‘Positano Songs’ new album by Will Ackerman at Peaceful Radio Internet Station
11 March 2022 Artists
It would be a cliché, but a deserved one, to state that “Here’s a man who needs no
introduction” when speaking of Will Ackerman. Founder of Windham Hill
Records, Grammy-winning producer, and the man who basically redefined the
instrumental music scene across the globe. While he has been keeping busy
producing dozens and dozens of other artists’ work at his Imaginary Road Studios,
as well as recording two albums with the ensemble FLOW and two more
collaborations with other musicians (Four Guitars and the Grammy-nominated
2021 release, Brothers) he himself has not released an album of original
compositions since 2011’s New England Roads. However, the wait is now over for
the next Will Ackerman album…and what an album it is!
Positano Songs had its origins in a 2015 visit to Positano, Italy, of which Ackerman
states “I’ve been visiting Positano, Italy for decades now. It remains one of the
most beautiful places on Earth. It is where Susan and I chose to be married, and a
part of my heart will always live there.” Influenced by the beauty of the city and
countryside, as well as the warmth of its people, Ackerman welcomed his muse,
picked up some guitars which had been delivered to him from Bob Taylor of Taylor
Guitars and, voila! “Piece after heartfelt piece simply materialized. I left Italy a
week later with 26 promising musical ideas on video tape.” Granted, once he
returned to Vermont, the business of running Imaginary Road meant that
recording these pieces wasn’t going to happen overnight. But as the saying goes,
“All good things to those who wait” and Positano Songs is, indeed, one good thing
after another!
“This new guitar album features the signature Ackerman fretwork mixed with deftly
produced accompaniment that has been the staple offering of Imaginary Road Studios since
its inception in 1992. No disappointment dwells here…The entire album is as sunny and
bright as you would expect from a Mediterranean vacation but overflowing with gratitude
and emotion. I have no doubt that the entire album is a gift. A gift to someone and
everyone who has contributed to the good life of a grateful man. The album is many years
in the making, but sometimes you have to put your ambitions aside and help others achieve
their dreams. Sometimes, that is the same thing. Excellent album.”
R J Lannan, Artisan Music Reviews
“There is something remarkably consistent and unique about Will Ackerman’s fingerstyle
playing, as well as a depth of feeling in his own compositions. While he has been plenty
busy, it’s beyond fantastic that he has, after a long
time, released an album of originals and allowed
himself to take center stage. Positano Songs is a
reminder (as if anyone needed it), that Ackerman
was instrumental (no pun intended) in bringing
acoustic music to a world that owes him a great debt
for doing so. He hasn’t missed a beat!”
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire
SONG LISTING
Nighttime in the Chapel 3:16
Our Wedding Song 4:03
Did I Dream This 5:03
The End of the Day 5:42
For Carmine 4:37
This Is Where It Begins 4:40
The Tyrrhenian Sea 5:52
Passing Baldo’s Tower 5:35
For Giovanni 4:49
I Had to Go There 1:34
Website: williamackerman.com Will Ackerman: Link hub
Follow Will Ackerman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillAckermanOfficialFanPage
Will Ackerman’s albums are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Bandcamp, and all streaming platforms.
CDs will be available at Amazon, Bandcamp and williamackerman.com. Vinyl will be coming later in 2022