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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
dayglow OP
1,915 posts
 
@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?
bslon's avatar
bslon
2,187 posts
 
We like the compilations:  Sanctuary- 20 Years of Windham Hill (2 CD) and Windham Hill Sampler ‘96. Relaxing, interesting, occasionally edgy, sometimes spacey music. We like all the artists, couldn’t really pick a fav.
Also have four compilation discs of Holiday music that get into the rotation during the season.
I’m always looking for other WH, just like KINK Lights Out CDs. I have most of those.
Thanks for the post, haven’t played that Sanctuary in a while but will.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@calvinandhobbes

i totally forgot tuck n patti were originally with windham hill

yes indeed! they are among my all time favorites - brilliant artists and wonderful people too

really miss the ritual of going to their thanksgiving or xmas live shows at yoshi’s!
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 
I am not certain if I have any other Windham Hill label records in my collection.  However, I just picked a copy of Michael Hedges "Watching My Life Go By" which is on Windham Hill label.  I had that album on CD since it first came out.  I only learned about 2 weeks ago that it was also on vinyl and found a NM copy on Discogs.  I love the music, Michael Hedges was such a talented guitar player, he could make the guitar sound like three instruments, at the same time.  I was hoping the vinyl would be a great production since I knew the recording was excellent (on the CD).  WOW!  This is a fabulous sound quality piece of vinyl.  Completely analogue from microphone, to mixing board, and all the way down the path to pressing vinyl copies.  I'll buy anything I can find on the Windham Hill label.  Outstanding quality!
dayglow OP
1,915 posts
 
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.
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