Al Nesbitt and The Alchemy “A Million Shiny Things” Review

Artist: Al Nesbitt and The Alchemy

Album: A Million Shiny Things

Release: 2024

Website: https://www.alnesbitt.com/

Al Nesbitt and The Alchemy are a fascinating ensemble that is very difficult to classify in any genre other than just plain cool guitar music! The latest release A Million Shiny Things is a seven song record that clocks in at 28 minutes. It is a unique musical journey that is on the fringe of many styles but truly living in its own space. The band consists of heavy hitters all coming together to create this hip set. Bassist Jeff Eason and drummer Bill Ray make up the rhythm section while Al Nesbitt and Wayne Tapia handle the guitar responsibilities.

The first thing that grabs the ear is the combination of what I hear as essentially a rock rhythm section that drives quite hard while supporting a nylon string guitarist. I suspect this record has to land in the contemporary jazz world at radio, but it is far more diverse than the constraints of the genre. To call it fusion is a bit of a stretch as well. It is truly a unique sonic adventure that is an inspiring listen at every turn. I suspect Al Nesbitt has some shred guitar in his bag of tricks, but chooses to lay it down acoustically with a hint of flamenco flavor peppered in. If the nylon string guitar lines were replaced by electric guitars the record would feel like a straight rock album, but thankfully he chose the acoustic path, creating a sound that embodies it all while still being very listenable to anyone, not just musicians.

Room 53 is a standout track, reminding me of Joe Satriani in composition. The rhythm section is deeply pocketed and laying into this piece like it owes them money. This song is a shining example of how the nylon string guitar completely alters the end product. It takes a straight rock song and turns it into something completely different on every level. What is so interesting is how the band still plays it like a rock band with serious chops but is never overbearing in any sense, but somehow just makes the acoustic guitar pop a bit harder while the acoustic guitar softens the attack of the band. It is simply a wonderful and dynamic balance of conflicting instrumentation and instincts.

Blowbacks is another really hip track with a floaty quality that reminds me of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai again in composition, but not in execution. The presence of the nylon strings takes so much of the angst out of the music and softens it up to the listeners ears. But those who know  what they’re hearing will know for sure Al Nebitt is a player with serious guitar chops that when plugged in will take the listener on a shred assault that would impress Paul Gilbert.

Allegories and Guillotines is my favorite track on the record. This is one that feels a bit more steeped in Progressive Rock than the others. If Dream Theatre were to do an unplugged gig with Al Dimeola sitting in for good measure I feel like it would sound like this track. The busy drums bring this cut closer to the rock edge than most of the album, which I happen to really love. The push and pull between rock instincts and acoustic instrumentation is intoxicating and quite an exciting listen.

This album is a fiercely impressive work and must hear for guitar fans. To take a progressive rock approach to acoustic guitar music is a gutsy move that was landed as smoothly as it could be. It flirts with Al Dimeola at times, but to my ears has more in common with the great rock instrumentalists like Satriani and Vai. But again because of the nylon strings it takes on a completely different voice that is both very listenable and quite unique. I highly recommend this album to guitar fans and folks with an adventurous musical side. Give it a spin, you won’t be disappointed!