How can you not have heard of Michael Hedges? Scary. I was listening to him back in 1984. I was 18. I later ended up living a few miles from him. Marin County.
I thought, "Don't worry if you cry at the end, Andy, I cried at the beginning." I first heard this song at 2 AM coming back from a gig in 1984. I had to pull off the road and cry a little, I'd never heard anything like it and it really elicits an emotional response. I missed the artist ID and didn't know who it was for six months. I saw Michael five times live and spoke with him twice. The first and last times were in the same Orlando club, the last being seven months before he died. He was an unbelievable talent and a sweet, generous man.
Babaziba, almost my exact same story, but on the opposite coast. Would see him at the Coach House and talked a few times. As Ackerman said, “First Tim I saw him live, he tore my head off, while I was watching the guitar being reinvented, right before my eyes”. This Song still stirs my soul and gets my the full attention of all my senses.
Moving story and a surprising one. I saw Michael play three times. I was supposed to see him play again in '97, but decided against it because of bad weather (it would have been a long road trip). I never had the chance again as he was gone not long after. My brother died in November of the following year, so it has always been a sad time for me. Surprising to hear that Andy McKee, who is obviously so profoundly influenced by Michael, never got to see him play live, and, in fact, only learned of his music a mere few months before his passing. It just goes to show the lasting influence that MH continues to have on people. I feel very privileged to have had the chance to hear him play live. It very touching to see how moved Andy is to be playing Michael's music.
Such a nice tribute. I saw Michael Hedges play 4 times...and once he was running to get Chinese food in Harbor Place in Baltimore. I shouted hello and he stopped to say hi and then kept running. He was inspired. Thank you for keeping his music alive.
Nice job......Hedges. My fav since 1984....first saw him play in a steakhouse bar ...literally blown back in my chair and fell over after first 3 minutes of watching him...the song “ Layover”
Well, Andy Mckee was the reason I wanted to play guitar. It was right after I had listened to "Drifting". So I was in college, didn't have much money, borrowed some and got myself an acoustic guitar. Few years later, I learned to play Drifting. So, thank you.
I first heard Michael in the Great Frog jewelry store in 83, I timidly asked behind the desk who was playing, he was very kind, he gave me the record number for Aerial boundaries , i Changed my life.
Damnit those words made me cry, because that's exactly how I feel! And all the more to Andy McKee for being so honest about how much he loved Michael Hedges music. Hedges was a genius composer and amazing musician.
I know the piece pretty well, and that was an EXCELLENT tribute to such an influential artist. Hedges like all great musicians who've left this world are not really dead, they have simply gone on to another place to play and let others in the universe enjoy their sounds! Loved it, and I thank you for it! RIP Michael Hedges.😊
He says he learned a Hedges tune to promote a influence. Awesome. He then proceeded to learn one of the hardest fingerstyle guitar tunes ever. I love Andy McKee.
I was privy to see Michael twice in Sandpoint, ID, once with his long braids and once with his head shaved (a diverse fellow). This is an honorable and inspiring tribute by any measure. TY Andy... and get back to Spokane ASAP!
Had the joy of seeing Michael live 3 different times. Ripped my head open every time. His death affected my nearly as much as my own father's passing. Thanks, Andy, for this respectful tribute.
I'm not trying to be rude and overall this is none of my business, but since you let yourself share it in the comment, I will let myself share my thoughts on it. Either you with your father were not particularly close or you have an obsession with Michael and not a healthy one.
@OnlyTruth maybe you are right. but still, I lost my granddad recently and I can not imagine to greave for any musician nearly as much. Excuse my English.
