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
In the
player below is a sampling of cuts from these "Essential Guitar" CDs.
It will play the samples randomly or you can double click on any
title to hear it. Enjoy!
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
