You can pick up a copy of the original for as low as $7.00 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m/103-...=6&Go.y=9&Go=Go

Bob

Looks like I have a different edition (I have the one with the blue cover (edition 2007). Also the order of the tracks seems to be different, since the opening track on the 2007 edition is "Desert Rose".

Hi Moose,

I saw your reply, refererence the Kymaera "compilation" album that you spotted. It's called California Dreamin'. It contains a number of good covers of pop classics such as (surprise, surprise) California Dreamin'. About a third of the double disc features Kymaera. As I've put this album on a music server, which doesn't allow me to title artists on compilation albums, I can't remember who else is featured on the disc. I think I paid about a fiver (10$) for it, which makes it OK value, however it is definitely NOT a "must buy" for Alchemy fan, as for the most part, it could be described as "lift (elevator) music"

With regards to the Into the Rainbow album, as a long time AA fan, especially one who loves the "Early Alchemy" album, I bought this, however, I was a little disappointed.

It certainly does not reach the standards of the earliest Alchemy Albums (RD &SL, Natural Elements etc). Comparing the tracks that feature on both Into the Rainbow and Early Alchemy, there's no doubt in my mind that the Early Alchemy versions are superior.

PS For you UK fans who have not been lucky enough to get a copy of This Way at a local gig, HMV do have it for sale at 6.99. I know from Stewarts' previous post that this is meant to be a full price album, however, it looks like HMV have gummed up and are selling the album cheap.
I received my copy in the UK today - I can't wait until I return on Wednesday to hear it for the first time. From the reviews I've read it sounds like a winner.

Regards

Mike

Having enjoyed the work of Acoustic Alchemy for many years now, I feel rather proud that some of their earliest compositions are now being used and covered by other excellent jazz and blues musicians. There can be no greater accolade for a composers output (in this case Nick Webb's), then ones compositions being treated as jazz standards - just like some of Pat Metheny’s tunes are now in jazz fake books.

The two most important guitar players Nick ever worked with in his life: Greg Carmichael and Simon James, are featured on Into The Rainbow, paying tribute to his melodies. Moreover, the bass player: Dave Markee has had the privilege to record with Albert Lee and Eric Clapton, which must add kudos to Nick's music and legacy.

The only thing I particularly noticed was the slightly more jazzy approach Kymaera seem to have towards the material. So I researched a bit about Shane Hill, Simon James's musical partner on this album. I learnt that not only did he study with guitar legend Tal Farlow but also wrote a book about him. So this perhaps explains some of the influences behind his solos.

Sax is delivered by Dave O'Higgins, who also played in the band Spirit Of Django perhaps Martin Taylor's most successful outfit ever. Anyway, really hope other Alchemy fans find this album as interesting as I do. I feel proud that Nick's music is attracting interest from musicians who have studied and worked with many of the guitarists that Nick himself held in high esteem. I hope more covers from other instrumentalists happen as a result of this tribute album.