Guitarist Simon James set up the hugely successful band Acoustic Alchemy in 1980, along with his musical partner Nick Webb. In 1985, James left to be replaced by Greg Carmichael. Sadly, Webb died of cancer in 1998 and it was then that James decided to record this tribute with his new band, Kymaera, which is similiar in style to Acoustic Alchemy. The band features a host of well-known U.K. jazz musicians, including Dave O'Higgins, Shane Hill, Dave Markee, Dick Pierce, Greg Carmichael, Michele Drees, as well a two tracks with internationally renowned opera singer Maria Ewing.