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Acoustic Alchemy

Acoustic Alchemy

Bangkok, Thailand -- 1996

Performing at the Golden Jubilee International Jazz Festival in Thailand was exciting, but the unexpected thrill was the incredible "musician hang". With appearances by more than 40 of the world's top jazz artists, I had the opportunity to meet many successful musicians, like Nick Webb (left) and Greg Carmichael (right) of the group, Acoustic Alchemy.

These guys were amusing with their English accents and unusual words for things. And their manager, Stewart, was very friendly. A big guy with a scruffy white beard and balding head, he had quite a dry sense of humor. At the time I thought he was interested in managing me. Now I'm certain he was just trying to be a ladies' man. Unfortunately, that is one of the pitfalls of being a female saxophonist.

This band has been through a lot of changes over the years but somehow managed to maintain success with the concept of two acoustic guitars as the focal point. Guitarists Nick Webb and Simon James originally formed the band in the early 80's, with Greg Carmichael stepping in after James left.

And yet another change took place when Miles Gilderdale replaced guitarist and composer Nick Webb (left) who died in London on February 5, 1998 from pancreatic cancer. He was 43.

For more about Acoustic Alchemy, go to www.acoustic-alchemy.net.