Filmmaker Tal Skloot announces a new documentary – in production – chronicling the sounds and significance of Windham Hill Records
Artists speak on record; film links music and mood; campaign live on Kickstarter
In the 1980’s, as the Digital Revolution took hold, and things began moving faster, most contemporary music got louder. Punk shouted lyrics in angry voices, and disco filled dance clubs with thunderous beats. Meanwhile – in the thick of it in Palo Alto, CA – a carpenter named Will Ackerman began recording original compositions for solo guitar. Will was soon joined by Alex De Grassi, Michael Hedges, George Winston, Liz Story, and others, and their collective efforts became Windham Hill Records, which began making and releasing music “that spoke to the soul.” The label went on to become one of the most successful independent record labels in history, producing 27 Gold and Platinum Records in the US and beyond. Acclaimed filmmaker Tal Skloot has recently announced a documentary entitled A Quiet Revolution: The Story of Windham Hill Records, now in production. Key artists are speaking on the record. To help him complete the production, he launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter: http://kck.st/3KSBcHb
The music of Windham Hill Records was embraced by audiences in almost a reverent way. It was said to be music that could quiet the mind and soothe the soul. Therapists and medical providers still use it today. And – 50 years later – some artists are still performing and touring, and many are also teaching.
Says filmmaker Skloot: “The music produced by Windham Hill Records and its artists is relevant to today’s world. I believe that the more frenetic our pace, the more tribal our politics, the more complicated and corporatized our world is, the more that music, like that of Windham Hill Records, provides welcome and important counterbalance.”
Skloot says the film will mix present-day interviews, archival footage, video and stills, music, discussion, history, and behind-the-scenes stories. It will explore the founding and genesis of the label and speak to how the music both dovetailed with – and was set against – the societal changes prevalent in the moment. Among the Windham Hill Records artists interviewed for the film, are: Philip Aaberg, Will Ackerman, Darol Anger, Alex De Grassi, Barbara Higbie, Michael Manring, Mike Marshall, G.E. Stinson, Liz Story, and George Winston (archival interview).
Says Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman: “Windham Hill was defined by its independence, so it’s only natural we’d want any film about those days to be independent. Tal (Skloot) gets it. He loves the music and will treat it right. I’m thrilled to be a part of this.”
Adds Skloot: “Windham Hill’s music helped me appreciate beauty, taught me to relax, and how to listen. It had a definitive impact on me as an artist, and as a human being. I can think of no greater honor than to work with Will and others in telling this story.”
After seeding the film with personal capital, Skloot launched a campaign on Kickstarter – the crowdfunding platform – where people support independent art in return for “Rewards” like items signed by the artists, or their name in the film’s credits. Skloot says the Kickstarter campaign has done well, exceeding its published target in 10 days, and at the time of this writing, is at 70% of its true target, with three weeks left in the campaign. The Kickstarter campaign page features a video trailer, much more on the film, and classic photos: http://kck.st/3KSBcHb
Associate Producer, Asali Echols, says that her involvement in the film is based on the link between music and mood. “Certain tones, frequencies, and styles have been shown to help people manage stress, aid in their ability to relax, and enhance positive emotion. We need more of that. I find myself listening to Windham Hill recordings to this day.”
The film’s title is A Quiet Revolution: The Story of Windham Hill Records. The filmmakers, and others, are available for interviews.
