Michael Hedges

Michael Hedges ‎– Breakfast In The Field (Appearing “The Happy Couple”)
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Label: Windham Hill Records / 371017-1 | Release: 1981 | Genre: Acoustic-Fusion

Breakfast in the Field introduced virtuoso guitarist Michael Hedges to the new age and instrumental music community in stunning fashion. After Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman discovered the passionate yet ethereal musician, he immediately inked Hedges to a recording contract and joined him as producer for this 1981 debut. Music critics of all varieties were immediately impressed by the incredible technique and expressive musicality Hedges almost effortlessly displayed on this disc, recorded live direct to two-track. Hedges’ compositional abilities alone would have been enough to mesmerize musicians and audiophiles, but his added improvisational skills put this recording way over the top both technically and artistically. From the sweet sounds of “The Unexpected Visitor” to the frenetic “Peg Leg Speed King,” Hedges practically defines what would be described shortly thereafter as the new acoustic revolution with his dexterity and imagination. While Hedges’ follow-up, Aerial Boundaries, is often described as the guitarist’s masterpiece, Breakfast in the Field has an early career spark and meditative yet passionate conviction that can’t be surpassed.

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Michael Hedges ‎– Watching My Life Go By (Appearing “Woman Of The World”)
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Label: Open Air Records ‎/ OA-0303 | Release: 1985 | Genre: Country-Folk

Following the success of Michael Hedges’ Grammy-nominated Aerial Boundaries, the guitarist took on a new challenge and released Watching My Life Go By, his first recording to feature the musician taking on vocal as well as instrumental duties. Subdued, almost uncharacteristically restrained, Hedges the singer/songwriter doesn’t quite live up to Hedges the avant-garde or self-proclaimed “violent acoustic” guitarist. This being the artist’s first attempt at a vocal recording, it is understandable that what amounts to a musical learning curve sometimes gets the better of him. But that is not to say that the music of this 1985 Windham Hill release is substandard in a general sense — quite the opposite, really. However, when compared to Hedges’ brilliant instrumental work, there exists only the slightest discrepancy. That being said, there are still moments worth mentioning on this release, chief among them being “Woman of the World” and “Streamlined Man.” Both of these tracks feature more confident vocal performances and very insightful lyrics. A bit of a learning experience, Watching My Life Go By might not be Hedges’ finest offering; however, the record still features plenty of great performances of heartfelt material.

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Michael Hedges ‎– Aerial Boundaries
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Label: Windham Hill Records / WH-1032 | Release: 1984 | Genre: Acoustic-Fusion

It’s a pleasure to introduce one of the brightest members of the Windham Hill label, Michael Hedges. “Aerial Boundaries” is the most important works of this curious guitarist. I say curious about this strange way of playing the guitar, with a good friend called this way of playing as “percussive guitar” (for those strums and blows the lid, and use the guitar like a piano). In a clean technique in implementation, apart from playing a strange guitar called “harp guitar”. The album is very even with well-known pieces from his repertoire (the album that should be a fan of Hedges). A few days ago, reviewing Youtube submissions of this guitar player, I found that has a string of clones … but Hedges, is one.
Ah! and on top, is a great singer.

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