Andy use to come into guitar world overland Park way back In the day. I was a sales guy. He would play and you just knew he was something special. Congratulations on all your success Andy. 🙌
I first became aware of Michael Hedges, I think, in 1985, while listening to various Windham Hill artists he recorded with. But I REALLY became aware of him in 1987, when a friend played me Aerial Boundaries on his amazing stereo. He had just bought the CD. We were both grad students at the time, and having an amazing stereo was a really special thing. And what an amazing experience that was. To this day, I can recall being in his bedroom (we were housemates) and feeling a buzz of joy, elation, and that feeling you get when you can’t believe you’re witnessing something totally outside your experience or prior knowledge - something you had never considered because you didn’t know it could be considered. Ya know that feeling? To this day I recall it. I’ve experienced that feeling maybe half a dozen times since then, over a span of almost 35 years - no more. I then had the good fortune to see Michael perform live, twice. The first time must’ve been 1988 or 89, in Berkeley CA at the auditorium in Berkeley High School. It was a very cool venue and Michael was touring with Leo Kottke, whom he said had been a childhood hero of his. But it was still a 1500-seat auditorium, relatively large. The second time was 1994. I had moved from Berkeley to Seattle. I took my girlfriend to a small music club in the funky, hip part town - because, of course, that’s where Michael was performing. It was a one-night-only deal, and the club held about 100 people. He was just feet away onstage, playing as he rolled around on an exercise ball, which gave him great body freedom as he coaxed amazing sounds from his guitar. His physical sense of presence was huge. And, yes, he played Aerial Boundaries. Now, despite the fact that I started playing guitar at age 6, I never really went anywhere with it. I’d been to see jazz-fusion players like Al Dimeola play at small college-town venues years before, and at that time, at age 18 or 19, had begun to appreciate what a true master of guitar could do, up close and personal. Still, I knew as I watched Michael play this song that night, that it was beyond extraordinarily difficult. I knew that the studio sound on his album could probably never have been replicated in a live performance (at least in those days). But still. He. Had. It. We, the small intimate audience in that small, intimate club, were stunned, hushed, ecstatic. Life and career took me away from music for some years, and when I returned to my long connection to acoustic guitar, Michael had died. I don’t recall what year it was or where I was or anything about the circumstances where I found out about his passing. But I had that feeling you get, when something you knew was an unalloyed good, something you just wanted to be in the world as long as you, yourself were here on Earth, suddenly and inexplicably was no more. A bolt of raw sadness and disbelief, for an instant. And then a desperate desire to gather any information about what he had done, where he’d taken his gift, his artistry, his mastery, since I’d checked out of the acoustic music scene maybe 6-7 year before then. So, yeah, Andy. I get it. When you said you might cry at the end of this performance, I was right there with you. There are only so many ways to honor such an extraordinary person as Michael, and the truly remarkable gifts he left us. You are living one of them, good sir.
That was incredible brother. Truly incredible. I’ve loved his music for a long time and was lucky enough to see him in the early 90’s but this is the first rendition that I’ve heard that truly did it justice.
I saw Michael Hedges in a small intimate setting. The Town Crier in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was delightful, engaging, and absolutely brilliant. You have studied him well, and honored him with a great performance.
....I've seen Michael play (Mendocino, CA Crown Hall, early '87) this. Andy, this is brilliant, much respect to you and your attitude toward Michael. Was lucky enough to also be in camp with his wife several times, she is the flutist on his albums. BMW's and bald tires on a rain-soaked mountain highway at night does not mix, that was so sad the night he died....
I am still broken hearted thinking about Michael. I got to see him live once in Palo Alto and was always a fan. Rest in peace, brother! Thanks for this memorial for Mike.
I feel so blessed I got to see Michael Hedges in concert on three occasions in the 1990s. I was devastated when I learned of his passing. Thank you Andy for keeping his music alive and crediting him with the influence. Great performance!
Michael was smiling down from above Andy, you did him and all of us proud with your rendition of Aerial Boundaries. Long Live the "Heavy Mental" guitar!
Bravo 👏 that was excellent. Michael Hedges was one of the greatest musicians ever to walk the planet. Truly an extraordinary human being and so sorely missed.
I got to see Michael Hedges live a few times on the east coast in the 80s ... after all his performances he would walk down off stage and greet you in person. I remember it so clear.. he really listen when you spoke to him, he was a great "presence" he changed my life as well. Thank you Andy for the memories.
He was the real deal. The true Zen hippie. Meditating, yoga master, sometimes dread-knots, sometimes bald, always funny as hell on stage. Laid back, but you never would know what cover he would play. "Come Together" by the Beatles one minute, "Love Bizarre" the next. It would behoove you to research all that YT has to offer on this Master. As a 50 yr veteran musician myself, I would not be where I am if it had not been for Michael Hedges....yeah.
