So, I've recently started looking for good acoustic/instrumental artists (came across this while watching Simpsons, liked it), and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. Basically, something soothing, with guitars or classical instruments (probably no electric guitar, no other electric instruments). No heavy vocals. I like Mason Williams and Don McLean so far.
Jethro Tull. His most known songs will not satisfy you, but his Acoustic work is simply amazing. Stuff like "Pastime in Good Company" (but I couldn't find a good YouTube performance). Jack Johnson. Andy McKee. Look for the soundtrack album "The Fountain" by Mogwai and Clint Mansell.
This was mostly for the acoustic part. Now, for instrumental, you must take a look at the post-rock, it's beautiful. The best "applied" post-rock technique is made by Yndi Halda (their only demo-album can be found @ Pirate Bay). But since I love 'experimental' artists, Godspeed are the best to me. http://www.staredit.net/topic/10448/
There's also a phew good hits from the Gold Rock era. Stuff like: Horizon - Genesis Pigs on the wing - Pink Floyd Wild Horses - Rolling Stones Castellorizon - David Gilmour
As for the Classical Guitar era, go on and search for Fernando Sor and Carcassi.
Patrick Watson may also impress you, though he does use vocal. I recommend: Weight of the world Man under the sea The great escape Bright shiny lights
Well, if we can go get some Jazz stuff, you may like St. Germain's album "Tourist". If you liked stickynote's stuff, go on and search for Bonobo: he has some great music for you.
Eric Clapton, extreme's More Than Words, anything from Adeaze. Look for people on youtube doing guitar covers of songs without singing them, then you get the guitar without the words if you don't want lyrics.
Red classic.
"In short, their absurdities are so extreme that it is painful even to quote them."
Drums are usually synth, and obviously the bass is electric. Béla sometimes drops his banjo and plays an electric guitar. Futureman occasionally switches from drumitar to drums.
Jethro Tull. His most known songs will not satisfy you, but his Acoustic work is simply amazing. Stuff like "Pastime in Good Company" (but I couldn't find a good YouTube performance).
"They", not "him". Ian Anderson is "him".
I know a few people who really like Stanley Jordan, all of whose stuff I've heard is entirely guitar or at least instrumental. But I never really pay attention so I can't really say much more than that.