The Alchemists Are Summoned To Prague

from Potions by The Alchemists

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    POTIONS, the debut studio album of The Alchemists, features improvised, melodic, multi-genre music. Comes in a transmutated jewel case created by the Philosopher’s Stone, liner notes by Emperor Rudolph II and dowsed with original art. Follow the alchemical storyline that frames the album at individual track pages. A CD Baby Editors’ Pick.

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THE UNFOLDING TALE - TRACK 1

Who “summoned” the alchemists to Prague? Introducing Rudolph II (1552-1612), the Holy Roman Emperor and Hapsburg King of Bohemia and Hungary. He didn’t use magic incantations, but the more effective lure of a well-stocked lab and financial support. In real history, Rudolph was a patron of art, alchemy and astronomy/astrology, gathered a renowned cabinet of curiosities and did in fact invite European alchemists to his court.

In an alternative timeline, perhaps he decides at some point to organize a secret conclave of the leading practitioners from different times and places, most likely putting them to work in Mihulka Tower of Prague Castle. (The first of many “perhaps-es” in these notes.) Goal: to achieve the irrefutable production of certain substances and creatures that would contribute immeasurably to expanding his power and influence.

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There were certainly more individuals invited to the conclave than the three mentioned in this narrative. Who else do you think might have been summoned from any part of the world prior to 1600 for the first gathering of what would become the League of Alchemists? What makes this individual worthy? And now in the world did he send invitations to people in times distant from his own?

You are invited to send nominations and speculations, point out significant factual errors in any narratives and, of course, comment on the music itself. To address alchemical issues, send a message via Contact The Alchemists. Material used will be acknowledged. To comment on music you need to buy the CD and have a Bandcamp Fan Account.

For more info about the album and the narrative that came to frame it, go to the Potions home page.

credits

from Potions, released December 13, 2015
Tom Hall - Tenor Saxophone
Jerry Leake - Percussion
Dennis Livingston - Flute, Sopranino and Alto Recorders
Bob Nieske - Bass
Randy Roos - Guitar

Full bios are at the Potions home page.

Recorded, mixed & mastered by Randy Roos at Squam Sound, Ashland, NH
Graphic Design by John Colan
Artwork by Chris Gill
Produced and liner notes written by Dennis Livingston

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The Alchemists Boston, Massachusetts

Improvised, melody-driven, inventively original songs. Blues, Latin rhythms, Indian beats, chamber music and other far-flung genres. Wild outbursts of sound. All woven into unexpected compositions.
“Each of The Alchemists improvs on Journey To The East is like a circus act of music, teasing the listener with suspense about what kind of feat will come next.” Steve Elman, critic for The Arts Fuse ... more

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