Customer Reviews

Windham Hill Retrospective

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you're looking for a crash course in William Ackerman 101, this 1993 release is an excellent place to acquaint yourself with one of the finest guitarists of the past quarter century. Whether playing solo on pieces like the gorgeous "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter" or working with fellow labelmates like George Winston, Michael Hedges, Tim Story or Paul McCandless in a small ensemble setting, Ackermann is a gifted writer and performer. This is 69 minutes of absolute bliss with selections from his 1976 debut through 1992's The Opening of Doors. In his liner notes Ackerman refers to his music not as a business, but "a place of escape and discovery." This CD will help you discover the joys of this talented guitarist. HIGHLY RECOMMENDD

William Ackerman is the guy who founded Windham Hill records and the whose sweet guitar lines make up many of the label's best songs. What elevates Ackerman's music beyond the usual new age background noise is his excellent songwriting ability. This album collects the best of those songs into one package. The real standouts are "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter," "Visiting," "Climbing in Geometry" and "Seattle," which can only be described as achingly pretty. There is not a single clunker on this fine retrspective of Ackerman's career.

Will Ackerman is not only the CEO of new age label, Windham Hill, but he also is one of its best artists...

Here is a career compilation of finger-style compositions that represent Will Ackerman's approach nicely. I noticed that Will Ackerman differentiates very nicely with dynamics, soft melodies and clean execution.

Its beautiful if your a casual new age fan, if your a guitarist, your missing the boat if you dont already have it. As I said, its essential!

I also reccomend his first album, "In Search of the Blue Turtle". This is one of the "icon" albums that helped to usher in the new age genre...

I find this to be very relaxing & easy to listen to! I first had this when it first came out as an LP, but haven't had a means to listen to it for quite some time untill i finally bought the CD. I highly recommend!!

"Retrospective" is a timeless piece of art to be enjoyed and savored throughout a lifetime. It easily transitions into "Returning", a later creation by Will Ackerman, that also inspires the heart, mind and spirit.

What an excellent recording. With so many fingerstyle guitar artists around, it is often difficult to identify the truly great music. These recordings are timeless, sounding just as good as when many were released on vinyl. Will combines virtuoso composition and a sweet melody that makes you remember each note as you run the tunes through your mind after a listen. One of the masters - buy this CD, and you won't honk at anyone on your commute home (at least while you're listening).

Relaxing, accurate guitarwork. If you really need something to cool down after a hard workday, this might be a good choice. But use this CD carefully, too many days in a row might ruin the good effects. --MAA01605.907271576/online-2.amazon.com--

REGRET IT!! I thoroughly regret buying this. The now famous master of Windham Hill Quality, new-age, fame and fortune has laid a goose-egg---a rotten one. After the second track, Processional,The talent drops significantly---It all sounds the same. There is hardly any artistry or composition. It's like Mr. Ackerman(I highly respect his other work though)said,(laughingly)" I'll bet they buy it because it's me and my picture." Well, I say 1/2 a star because it's Will and mega ... kudos because the talent is not there---It's a bomb!