artist: William Ackerman country of origin: USA style(s): New acoustic, ambient folk, adult altern. essential releases: In Search Of The Turtle's Navel (1976, Windham Hill) Past Light (1983, Windham Hill) Imaginary Roads (1990, Windham Hill) A Windham Hill Retrospective (1993, Windham Hill)

In 1976 guitarist William Ackerman founded the U.S. label Windham Hill, a label devoted to mainly acoustic music and one that’s been a heavyweight in the adult alternative market since the early 1980’s. But while the new age tag has persisted, his is not simply pretty music. It exhibits intelligence and grace and at its best Ackerman’s music ranks among the finest new acoustic music of the modern era. Along with Leo Kottke, he’s heir to a rich tradition of impressionistic folk guitar instrumentals popularised by American musician John Fahey and you can hear Fahey’s influence everywhere on these records, albeit with consistently better sound quality.

Ackerman’s debut album In Search Of The Turtle's Navel is a purely solo guitar record and still a favourite among fans. Past Light and Imaginary Roads are his best ensemble albums and feature support on some tracks from various sidemen and Windham Hill stable mates like trumpeter/synthesist Mark Isham and guitarist Michael Hedges. Ackerman’s frequent use of alternative tunings and his clean, chiming guitar sound make his music very distinctive and his instinct for beauty (“A Region Of Clouds” from Imaginary Roads, for instance) can be breathtaking.

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