Customer Reviews

Pure Will Ackerman

5 star:		(4)
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3 star:		(1)
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As a performer, producer and founder of Windham Hill, Will Ackerman is to some degree responsible for the entire genre of music dubbed new age (although Ackerman himself dislikes having that label applied to his music). Ackerman's guitar playing is in a word "beautiful." If he hadn't recorded anything else, he would be one of my favorite guitarists of all time for the wonderfully poignant "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter" from 1977's IT TAKES A YEAR (which has appeared on countless Windham Hill anthologies, including the must-own 4-disc retrospective A QUIET REVOLUTION).

Ackerman has only released two albums of new material since his previous anthology--1993's A WINDHAM HILL RETROSPECTIVE. As such, PURE repeats seven tracks from RETROSPECTIVE. New tracks to this collection include "Driving" and "A Child's Song" from 1998's SOUND OF WIND DRIVEN RAIN, and "Walk with Me" and "Briars above the Well," both from 2001's HEARING VOICES. The latter two tracks include vocals from Heather Rankin and Jaya Lakshmi respectively (Ackerman himself does not sing). The only previously unreleased track is a new version of "Murray's Song," which first appeared on 1979's CHILDHOOD AND MEMORY.

Ackerman's guitar playing is both intimate and acccessible. If you are not familiar with his impressive body of work, this is an excellent place to start. In the liner notes for 2004's RETURNING (a collection of reworked previously recorded songs), Ackerman states: "When you're 55 you begin to think of what will be left behind when you're gone." PURE gives you a clear idea of what this gifted guitarist has left us so far. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Like all Will Ackerman's recordings, this one is four-oh! Soothing, ethereal guitar rythms and melodies. I listen to these in the evening after a hard day and doing so really helps take the edge off.

I mean like the relaxed aaaahhhhhhhhh, not the scary one! I bought this CD to serve as ambient music as I write and am not disappointed. Mr. Ackerman's serene guitar work is always appreciated. I use this CD at work also to provide a restful, energizing background while I agonize over unfinished paperwork. I would recommend this CD and any other Will Ackerman pieces.

I love this CD. Absolutely Pure Will Ackerman with the most soulful music I have ever heard!! You will not regret a single song on this CD.

Order was received intact, as requested, and 'on time'. I usually order standard shipping on everything from Amazon, but this supplier took a long time to process the order, 2 to 3 times longer than what I would consider was average. My CD came by US mail, which is usually a crap shoot on timelyness anyway. Prices are good, but I would probably try another supplier.

As for Will Ackerman... Very relaxing music that conjures up thoughtful images without putting you to sleep, if all of that is possible. The "Driving" track is the best as it always puts me back on my summer vacation road trips through Colorado and beyond.