Percussionist Jim Brock gets first billing on this CD that he co-leads with Van Manakas, but Manakas' guitar is the main solo voice, he contributed all nine originals, and he is largely responsible for the date's success. The music ranges from being classical-oriented to funky to atmospheric, and there is even a slight amount of straight-ahead jazz. Manakas dominates the proceedings and is joined on various selections by Brock (whose colorful sounds from his percussion set uplift the music), keyboardist Gary Marcus, electric bassist Steve Kim, drummer Rick Dior, Phil Thompson on reeds, and Alan Kaufman on accordion. This intriguing set is worth giving a few listens to.
Mieko Hirota (弘田 三枝子, Hirota Mieko), a Japanese female singer born in Tokyo on February 5, 1947. Died on July 21, 2020. Her nickname is Mico. Due to her dynamic and growing vocal she was also called "queen of pops"…
Acoustic Alchemy continues with double guitar magic on their newest release, their GRP debut. They are recording all original tunes (with the exception of Paul Desmond's "Take Five") and are joined by keyboards, percussion and bass (as well as trombone on two cuts).