Wow!

There's so much I could write, so many rants I could spill out, so many suggestions I could make, so many criticisms I could level at people and institutions, and yet, now that the end is here, I don't feel much like doing anything but saying "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

In 1994 or 1995, I honestly don't remember, I discovered USENET and the newsgroup rec.music.newage. My accidental stumbling upon this small group of like-minded music fans was what, ultimately, led to this point in time right now. I posted my first review there (I think it was of Geodesium's Anasazi) and the positive feedback I received got the ball rolling. Man, that seems like a whole lifetime ago.

From the initial brainstorming sessions for the first issue of Wind and Wire, the magazine, back in late 1996 to this last issue of the webzine, I've always only sought one thing: to give exposure and coverage to recordings from artists who deserved it, without regard to whether they were on a big label or were famous or the kind of instrumental music they recorded. In retrospect, I guess Wind and Wire accomplished that task, thanks to the efforts of all the reviewers who have passed through the "virtual doors" here. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that my ambitions were actually much higher, sometimes fueled by ego, other times ignited by my passion and belief that so much more could be done and much more ground could be gained. Sadly, the folly of idealism has led to cynicism and bitterness as the harder I tried to make a big splash, the smaller effect I seemed to have on the "big picture." Over the years, a few folks have said to me, "At least you tried to make a difference and that's enough, isn't it?" There is no answer to that question, as far as I'm concerned. There is no such thing as enough. You either accomplish what you set out to do or you don't, which doesn't mean I'm unsatisfied with my efforts, just disappointed in the eventual outcome.

Well, I could go on and on, but I have developed quite a reputation as a whiny little bastard so it's time I showed some class, I suppose, and gracefully exited. Before I do, though, I have some thanks to dole out.

To those artists whom I have interviewed over the years, thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions with me. I enjoyed our chats, both those that were over the phone and those that were done via cyberspace and I learned a lot more than I could ever recount here.

To the hundreds of artists who have sent me music, emailed me, called me, or mailed me letters of support and encouragement, you honor me with your generosity and accolades. It was a pleasure and privilege to receive and listen to your recordings, even those that didn't make it to the point of being reviewed. Your compliments about Wind and Wire and its place in the music business were very much appreciated by myself and all the reviewers who ever graced Wind and Wire's magazine pages or webpages.

To the fans of the magazine (1997-1999) who showed their support by subscribing, sending emails or letters, and especially those who participated in the hand-written survey way back in 1998, a huge THANK YOU! You're all very special to me and whenever I pick up an old copy of the mag, I remember many of you with sincere fondness.

To the label reps and print promoters whom I have worked with over the years, especially Randall Davis (Creative Service Company), Troy at Neurodisc, Glenn Payne at New World Music, and the staff of Real Music and New Earth Records, you have all been so kind to me over the years and your support and perseverance in wading through the many incarnations of Wind and Wire over the years is to be commended and admired.

When one starts to list "Thank You's," one runs the the risk of omitting people who deserve to be included. Admittedly, over the course of eight years, I doubt I could keep track of everyone whom I owe a debt of gratitude to, so if I leave you off this list, please know that your contributions are still very important to me and it's only lack of human memory that keeps you from being mentioned here.

There are some people in the music industry who, at one time or another, played significant roles or offered support to myself and/or the magazine. I'd like to recognize those folks:

Mike Griffin of Hypnos Records: Thanks for all the full-page ads in the magazine and all the phone conversations in the early days assuring me that I was doing the best I could do.

Jeff Pearce: Your sense of humor, warmth, insight, honesty and compassion during innumerable phone calls provided one the pillars of strength for my getting through the first several years. I can honestly state that it would have been much harder without your help, Jeff.

Barry Craig: Over the course of many phone conversations, you gave me the best single piece of advice that anyone ever did, one that I have repeated to countless folks ("Be persistent and persevere. Almost anyone can release one good album or publish one good issue."). For that alone, but of course there's more as well, I'm in your debt.

Lloyd Barde at Backroads: Thanks for your advertising support from the very beginning and also your enthusiastic response to the magazine in general. In addition, your continued selflessness in championing this music is an inspiration. Oh, and thanks for sharing your recommendations of music with me too, obviously!

Tim Story: Not only was the interview I did with you one of my personal highlights, but your initial kindness to a "mere fan" who clumsily sent you a gushing fan-boy letter was more influential than you can ever imagine in giving me the confidence to think I could actually publish a music magazine. Also, your music continues to enrich my life in deep and meaningful ways every time I play it and for that I am most grateful as well.

Marleen Kinglsey: What can I say except a huge THANK YOU! You are one of the nicest and kindest souls I have encountered over the years and your consistent good will and cheer has made many a day brighter for me. Your tireless and excellent efforts on the part of Richard Bone are the epitome of devotion to this music and you are to be admired for it.

