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review by Bill Binkelman One could make a convincing argument that Will Ackerman is one of the most important figures in contemporary American music of the last quarter of the twentieth century. Going back to his days as a general contractor, Ackerman's story takes an almost Frank Capra-esque turn, as he started off playing his off-the-rack acoustic guitar for free near Stanford University. He eventually began recording and then launched the Windham Hill record label which more or less started an entirely new American instrumental acoustic music scene. Through Windham Hill, music fans were introduced to George Winston, Michael Hedges, Liz Story, Shadowfax, Alex DeGrassi, and many more artists who literally defined an entire genre of music and sculpted a sound that resonated with a generation who had tired of rock, pop, and jazz. That, dear readers, is a legacy! Now, as he heads into his mid-50s (and I can appreciate his mindset since I just turned 50 myself), Ackerman looks back over a recording career that has spanned 30 years. In revisiting his past, he has decided to re-record his favorite compositions from his sizable catalog and the result is Returning, a magnificent collection that deserves a place on your shelf if you consider yourself any kind of fan of this genre of music, even if just a casual one. Rather than recount the extensive (as well as well-written, personal, and engaging) liner notes, I'll simply tell you that Ackerman makes an extremely convincing case for re-recording these songs and collecting them all on a single disc. In fact, the liner notes make such compelling reading that I feel like I really know the man behind the artist now, in a way that I can't say about many other stars in this business. Suffice it to say that after his explaining about the startling changes in recording technology as well as his own inward journey through the years (which has increased his comfort level toward his guitar playing as well as honed his nuance and subtlety), I am convinced this recording needs to exist. The music here shines, sparkles and soothes. I've been listening to Ackerman since the mid '80s, so more than a few of these numbers bring back fond memories of when I first heard them. "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter" still charms and enchants with its gentle loveliness. "The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit" still unwinds in a slow mournful caress of solitude and quiet. "Hawk Circle" (the only duet on the album, this one featuring David Cullen on a second guitar) still captures the free flowing grace, power, passion and majestic flight of the title birds' airborne flight. Later compositions, such as the reflective and sparse "In a Region of Clouds" and the sadly nostalgic "Last day at the Beach" serve to show that middle-period (late '80s) Ackerman continued to tap into deep emotional reservoirs. His most recent pieces, such as the warm amber-glow of "Pictures" and the soft but sprightly "Unconditional," illustrate that this artist's playing and composing hasn't done anything but flourished through the years. Further description or comment seems superfluous. It is also superfluous to state emphatically that fans of acoustic guitar music should consider Returning to be 100 percent essential to their collections. The CD is equally required for anyone who has a historical interest in this genre of music. Finally, die-hard fans of Will Ackerman and who own all his recordings -- have no fear. This is not one of those "for completists only" collections, relatively worthless if you own the original recordings. Nothing could be further from the truth, as all these songs come straight from the heart, played with maturity and passion, in their new versions. Also of note, it is the first appearance as solo numbers for some of the compositions. Returning is an amazing testament to one man's craft, vision, and long-time dedication to his art and his muse; the recording owns my highest recommendation as well as earning the artist my respect, admiration and gratitude. Bravo, sir! |
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