Acoustic Journal by Doug Hamer

“Fern Grotto,” which displays his control of nuance and shading, as well as demonstrating some well-executed studio engineering techniques (echo effect) which can go a long way toward giving the music some depth and extra feeling. Later in this track, the pace picks up even while the mood remains draped in mystery, as Hamer’s finger fly every which way on the fret board and across the strings, picking fingerstyle in a dazzling display of control.

The strengths of Acoustic Journal are its relative simplicity (this is, after all, just a solo acoustic guitar CD, with no keyboards or other accompaniment, with the exception of the presence of a second guitarist on the song “Next to Me,” a gentle romantic ballad, on which Hamer is joined by Dean Nissen) and it’s wider than usual variety of music, embracing an assortment of moods and tempos. That Hamer manages to vary the music as much as he does while still keeping the overall “feel” of the CD on the quiet side (perhaps achieved through attention to detail in the recording process, e.g. mic placement, mixing, and engineering) makes the recording an ideal soundtrack to Saturday afternoon chores, especially outdoors, or maybe as the musical backdrop to a distant thunderstorm.

From the self-described (in the copious liner notes) “haunting chordal structure and swaying tempo” of “Wind in the Windmill” to the slyly cheerful “Indigo Skies” to the uptempo blues of “No Strings” and the serene album closer, “Goodbye Shanghai,” Doug Hamer paints a multi-hued sonic landscape on his acoustic guitar, taking the listener through peaceful rural towns, winding through fog-shrouded valleys, and hiking to the tops of rolling hills. As I’ve always maintained, most acoustic instrumental music is especially well-suited for playing while enjoying our wonderful natural environment, whether it’s the peaceful north woods of the Midwest, the expansive vistas of the Rockies or Grand Tetons or the breathtaking ocean views from Highway 1 along the Pacific coastline. Doug Hamer’s Acoustic Journal is ideal music to listen to in any of these environs or you can enjoy it almost as much as an armchair traveler, too. Either way, I solidly recommend the album.

Bill Binkelman

Music Reviewer

New Age Reporter

Acoustic Journal has truly been a musical journey, a special voyage of the heart to places and experiences that have left an indelible impression on the artists soul. Every composition is intended to carry the listener across time, across mountains and oceans through a wide array of emotions. Each original piece represents a memory and is intended to capture an impression of a special moment in time.

This project is purely Doug doing what he loves best. It

is comprised soley of his original melodies and arrangements while playing his beloved Martin and as such this album gives the listener an intimate glimpse into the very heart of the writer and guitar-stylist. He considers music to be one of life's greatest Blessings and each song he has written to be a gift. Growing up surrounded by the coastal mountains and waters of Puget Sound, his writing and even his playing style has invariably been influenced by the beauty of his surroundings. The texture, mood and flow of his compositions reflect his love of nature and gratitude for our Creator. Relax and enjoy the journey...

Doug's solo guitar compostition "Come The Rain", is featured on The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum's 2004 Anthology CD.

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