Adam Werner: Rumors

”I came to know Adam Werner’s work via his performance tributes to Michael Hedges; performances which I, as Michael’s producer, found to be deeply respectful of Michael’s work and legacy. Those performances required considerable technical talent, but I’ve now had a chance to connect with the powerful emotional depth of his own compositions as well. Adam Werner is a marvelous technician who requires more of himself than simple gymnastics. His music is both impressive technically and emotionally vocative. He’s one of the few post-Hedges guitarists who have something to say. “

"...the delightful and dreamy e-bow piece "Thank You" by Adam Werner..."


Woodsongs (Newland Music, 2006) Woodsongs is a collection of evocative instrumental acoustic guitar pieces by reputable American guitarists as well as newcomers. The compilation follows the footsteps of the highly successful acoustic guitar compilations released by Windham Hill in the 1990s. This is not surprising as Windham Hill's founder Will Ackerman is involved in the project as producer of some of the tracks. Also participating are former Windham Hill artists such as virtuoso bassist Michael Manring and guitarist Alex de Grassi.The participating guitarists play new acoustic instrumental music that is highly melodic, and sometimes melancholic, crossing the boundaries between classical music, American folk and even jazz. Pieces that stand out are "Love's Dance" by Turtle Writing, where layers of acoustic guitars by Nick Cosimano are combined with Michael Manring's soloing bass and Eugene Friesen's cello; Quintana Roo by Preston Reed, using slap guitar techniques; the delightful and dreamy e-bow piece "Thank You" by Adam Werner; David Cullen's Brazilian inspired "Country Carnivale"; and masterful Alex de Grassi on "Hand Signals".The album is American-centric and excludes many excellent international performers. Still, it is a great opportunity to sample the new acoustic guitar scene in the United States.For those who miss the Windham Hill sound, this is a great opportunity to capture the magic of the acoustic guitar. For more information go to: www.newlandmusic.com

Woodsongs - CD

Having considered all strings and past guitar compilations, it is exciting to hear this new CD that resets the standard for innovation in a time-honored tradition. While the guitar-o-meter may well need to be recalibrated for "Woodsongs," it is true there are many such collections over the years that connect on technical and style levels, but few if any that have ever been so engaging, personally affecting and emotionally versatile. Above all, the sound quality is beyond brilliant, which can be attributed to the mastering of Bob Ludwig, whose credits are a veritable who's who across all musical styles. 17 tracks by 17 different artists make for such a full program that it will take many listens to begin to digest the artistic expression and mastery that is on full display here. Of course, several tracks will stand out for each listener. I was first taken by "Quintana Roo," an unreleased track from Preston Reed who employs all aspects of his instrument, and "Thank You" by Adam Werner, who conceived the idea for this far-reaching project. Later, I began really hearing the colorful, pastel beauty of "Hand Signals," a brand new track from Alex DeGrassi, and "After the Sunrise," a track by Robert Walling with female voices woven through the mix. Even Will Ackerman, who contributes the exquisite closing track, "Last Day at the Beach," feels this surpasses the great Windham Hill Guitar samplers from the seminal period of that label (which he founded) and what previously epitomized this stylistic expression.

Woodsongs - CD

An Acoustic Guitar Collection

This beautiful collection of mostly acoustic guitar instrumentals has two Hawai`i Island residents featured on it, namely local legend John Keawe and the multi-talented Chris Yeaton. Also featured are Windham Hill Records founder William Ackerman and Alex Degrassi, plus many other very dedicated and talented acoustic guitar players.

The collection was released on the recently formed Newland Music label, which promises to release music "that is an alternative to the homogenized music dictated by the major record labels and provide a creative outlet for a small group of creative musicians."

Strong words that I definitely agree with.

This is a wonderful collection of music to accompany you on a quiet stroll or a sojourn on the beach.

I applaud Newland Music for this effort and wish them the best of luck.