Richard Roberts: Over the course of many late night phone calls, your common sense advice and level-headed support has played a large part in the latter-day version of Wind and Wire. You see things clearly and helped me to do the same on more than a few occasions. Many thanks for your patience and friendship.

Calvin Coolidge II: The LOOOONG (LOL) phone conversations we have had have bolstered me when I needed it most these last two years and you have convinced me that some of my notions and ideas are not as stupid as I would assume they are. Thanks for your confidence in me and your friendship, and especially for allowing me to go on and on and on until the wee hours of the morning!

Stephanie Sante: Getting to know you, Stephanie, both personally and professionally, was one of those special bonuses of my time with Wind and Wire. I admire how steadfast you have held in your musical career and I can only hope that someday others realize what I do, that you are a singular talent as well as a wonderful person.

Kees Aerts: What can I say, Kees? Your unflinching honesty and acceptance of my humanity never failed to shore up my insecurity, even though I know you don't believe THAT! ;-) You went way beyond just supporting Wind and Wire through submitting Groove Unltd recordings, as you never failed to lend an ear and reciprocate with communications that cut through all the bullshit and shed light on whatever I was dealing with at the time. Your shrewdness and decency made a huge impact on me and for that I humbly thank you.

Richard Bone: While our contact has been less frequent in recent years, your warmth, sense of humor and your friendship are important to me. Your solid example of keeping things in perspective and using humor to overcome an over-serious attitude helped me to slog through many a dour day.

Mike Simmons: While we have lost touch with each other recently, the frequent contact we had for awhile, and the friendship that grew out of it, was a sheer pleasure for me and I only hope that somewhere down the line, our paths will not just cross but follow a parallel route once more. Both your good humor and your talent inspired me many times when I badly needed a jolt to keep from being down.

Daniel Byerly: My good friend, Daniel. We've been to hell and back with our communications, swinging from near adulation of one another to fever-pitched anger directed at the other, but through it all we remained open to hearing what the other person said, even if begrudgingly so at times. As you have stated that Wind and Wire inspired you, so too did your music, as well as your sage wisdom and your no-bullshit-allowed attitude, inspire and help me to see the forest for the trees. You are that rarity, a one-hundred-percent one of a kind original, both musically and as a person. Keep fighting the good fight wherever it takes you.

John Flomer: Having an ambient musician within walking distance of my house was pretty cool. Getting to know him as a person was even better. Thanks for allowing me to be as cynical and pissed off as I was on many occasions. You never flinched no matter how irately I ranted and that takes the patience of a saint (which is probably where your incredible music comes from, as well). For your unending ability to put up with me, many sincere thanks.

To my two most recent reviewers:

Michael Debbage: Thanks for your tireless and enthusiastic efforts over the last several years. I'm thrilled that your stint on Wind and Wire has led to a new place on the internet for you to write for, and please know that your work while here was a big part of helping the site survive this long. I always appreciated your conscientious attitude and your forthrightness when dealing with matters that most editors dread (deadlines, etc.).

Dene Bebbington: Ay up, Dene! I think we're kindred spirits, not just in reviewing but in lots of other areas of our lives. Your endless enthusiasm, your prodigious productivity of reviews, and your superb communications and timeliness are an editor's dream come true. I can honestly say I never would have gotten through these last two years without you. I hope your new site continues to allow your love of music and your love of writing to thrive and prosper. You have my most sincere thanks for your tireless efforts for Wind and Wire.

A very special thank you the first crew of reviewers (of Wind and Wire, the magazine):

Chad Gould: Thanks for covering a field of music that I knew nothing about and helping me to see its worth by writing some of the most balanced reviews the magazine ever saw. Believe it or not, in recent years, I have started modeling some of what I saw in your writing!

Kathy Parsons: I'm so proud of what you have achieved with your site, Solo Piano Publications, and can only hope that your stint here at Wind and Wire helped you get to where you are at today. While our relationship was, at times, less than ideal, please know how much I respect your dedication and your zeal for this music for which I have yet to find an equal among our peers. Your selfless devotion to the cause is worthy of hero worship from all of us.

David Hassell: While I know we had some rocky spots, I always looked up to you for your vast knowledge of EM and also your honesty in confronting me when we didn't see eye to eye. I came to respect you more than you realize and you single-handedly turned my opinion of Berlin school EM around 180 degrees, an achievement of which the impact cannot be overstated.

