Pierre Bensusan: Solilai

Pierre is one of the foremost pioneers of the use and popularization of the Celtic-based DADGAD guitar tuning.  Early in his career he committed to playing exclusively in this tuning and has influenced virtually an entire generation of guitarists with the use of this tuning.  Although many guitarists today use the tuning in one or more of their pieces, Pierre has made DADGAD his "home tuning" and has transcended the traditional limits of the tuning to forge his own unique style and sound.  Bensusan is one of the most expressive and inventive guitarists of our time.  Solilai, initially recorded in 1982, was the first collection of all DADGAD original compositions and, in my opinion, is still his finest and most memorable recording to date.  RC

Michael Hedges: Aerial Boundaries

One of the original artists signed to the ground-breaking Windham Hill label, Hedges quickly became admired and respected for his innovative use of "tapping" techniques on the fingerboard using both hands to percussively strike strings against the fretboard without actually plucking them in the conventional manner.  While "Breakfast in the Fields" was his first Windham Hill release, it was "Aerial Boundaries" that propelled him to the forefront of the contemporary acoustic guitar movement.  Sadly, Michael tragically lost his life in 1997 at the age of 43, cutting short his creative and inspirational career, but his legacy lives on in his catalog of recordings that aptly capture the essence of his genius.  RC

Billy McLaughlin: Fingerdance

Not so much an innovator, McLaughlin follows in the footsteps of his predecessors like Michael Hedges and Alex de Grassi, employing several open tunings and string tapping in his beautifully crafted compositions.  I've  featured McLaughlin in this essential collection because he writes and performs some of the most listenable and engaging music on the guitar, rising above the plethora of guitarists that simply play "guitarisms" that are complex but not all that musical.  His music is always melodic and accessible and sounds effortless under his deft fingers, although much of his work is quite difficult and challenging to perform.  Fingerdance captures your attention at the opening of the first piece and keeps you involved throughout the recording.  Definitely a "must have" if you enjoy solo guitar music!  RC

Will Ackerman: Returning

Ackerman is the acknowledged master of ethereal guitar music.  Will's guitar pieces are understated textural compositions that create sonic soundscapes.  As the founder of Windham Hill Records, he was "instrumental" in ushering in a new era of contemporary instrumental music in the early 80's that came to be known (despite his protests) as New Age Music.  Ackerman employs a variety of open tunings and tastefully enhances the sound of his acoustic guitar to create an expansive shimmering sound.  On "Returning", he revisits his repertoire from his earlier recordings and breathes new life into the performances.  This is the one Will Ackerman recording to own.  RC

Doug Smith: The Collection

A great composer as well as player, Doug's music appeals to a wide audience - beyond the acoustic fingerstyle guitar enthusiasts.  Evocative melodies and engaging rhythms make much of his repertoire memorable.  The opening number, "Renewal" is a personal favorite of mine.  There is a depth and sensitivity inherent in his playing that draws the listener in from the first note and keeps you engaged throughout the piece to the very last note!  This "Collection" is a nice introduction to his music.  RC

Tracy Moore: A Peculiar Point of Balance

Twelve string guitar wizard, Tracy Moore earned his place in this essential collection by taking the art of the sometimes "quirky" 12 string guitar to a new place.  This instrument is often delegated to a role of rhythm guitar and chordal accompaniment for vocalists. Moore followed in the path blazed by virtuosos Leo Kottke and John Fahey, using his instrument to play intricately weaved melodies and rhythmic textures.  Taking it one step further, Moore had his guitar altered to spread the strings further apart then conventionally done at the bridge, giving him enough room to individually pluck the 12 strings rather than attacking them in pairs.  This creates a unique harp or zither-like sound that alternates octaves in a unique way as melodies are played, creating interesting harmonic patterns as the strings resonate together.  You'll feel like you're sitting inside the guitar with the huge sound and sonic quality of this recording! RC