OUTSTANDING! A wonderful rendition of Michael's signature song. And what a great tribute to a musician who died way too young. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at Rockefeller's in Houston in the early 90s and we spent a wonderful few minutes talking about music in general and guitars in particular. I can close my eyes and hear his spirit in your performance.
Sorry you never saw him.. Ive seen him quite a few times.. Even met and interviewed him.. This is my favorite, my wedding ceremony song.. Thanks for keeping him alive
Complements and kind regards to Mr. McKee for his sincere efforts to keep M. Hedges' memory and music alive and well. And thank you bartotheref for this excellent post. Did you know? Will Ackerman described Michael as "The Guitarist from another Planet." Perhaps an anecdotal story is proper here. I had the very great pleasure of seeing M. Hedges three times in Atlanta. All in small venues (200-300 seats). It is the first of these that I will relate. It was Michael's first 'big' or 'breakout' tour. And, would you believe, with no less a player than.......(wait for it).............. LEO KOTTKE. We arrived for the second show to find the theater emptying from the first. One cannot miss it when a mass of people are joyfully cursing out of a sense of wonder, delight and astonishment; they tried to 'warn' us of what was coming, but no, smug as we were, having seen Leo K. half-a-dozen or more times, we were there for LEO! More fool us. Leo started the show; always entertaining and with the usual unusual monologue. Then he introduced Michael Hedges. Michael was received with polite, if brief, applause. Michael started with his own idea of a 'monologue'. He did a rather unique rendition of the poem 'Jabberwocky' using those Chinese 'hand chime' steel balls. We, the whole audience, held in a sort of bemused fascination, were being 'set-up'; and did not have the least clue that the musical portion of our brains were about to get steamrolled. What came was.... you guessed it, Aerial Boundaries. Brows furrowed... eyes bugged... jaws dropped... I swear, the entire audience actually stopped breathing for a time. To describe our collective reaction as ' sublimely deep shock' might have compassed the expressions on our countenance. And on the show went; each number gaining a gladder reception than the one before. Then, after an hours duration and the crowd limp with astonishment; Thank You, Goodnight and bowed, and made his exit. Pandemonium ensued! If there is a line between cheering and yelling, the audience crossed it on the instant and as one man. We abandoned our senses to the joyous expression without the least blemish of restraint. He made a curtain call, and I don't remember that a single person retook their seat for it. He seemed to have this effect on 'first-timers'. A restrained welcome, and then the deluge! If music is an elixir we came powerful close to drowning in it on that special night. And full willing too.
As one who has only recently discovered Michael Hedges (thanks mostly to Andy McKee), I have to say - this is a wonderful story, and masterfully told. I don't typically find that type of enjoyment from youtube comments, but you are a fantastic storyteller. Hearing things like this make the experience of listening to Michael's music all the more special. Thank you!