Judy Markworth: There must be something in the water in Milwaukee that turns people into rabid, raving, music-loving loonies, right Judy? LOL Seriously, you and I must have had countless discussions that amounted to little more than equally enthusiastic proclamations of "This is SUCH a cool album!" I loved your passion and your willingness to let it all hang out whether on the internet, in print, or in person (another trait we had in common). You may be the only person I know who was as bold and brazen in expressing an opinion about music as I was and I stand in awe of your conviction. You made the early days LOTS of fun and I hope you can say the same. Thanks for making me feel I wasn't alone in my fan-like mentality.

FINALLY, there simply would not have been any Wind and Wire at all without these people to whom I will always be deeply indebted.

To Howard Givens and Jon Jenkins:

Howard: I don't know how many times I hung up the phone after one of our conversations, stormed into the living room, and said to Kathryn "Damn that Howard Givens!" LOL! Who knew how right you were going to be about most things? Honestly though, your support for Wind and Wire, for myself personally, and most importantly, for the music itself (and not just the music on Spotted Peccary), never wavered and if more people knew what an advocate and cheerleader you have been through the years, you'd get a lot more of the credit which you deserve. Admittedly, on some occasions, I rued the day I allowed you to convince me that a magazine covering new age and ambient music would be a great idea. (Of course, I proceeded to ignore all the advice you gave me about the magazine to begin with!). In hindsight, all I can say is "Thank you, Howard, for fueling my ambition with your own hopes and dreams because despite how it all turned out, it was worth it."

JJ: There are simply not enough words to express my gratitude for what you have done for Wind and Wire in its web-based version, Jon. You put up with a lot from me and I can only assume it's your easy-going demeanor, your abundant sense of humor, and your immense patience that keeps you from throwing me to the wolves. You are a prince among men, a gentleman and a scholar, and as evidence by your latest CD, one of the best damn artists in this genre. I owe you big time and someday I hope to return the many favors you have done for me.

Neil Leacy: In an email exchange sometime in 1996 which occurred between me and another citizen of rec.music.newage, a certain Neil Leacy of England first ignited the spark of an idea in me that a new age music magazine might be just the thing to help spread the word about the music we both so dearly loved. As literally the first person to tell me "Bill, you're a good writer, you should start a magazine" I don't know whether to bless you, Neil, or curse you! LOL! Seriously, you were there from the very start and, as such, no one was more instrumental (no pun intended) in getting the magazine off the ground. Your efforts, as a reviewer, a pitch-man, an assistant editor, a confidante, and a friend, proved to be incalculable in their value, both in a literal sense to the creation of the magazine and in spirit, building me up with emails and phone calls when it seemed the house of cards was about to come down. I miss our frequent contact but please be assured that I will never forget your unflagging good nature, your support, and your many efforts on my behalf. Thank you is not adequate to express the depth of my appreciation. Finally, I can't even begin to express enough thanks for introducing me to the music of Kevin Kendle. I owe you BIG time for that!

Kevin Kendle: While your contributions to the magazine and website were similar in nature to those of other artists, i.e. consenting to interviews and sending out music to be reviewed, you are here on this list, Kevin, because your friendship through the years, as well as your generous and continuous praise of Wind and Wire and our efforts, has always been an integral, if not irreplaceable, component to what has driven me through the years. When all my energy and enthusiasm and passion would sometimes ran out, somehow knowing you were in my corner gave me the "oomph" to pick myself up and give it another go. In addition, as I have told you privately before, it was hearing your music for the first time back in 1996 that pushed me over the edge, so to speak, and made me realize that, dammit, I had to do more to promote this music. For that alone, not to mention the special friendship you have extended to me over the years, I will feel forever grateful and blessed.

FINALLY, to the person who is most responsible for whatever good came from these last eight years...

My dear Kathryn, you have been with me every step of the way, dealing with the ups and downs (you probably only remember the downs!). To say I couldn't have done it without your love and support is an immense understatement. From the "coming out party" you threw me when the first issue was published, to endless nights of my not coming to bed until 2 or 3 am, to all the household repairs that have been put on hold, you held fast in the face of all of it. You never complained but instead stayed patient through all my ranting and railing and mood swings...well, you simply are a saint and a dear soul for putting up with it all. Sometimes, it seems like it's YOU that all the fans and musicians and labels and promoters should be thanking, not me. As you know, your passion and zeal for teaching were my literal inspiration for starting a business venture of my own. Since you loved what you did, I figured I could give it a go at what I loved to do. And, while you have had more success in your field than I did in mine, your example still serves to guide me to the very end of it all. Merci beaucoup, ma cheri. Je t'aime.

That's it, folks. Thanks for reading over the years. It's been a pleasure and privilege and a helluva lot of hard work, but hopefully it was worth it for all of you. Maybe after a respite, I'll give it another go. Who knows? For now, bon chance, mes amis, and au revoir.

Bill