Al Nesbitt & The Alchemy is a Musical Excursion

Some bands have great sound and chops. Brilliant bands have those components and are able to transport its audience to another place. Al Nesbitt & The Alchemy could be called a “Super Group.” Based on their brilliant performance at Seattle’s legendary Triple Door this past April, it would be easy to say that this is a musical group who are simply superb. Al Nesbitt, Jonathan Sindelman, Curt “Kirkee B.” Bisquera and Tony Franklin took fans on a musical excursion to a place where the sun is hot, the beach is cool, the drinks flow and the living is easy.

Great artists don’t just play, they listen and they feel what is happening in the space and truly serve the music. Each member of this band has an amazing resume and musical pedigrees. Together, they create magic that hits squarely in the pocket and then in an instant, musical artistry that can incite high adventure beyond the outer limits.

On stage the band created a singular sound with perfect synergy while shining equally as individuals. Not an easy chore. These cats did it effortlessly. They were all locked in with each other and the audience was happy to go wherever Al and company wanted to take them.

Listen for yourself with this live track from the forthcoming EP, “Live In Seattle” recorded at Madame Lou’s in Seattle last fall. Happy travels!

The group has a big June planned, already gaining significant altitude with their first single, The Lost Night  and with a video soon to follow, all ahead of their live EP across streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for announcements, live dates and more via their Instagram page at @alnesbittalchemy.

Seattle Music Insider wanted to get a little more insight into the musical direction, influences of Al Nesbitt, how the project came together and what’s next for the band.

How did this band come together? Did you know each other previously?

We all came together for what was supposed to be ‘one off’ gig in September of last year.  I had accepted an offer for a show and found myself without a band due to some scheduling issues.  Tony had recorded a song on my last album ‘A Million Shiny Things’ and I decided to shoot for the stars and ask him if his schedule was open for the date and a couple days prior, for rehearsals. His schedule was open, and he had a drummer he had worked with countless times prior was available as well, Curt ‘Kirkee B’ Bisquera.  Finally I asked my dear friend Jonathan if he was available for the gig, which he was.  The stars had lined up and I locked in everyone for two days of rehearsals and the gig.  The first day Jonathan and I met Tony and Kirkee B was in Burbank at the rehearsal studio. We shook hands, visited a bit and got to work.

What was the first rehearsal like?

The first rehearsal was incredibly productive, as expected.  We had discussed the set list prior, everyone had done their homework  and we just started going down the list.  It was immediately clear that this was a very potent 4 piece and I was pinching myself as I looked around the room and witnessed musicians that I’d admired for years and years playing these songs.  They were the ultimate pros and I was beyond thrilled at the thought of playing a show with them.  Little did I know what was right around the corner and what would be happening shortly after that first show, which was all of us deciding that this was a very special unit and it deserved to have a focused and concerted effort as a band.

Your music has a definite Latin flavor, what inspired the musical direction?

The Latin flavor of the music is no accident.  I’ve always loved the intensity, feel and sexiness of Latin / Flamenco music.  The scales, chords and progressions were just so appealing to me. As a fledgling guitarist I was given a cassette of ‘Friday Night in San Francisco’ and it had a huge impact on me.  Listening to Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin and Paco Delucia in a live setting, playing with that much virtuosity and intensity was mind blowing.  I couldn’t conceive how acoustic guitars could be played like that.  That particular album still offers a huge well of inspiration for me. I also found inspiration with players like Jesse Cook, Ben Woods, Vincent Amigo, Strung and Farah, Rodrigo and Gabriela, all having a very strong Spanish and Flamenco flavor.  

What is the bands approach to songwriting and performing. It seems like you all are really dialed in with each other, listen and provide a lot of space in the arrangements, that create and incredible musical alchemy. How long did it take you to achieve this as a band?

Because this band came together after I’d recorded two solo albums, we began with those songs.  I was completely open to have each one of these players add their own legendary voices to these songs with zero restraints.  I’m literally in a band with three of the best musicians in the world, so why not let them have carte blanche and trust that each song would become a very unique and special event given those ingredients.  One of the things that I’m most grateful for is that each of us approaches the music in a very mindful way.  Despite being players with amazing pedigrees, everyone is playing for the overall sound and audience experience.  Additionally, each bringing phenomenal ideas for both recording and live performances.  This has been one of the ingredients since we first got together that first rehearsal.  As we spend more time together and have more experiences together, there is a level of trust and camaraderie that I haven’t had in a very long time.  The other guys feel the same way, too.  Each one of us realizes that this is a very special opportunity to work with some fantastic humans and create / play music for as many audiences as we can.  Again, I still have to stop and laugh at the fact that I’m now in band with three of my all time favorite musicians. 

What is next for you and the band? 

What’s next? Things are culminating rapidly and we’re expecting to have our EPK finished very shortly.  This will be for booking agents, promoters, etc.  We also have a Live EP (from the first live gig we played last September) which has been mixed and mastered.  We will be releasing two singles from that EP in conjunction to two corresponding videos from them, hopefully beginning in mid June. Also getting our band socials started and ready for launch.  We’ve attained some  initial representation for management to help us navigate things as we begin the journey of playing out as much as we can.  Lastly, new music! We’re excited to begin working on new songs soon.  It’s going to be a fantastic experience and we want make sure that we leave each audience breathless after each live performance.  

About The Band:

Al Nesbitt: The Alchemy’s humble and enigmatic writer and guitarist, heralded by Guitar World Online as ‘The next big thing’ in Acoustic Instrumental Music. Driven by a desire to create unique music that blends Pop, Rock, Classical, Cinematic, Spanish and World, Al laid the foundations for what would become the Alchemy’s signature sound.

Heralded by Guitar World Online Music. as The next big thing’ in Acoustic Instrumental Music.

Jonathan Sindelman: Keyboardist extraordinaire, whose expansive range and brand of sonic architecture has touched virtually every genre, defining the landscape and production for legendary artists across the globe.

Keith Emerson, Alan White, Zappa Legacy Projects (One Shot Deal, The Furious Bongos), Googoosh

Tony Franklin: Known as the “Fretless Monster”, Tony is an ambassador of the bass guitar,playing alongside some of the greatest names in music and with his signature fretless growl imprinted on hundreds of albums.

The Firm, Roy Harper, Blue Murder, Kenny Wayne Shepard

Curt “Kirkee B.” Bisquera: One of L.A.’s top “go to” drummers when it comes to anythingdrumming related, the end is listless when accounting for his contributions. Whether it be recording, touring or just bringing his singular vibe to the situation at hand, Curt has been there and done it with the best.

Elton John, Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, Bonnie Raitt

Al Nesbitt & The Alchemy @The Triple Door (April 2025) Photo: Jerry & Lois Photography