@@AllThingsMech Hello Ranch Mechanic, I'm Skip. Thank You very much for your kind words. And believing that gratitude should be actionable if it's proper to do so I'll post for your perusal a bit I wrote on the website of a motorcycle club I'm a Member of. The thread concerned pickpockets..... " I've seen the mention of these nefarious, freelance capitalists in some threads in this section and cautions concerning their slick-fingered proclivities. However, I've seen nothing, after a site search, that offers the suggestion of some sort of protection against these cretins. So I offer some ideas of mine own to protect the traveler's in-pocket loot. 1. In-wallet Latch-tripped Detonators. Advantages: Pretty much guarrentees a career change for the pickpocket. Disadvantages: Pretty much guarrentees destruction of your cash, credit cards, wallet and, freedom, as TSA takes an extremely dim and prejudiced view of wallet-sized explosive devices, however well intentioned a device they may be. Also, the chances that you will forget to safety the thing increases exponentially with every beer you drink; results un-necessary to state. 2. Harnessing a small deadly reptile to your wallet. Advantages: Fancy the entertainment value of watching a pickpocket trying to disengage him or her self from an entirely exasperated mamba. The more coarse traveler may take side-bets on wheather disengagement occurs prior to the expiration of the pickpocket. Disadvantages: Problematic mostly, the greatest being one's own comfort level at having such a creature in close proximity to one's own flesh. And the continued risks involved with every purchase. And the idea of having to feed your wallet protector is enough to give Stephen King the creeps. Also, TSA don't cotton to surprises of this sort. Oh, and you can't sit down. Ever. 3. Pockets that are 3ft. deep Advantages: Most pickpockets are less than 6ft. tall, therefore, unless they possess the proportions of an orangoutang, your wallet will remain safely out of their reach. Of course, if you're so dim as to not notice some lout who is shoulder-deep up against your bum, well, you are a simpleton and a candidate for an early headstone, however, the gene-pool is self-cleaning anyway, so, no worries. Also you will spend less as your money is now out of your reach as well. Disadvantages: Every time you go for your wallet you will look like a contortionist escapee from The Ministry of Silly Clothing; people will point and remark. 4th. And last : Velcro!! Adhere the hook panel inside your pocket, the fuzzy panel to your wallet. Advantages: Your wallet will remain in your pocket when the airport security goons order you to do handstands and whatnot. Makes an audible sound when extracted by you or anyone else (pickpockets, chambermaids, wives......... wait..... ain't they synonymous?). Cheap, easy to apply, hardly noticeable, sturdy, etc., etc.. And you will feel the tug of the unsolicited withdrawel. Disadvantages: Clerks will think you've ripped one (in) your trousers. ..."
I saw Andy play this live, and I wept. I saw Michael play the song live, and had despaired of ever seeing anyone perform it again. I'm so glad Andy decided to learn it and introduce people to Michael's music.
Andy you nailed it! Michael Hedges was very unique! My wife and I got to see him at The Ark in Ann Arbor Michigan in the 80's the same night his baby was born. It was an amazing Concert! Thank you for bringing his music back! 🤗
I was fortunate enough to see Michael in concert on his Taproot tour. I liked his music before wasn't sure what to expect from him live. I thought that he would actually have a band with him, not the case. I was as amazed as everyone else there. I have been a big fan every since. Andy, I think Michael would be proud of you!
Amazing Andy ... like you I discovered Michael Hedges about a year before he passed away and never got to see him play. Thank you for keeping his music and spirit alive. I am a bass guitarist and came to hear Michael through one of his frequent collaborators, Michael Manring.
Saw him in 1985 at the Old Main Theater at SUNY New Paltz where I went to school....I was never the same and that's a beautiful thing...He was the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar......I was stunned like vegetable after the show...instant fan...I am grateful to have gotten to see him a few times. Thanks Andy...you are fantastic yourself bro!!!
Michael Hedges humor was so inviting....I loved seeing him in concert. Before seeing him the first time, I heard his music, the deep somber tones followed by shear wild energy......I thought "this guy will be a deep thinking quiet dude to watch in concert." I was so very wrong and so surprised to hear him sing laugh and tell jokes.....nothing like the albums might suggest. I miss his energy and feel.....but I'm greatly impress to see someone play his music with so much of the passion Hedges did. If he were alive I would bet you he'd be up front smiling laughing and cheering you on. Thank you for the music my friend.
Andy, excellent work on this song!! Michael Hedges would be proud to know his music is still celebrated and that we will always love him and his music. Thanks so much for playing this song and for playing it perfectly!
You did a great job with this, Andy, and your words about Michael ring so true. He was such talented musician. I was lucky to see him three or four times and each show was unique and you left feeling that you had experienced something new. Thanks for honoring Michael with your excellent playing and for continuing to move percussive acoustic guitar forward. Be well.
I think we all want a tune or a melody that when people hear will remind them of someone. Michael perfected that with this song and Andy reminds us of that. Pure joy to listen to...
Boy this brings me back a few decades! I bought the Michael Hedges album Andy is referring to when it first came out. He's right, Michael was a game changer on acoustic guitar and "Aerial Boundaries" was a mind blowing composition for 1984. The world lost a great guitarist when when Michael died, but we've got another great one in Andy.
