It began for me with Stephen Stills. It went onward from there. Some of these amazing artists you may know, some perhaps not. An incredible instrument and truly talented players follow after the squiggle.
FYI, have a 1970 Epiphone blonde wide body (pre Gibson)...still can't crank it like these folks, just another one resigned to life playing rhythm in the back...sigh...but then Bob Weir did okay, yes...yes?
Stephen on the legendary Dick Cavett post-Woodstock show
4+20
Then...Black Queen (Studio outtake 1969...sorry no vid)
One more from Stephen -- Crossroads / You Can't Catch Me - 1983
Along came Windham Hill
Windham Hill was founded in 1976 as an Independent record label by guitarist and carpenter William Ackerman
Windham Hill was originally a folk music label, releasing Ackerman's own work, as well as that of other guitarists. It then expanded to include electronic and world music ensembles.
The label is best known for its high sound quality, groundbreaking music, unique flagship collections and tasteful album art within the form of an identifiable label brand identity.
Will Ackerman - Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter
But the really true find from Windham Hill was Michael Hedges...really miss him
Hedges had a very broad range of influences and his output spans many genres. His musical education was largely in modern 20th century composition. He listened to Martin Carthy, John Martyn, and the Beatles, but his approach to composition owed much to Igor Stravinsky, Edgard Varèse, Anton Webern, and Steve Reich, in addition to experimental composers such as Morton Feldman. He saw himself as a composer who played guitar, rather than a guitarist who composed music. He was often categorized as a New Age musician due to his association with the Windham Hill record label. Somewhat in reaction to this, he would describe his music as "Heavy Mental", "New Edge", ""Acoustic Thrash", "Deep Tissue Gladiator Guitar" or "Savage Myth Guitar," amongst other terms
All Along the Watchtower
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (This'll kill you - be sure to wear your helmut)
Comfortably Numb (with helmut and the Harp Guitar)
Time passes... then I found Candyrat Records
Where one finds folk like Andy McKee
Everybody wants to rule the world
Gates of Gnomeria (w Harp Guitar, you gotta luv you some Harp Guitar ;-) Watch what happens at about 2:30)
Many other artists on Candyrat and then there's You Tube where you find people like this kid...Sungha Jung (talent is annoying in one so young, yes?)
Enjoy...I'm sure nobody has any others to bring forward...
Keep it acoustic please..
Heh