Listening to this while on acid is such a delightful experience, what a magnificent person and artist Michael was would've liked to have meet him. The feeling and effort he is exerting is palatable in this.
After 15 years of playing in bands as a bass player, I decided to go solo acoustic. Taproot was the first Hedges album I"d ever heard and it completely changed the way I looked at acoustic guitar and music all together.A part of me died with him. Rest in peace, peacful soul.
“These next tunes~ first 3 combined together into a suite~my new record- “Taproot” {1991 Grammy Award Nominee, "Best New Age Album”} ~ Autobiographical myth{implies mystical}told in music. 🌱The Naked Stalk: kinda a sad tune 😠Jealous Tunnel: {with pick} fades out + then is interrupted by angular rhythm ~sorta angry tune~hits rock bottom 🥳About Face: {with pick}☘️Triumphant Irish march 🎻marching (Michael’s joy + audience is smiling) AWESOME stage presence. Beautiful artist~Beautiful soul.
Saw him in the early 90s. Even though his music is so intense and serious he was surprisingly humorous and witty on stage. It took me years to listen to his music again after I heard the sad news. We can only wonder how his music would have developed over time. We miss you, Michael!
Release DateAugust 21, 1990* Review by Vincent Jeffries On this his fifth Windham Hill release, Michael Hedges relates characters from his self-described autobiographical myth with song. The mostly instrumental collection reveals no story elements as the guitarist uses his compositional skills to illustrate characters representative of his friends and loved ones. The music is touching in its purity and conveyance of honor and affection. A virtuoso guitarist, Hedges also incorporates tasteful synth patches, as well as a few percussion and wind instruments -- presumably performed by the composer himself as no other musicians are credited. Fans of experimental guitar will enjoy the guitarist's generous use of the Steinberg Trans-trem on tracks like "Nomad Land" and the unique exercise in acoustic tapping on "The Rootwitch." More than just a new age technician, Hedges also demonstrates his immense melodic talent on brooding numbers like "The Naked Stalk" and "Scenes (On the Road to Shrub 2)." Celtic-influenced marches ("The First Cutting") and groovy almost rock ("Nomad Land") are included as well, providing for a dynamic, yet theatrically consistant listening experience. The closer "I Carry Your Heart" (adapted from the poetry of e.e. cummings) is the only track featuring Hedges' smooth vocals, and perhaps the most poignant song included. With its yearning melodies and expressive yet mature emotional language, Taproot reinforces Hedges' reputation as a gifted, self-realized composer, musician, and human being.
Hey type3 , was wondering if you had any footage of Michael playing Nomad Land lying around ? Been looking forever to see him play that marvellous piece , one of my favorite ! Thanks for all these nice vids though , very very nice, highly appreciated !
When will the estate and /or powers that be pertaining to the rights of Michael's music release his remaining live footage. Its really nothing short of a cime. This is a wonderful clip however.
There's been a lot of guesses as to why the hoped-for live releases have never materialized, but after nearly 10 years since Michael's passing away, I think most of us have just given up hope that they'll ever come to light.
Heard this guy in a white-power video XD actually...Crazy what you stumble through on YT. Love his sound though. Went from David Allan Coe to this =) nice
