You can go so many different ways.
Tommy Emmanuel's playing on Center Stage (a live album) may be a little flashy, but Good Lord that man can play a guitar. If you're looking for dazzling technique in a pop format, this is as good a place to start as any.
John Renbourne's The Hermit is another dazzler, although it's a hybrid of pop and baroque styles. Renbourne's playing is subtler, but he's got monster chops, too.
A new release to consider is Acoustic Classics by Richard Thompson. Some of the playing may be more aggressive than you've expressed an interest in, but Yikes! this is a great record.
Another thing to consider is the harmonic side of the equation. Standard tuning lends (although it doesn't necessarily limit) itself to standard harmonies. Once you exit that world, things change. Richie Havens, Joni Mitchell, and Lindsey Buckingham are IMO all virtuoso acoustic players who explore alternate tunings to great effect. You'd probably want to go track by track to find more melodic solo selections, but it's worth the effort.
For sure, check out "Time Precious Time" by Buckingham. I think it's actually played on a Telecaster, but it's a fingerpicked piece that feels acoustic. The tuning is bizarre and his chording is unlike anything I've heard elsewhere.
BTW, per several recommendations above, I'd also suggest Joe Pass for a jazz option, but I'd go to "Virtuoso" which is more a collection of standards.
Tommy Emmanuel's playing on Center Stage (a live album) may be a little flashy, but Good Lord that man can play a guitar. If you're looking for dazzling technique in a pop format, this is as good a place to start as any.
John Renbourne's The Hermit is another dazzler, although it's a hybrid of pop and baroque styles. Renbourne's playing is subtler, but he's got monster chops, too.
A new release to consider is Acoustic Classics by Richard Thompson. Some of the playing may be more aggressive than you've expressed an interest in, but Yikes! this is a great record.
Another thing to consider is the harmonic side of the equation. Standard tuning lends (although it doesn't necessarily limit) itself to standard harmonies. Once you exit that world, things change. Richie Havens, Joni Mitchell, and Lindsey Buckingham are IMO all virtuoso acoustic players who explore alternate tunings to great effect. You'd probably want to go track by track to find more melodic solo selections, but it's worth the effort.
For sure, check out "Time Precious Time" by Buckingham. I think it's actually played on a Telecaster, but it's a fingerpicked piece that feels acoustic. The tuning is bizarre and his chording is unlike anything I've heard elsewhere.
BTW, per several recommendations above, I'd also suggest Joe Pass for a jazz option, but I'd go to "Virtuoso" which is more a collection of standards.