What are your top 5 Windham Hill recordings?


Windham Hill Records was founded by William Ackerman and Anne Robinson in 1976. Guitarist William Ackerman released the first Windham Hill recording in 1976 titled "The Search For The Turtle's Navel" and ending with George Winston's 'Summer" released in 1991 after 100+ unique recordings for the original label. Ackerman sold part of his interest to BMG in 1992 followed by Anne Robinson in 1996. IMO the label is overlooked by many audiophiles considering the label offers above average sound quality and has many talented musicians. My interest in Windham Hill has peaked since finding several excellent recordings at thrift stores that were unknown to me. The more obvious WH recordings have been in my collection since the 80's  "Solid Colors" - "December" and "Aerial Boundaries" but I think there are many more gems in the WH catalogue. I appreciate your time and look forward to your replies.
dayglow

Showing 2 responses by dayglow

@dekay Thx for the input! Scott Cossu-Islands(WH-033) was the thrift store find that rates 5 stars(IMO). How ironic that many audiophiles will pay 100+ dollars for a Patricia Barber recording but mock the entire Windham Hill catalogue?
Thx to all that have replied. I think the image of WH has been tarnished by the print media and even music blogs. Is most of the WH catalogue as intense as a Coltrane or Blackmore solo? No but great music does not always need a level of 10 intensity. On a personal note I stated(Agon blog) Miles Davis/Bitches Brew was not a great(5 star) recording that I would rather listen to some Chuck Mangione. An Agon blogger basically called me a moron but I decided to just let it slide. New Age music along with fusion(smooth) jazz has the image of compromise when in reality it’s just another genre of music with many excellent recordings.