and selection of music at my disposal is good. Means I'm never bored and pretty much have an album to fit any mood. So with that being said we shift again to a different theme. And this one may lose some people. I've dubbed it "Shit You Wouldn't Expect To Be In My Collection, But Is". In other words, this is going to be a mix of stuff that I actually enjoy and listen to, Metal Head credibility be damned. That said, there will be quite a mix of stuff over the next few weeks to say the least. And tonight we kick it off with some Smooth Jazz.

Up first we have a Smooth Jazz group from England that's been bringing their blend of Smooth Jazz to people since '81. Acoustic Alchemy was formed in London in '81 by a acoustic guitar duo of Simon James and Nick Webb. The band didn't initially find success, in fact both founding members left the band by the 90's. Nevertheless through lineup changes the band did find some mainstream success with a label jump to GRP. The band released a string of albums in the 90's that saw success. One of those being 'Against The Grain'. Released in '94, this album shows off the bands more experimental side with longer tracks. The album at ten tracks clocks in at 53 minutes. While it may be a more experimental sound here, the basis of dueling acoustic guitars remains at the forefront. No further should you look than the title track opener or the fan favorite "Lazeez". Sometimes breaking it down to a couple of acoustic guitars is all you need.
  

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