I’ve also enjoyed the thrill of finding a hard-to-get release – like the signed Robbie Basho “Visions of the Country” WHS C-1005 that I picked up at Rasputin’s in Concord for $1.95. I began by haunting the vinyl new age bins at my local Amoeba and Rasputin stores in the Bay Area, and have constantly been surprised by the quality of the music on the lesser-known releases. So I started collecting the rest of the first 100, and simply thought I’d share my passion with you. In addition to the Windham Hill labelled imprints, there were related labels, which all have followings: Rabbit Ears, Open Aire, Windham Hill Jazz, Lost Lake Arts, etc.īecause each release was numbered, I’ll admit it appeals to the collector in me to get them all. Also, if you were a Windham Hill artist, staff member or were in studio I would love to hear from you. Want more info? Just ask a question in the “comments” field below. Three of the original albums were not re-issued. With A&M Records distribution, the system changed to WH-10XX. This system lasted for at least the first 20 albums. Currently, Sony Legacy appears to have the rights to much of the Windham Hill catalog, but no longer maintains an independent site for fans.Įarly releases used the numbering system “WHS C-10XX”. On A&M Records, Windham Hill continued to flourish for many years, until William Ackerman became less involved in the label he founded and built by hand. Some of my other favorites, like Philip Aaberg, and Alex De Grassi, I came to later.įrom 1986 through the early 1990’s, Windham Hill defined a new genre and sold millions of albums. Some I bought when new (I would always pick up a Michael Hedges, William Ackerman, George Winston or Liz Story). The next 50 is much more a territory of discovery for me – and yet there are many or so includes some incredible gems. The music has been a part of my life since I was a young teen - through high-school, college, marriage, vacations, commutes, kids, in short my whole life. The first 50 albums all have a special status to me. The orangutan gang (strikes back) live / album versions John French, Fred Frith, Henry Kaiser & Richard Thompson Soffel”“The Times of Harvey Milk”“Never Cry Wolf” (Some versions feature WHS-C 1029 in the deadwax)ĭarol Anger Barbara Higbie Quintet with Mike Marshall, Todd Phillips and Andy Narellįeaturing Windham Hill Artists George Winston, Darol Anger, Mark Isham and Mike Marshallįilm Music“Mrs. The Art of the Acoustic Steel String Guitar Select an album for reviews, samples, track listings, and credits: Othewise, the latest C- pressing found is George Winston’s December WHS-C 1025. For example, Shadowfax – Shadowdance comes with WH-1029 on the jacket and label, but clearly has WHS-C-1029 in the deadwax. They started reissuing albums without the C-, but otherwise using the same catalog numbers. This continued until Will signed a distribution deal with A&M records. Join the Facebook Group Windham Hill Lovers Like Windhaming on Facebook Follow Windhaming on TwitterĪ note on catalog numbers: When Will Ackerman founded the label, he used the same catalog numbering system as Takoma Records, which primarily used C-10XX (but also used A- and B-, according to Discogs). If you’re a jazz, new age or acoustic instrumental music fan, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about artists like William Ackerman, George Winston, Alex De Grassi, Shadowfax, Darol Anger, and so many more. Welcome to Windhaming, the complete Windham Hill Records Discography featuring samples, reviews, liner notes, credits and links to the artists.