The Will Ackerman Collection

Rating:
Summary: Conferring With The Moon
Review: I respect Will Ackerman for two things (mostly). At a time when music, especially new age music, was relatively unknown, he founded Windham Hill Records. And Windham Hill went on to be the foremost independent record label in the U.S. They did this with an emphasis on quality that few labels, independent or not, would ever equal. When I look at my shelves now I see album after album of musicians Ackerman helped along the way.

And the other thing I respect him for is that he is a consummate guitarist. As much of a perfectionist as a musician as he is as a producer. His style uses the kind of interplay between texture and melody that makes everything sound effortless, hiding the technical wizardry away from the listener. As a guitarist myself, he keeps me in a perpetual state of envy.

This collection is a set of 14 pieces, chosen for both their beauty and their playability. They are a selection from 10 of his albums, performed over a 22 year period. Be warned that all are in special tunings, some of the standard 'open' variety, and some set up just for the particular piece. So you will need something more advanced than a tuning fork.

Both tablature and scale are provided. Certainly tablature is more important when playing with new tunings and you will find the music easy to read, with space for plenty of scribbled notes. There is a short biography (more of a tribute) of Ackerman, and he shares some short words about the individual pieces. The rest is pure, enjoyable music for both the player and the listener.

Rating:
Summary: Conferring With The Moon
Review: I respect Will Ackerman for two things (mostly). At a time when music, especially new age music, was relatively unknown, he founded Windham Hill Records. And Windham Hill went on to be the foremost independent record label in the U.S. They did this with an emphasis on quality that few labels, independent or not, would ever equal. When I look at my shelves now I see album after album of musicians Ackerman helped along the way.

And the other thing I respect him for is that he is a consummate guitarist. As much of a perfectionist as a musician as he is as a producer. His style uses the kind of interplay between texture and melody that makes everything sound effortless, hiding the technical wizardry away from the listener. As a guitarist myself, he keeps me in a perpetual state of envy.

This collection is a set of 14 pieces, chosen for both their beauty and their playability. They are a selection from 10 of his albums, performed over a 22 year period. Be warned that all are in special tunings, some of the standard 'open' variety, and some set up just for the particular piece. So you will need something more advanced than a tuning fork.

Both tablature and scale are provided. Certainly tablature is more important when playing with new tunings and you will find the music easy to read, with space for plenty of scribbled notes. There is a short biography (more of a tribute) of Ackerman, and he shares some short words about the individual pieces. The rest is pure, enjoyable music for both the player and the listener.