Will Ackerman 'Returning (Pieces For Guitar 1970-2004)' album

Famed guitarist and composer Will Ackerman reinvents his past with his twelfth album, Returning (Pieces For Guitar 1970-2004), marking his first release on the new Mary’s Tree imprint, formed by Ackerman.

For this collection, Ackerman took a retrospective look over his accomplished career and carefully selected eleven original songs from his massive catalogue for reinterpretation. “I knew I wanted these songs to be left behind in a way that more completely reflected my knowledge of them and what they were meant to be,” he commented. “My ambition in these performances was to be emotionally connected to every note I played,” said the artist, whose CD brings his rich body of work full circle at the thirty-year anniversary of his musical beginnings. Returning, the follow up to his Grammy nominated-album, Hearing Voices, will be released on September 28th.

Will’s musical interest began at the early age of twelve when he began playing the steel-string acoustic guitar. He soon learned open guitar tunings which became the basis of the future compositions. Leaving Stanford University five credits shy of graduation, Ackerman apprenticed as a carpenter which led to his own general contracting company, Windham Hill Builders. He later contributed music to theatre productions and played informal concerts for impromptu audiences. This led to his 1976 debut album, The Search for the Turtle’s Navel and the birth of Windham Hill Records. While at Windham Hill, besides releasing ten albums of his own material, Will wore many hats from Head of A&R to the principal producer of the label, as well as President and CEO, to finally serving as Chairman. Windham Hill became an incredibly successful brand and home to such like artists as George Winston, Michael Hedges and Shadow Fax – an impressive feat given the introspective nature of their releases in an era of disco. In 1992, Will sold his interest in the company to BMG while retaining control of publishing catalogue amassed from 1976-1992.

A respected musician and composer known to audiences the world over, Ackerman happily revisits his roots with Returning. All the songs showcase his signature acoustic guitar playing, laced with intricacy and beauty, as well as technical precision. Listening to the new recordings of such staples as “The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit,” and “The Bricklayer’s Beautiful Daughter” in their new incarnations allows the listener to fully realize the level of his craft and the maturity of his playing. Deeply personal, Will’s music conjures feelings of warmth and comfort, while also being both meditative and invigorating. His beautiful home/studio in Vermont where most of his writing happens continues to be a source of inspiration for a man whose musical gifts will take him on a concert tour of the U.S. later this fall.

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Will Ackerman - Returning (Pieces For Guitar 1970-2004)