Aloha, cool question!

Whenever I get put on the spot, my brain shuts down and I can't think of whatever it was someone wanted.

So, try here:

http://www.acousticguitar.com/issues/ag123/reviews123.html

http://www.acousticguitar.com/issues/ag120/reviews120.html

I have found the reviews here to be resonably useful. Plus, you can look for your favorite genre, as well.

I suggest something from the ECM label (http://www.ecmrecords.com/). They are well known for their production level. Raph Towner? Can't go more "guitar" than that.
Personal favorite for the similar purpose is Narada - Masters of Acoustic Guitar (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000005P0C/sr=8-3/qid=1153353328/ref=pd...)

Hope this was helpful ...

Try the SACD transfer of Leo Kottke's "6- and 12- String Guitar." And if you're not familiar with this record be sure to read the liner notes. I won't spoil it but Kottke's description of his own singing voice is classic. No fear, he doesn't sing on this album; it's all guitar.

Try Live in San Francisco - Delucia, DiMeola and McLaughlin. Or Passion, grace and Fire by the same group. Nothing but 3 guitars - one left - one middle and one right. (All 3 use different guitars too)

Quote:
Try Live in San Francisco - Delucia, DiMeola and McLaughlin. Or Passion, grace and Fire by the same group. Nothing but 3 guitars - one left - one middle and one right. (All 3 use different guitars too)

I'd say that's more of a "puts you in the room with the performance" type recording than "puts the guitar in the room with you". And since the performance was done with sound reinforcement, it's not a particularly natural perspective either.

Try some of the recordings of Richard Leo Johnson for a more intimate perspective on the acoustic guitar. He has recently released some "concept" albums where he takes on different personnae, "Vernon McAllister" and "Charlie Shoe", to perform in some more traditional styles than his usual frenetic acoustic-new-age type thing.

Okay, I hate using the "new age" tag for Johnson, but I'm too lazy to come up with something more fitting. As for "frenetic", that comes from a time when Stephan Grossman wrote to Johnson asking for one of his demo tapes, and after listening to it, sent back a rather scathing review dismissing it as "too frenetic".

You got me with the live one. But the Passion CD seems to be much more intimate - 3 guitars and a room.