Andy, I had the opportunity to see micheal and he was amazing and an inspiration . I am a huge Hedges fan and watching you play Aerial Boundaries brought it all back for me...Thanks.......great job...!!!
I met Andy McKee a number of years ago after a gig he did in the UK, really nice fella and absolutely amazing to watch live. He nailed this! Michael Hedges would be proud I'm sure, what a song too!!
I was turned on to Michael Hedges when I was given a cassette tape of "Watching My Life Go By". I saw him once in concert at The Music Hall at the TCC in Tucson, in a word: Unreal. He was one of my all time favorite guitarists and one hell of a showman. I was living in a little apartment in Fallbrook, CA in December of 1997 when I saw a small blurb in the local newspaper "Guitarist killed in car crash". I knew I would probably recognize the name when I read the article, but, I was totally devastated to read it was Michael. He was the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar, that same fluidity and nonchalance while absolutely shredding it. I don't know about anyone else, but, I also cried after watching this and thinking about the loss.
Wonderful performance. I had the privilege of seeing Michael a hand full of times prior to his death in '97. He truly reinvented the acoustic guitar for so many.
at 16-17 my friends and I would drive to the "New Varsity" theater in Palo Alto, CA. Michael Hedges would play many an evening not in the theater but in their partially outdoor coffee shop. We used to talk and he said he wanted to sing more but sadly he played guitar much better than he sang. : ) He had recently started Windham Hill at the time and would sell/give his records out at his shows. He gave me Breakfast in the Field and Aerial Boundaries plus signed them. We saw him live many times during the summer of 1984. We all had just graduated from high school and were into the Dead & Rush etc. but we knew Hedges was something special. He was really shy and a bit of a Kook but he loved it us high school kids would attend his shows and just drink tea and coffee all night. It was special to have him to ourselves that summer!
Such an incredible version, Andy...very well done! I've been listening to Micheal Hedges since the early 90's...he would be so proud to see that you were able to pull this off so well.
OMG!!!! This song is in a lot of my memories because it was part of a compilation cd that my dad would play very often. I never knew the title or the composer, and now, by accident, I finally know!!
Beautiful job. I got the chance to see Michael twice, once in a large hall, the 2nd time in a small intimate venue. I'm not a guitar player but wow, I appreciate that Andy figured out how to perform it. "Aerial Boundaries" isn't a cover, it's a feat. I'm thankful he's such an awesome artist, I'm hoping it makes it to my region some day.
Excellent execution! Have respected Michael Hedges for years - i appreciate your investment of time and effort to learn and play Ariel Boundaries! Thank you!
A wonderful tribute to a musician that inspired so many players, Andy thank you for your heartfelt and masterful performance. I bought Aerial Boundaries soon after its release on Windham Hill Records, and to me that is the most perfectly recorded acoustic album of all time.
Thanks for keeping Michael.'s spirit alive. Every solo acoustic guitar player in the last 49 years owes a dept to him, I could not beleive one person was playing when I first heard him. Michael did for acoustic guitar what Hendrix did for electric. Thank you again. Great performance. That was not easy task.
How can you not have heard of Michael Hedges? Scary. I was listening to him back in 1984. I was 18. I later ended up living a few miles from him. Marin County.
That was outstanding man. I got turned on to Michael Hedges in 1984 when I was in the USAF. That really brought me.back..Thanks
"And that was a problem for me." With one sentence you earned my respect.
Thank you for honouring Michael Hedges.
Happy Guru Purnima 🖤MH. Andy you're ❤️ guru
Indeed
Thank you for continuing on the memory of Michael
I thought, "Don't worry if you cry at the end, Andy, I cried at the beginning." I first heard this song at 2 AM coming back from a gig in 1984. I had to pull off the road and cry a little, I'd never heard anything like it and it really elicits an emotional response. I missed the artist ID and didn't know who it was for six months. I saw Michael five times live and spoke with him twice. The first and last times were in the same Orlando club, the last being seven months before he died. He was an unbelievable talent and a sweet, generous man.
Babaziba, almost my exact same story, but on the opposite coast. Would see him at the Coach House and talked a few times. As Ackerman said, “First Tim I saw him live, he tore my head off, while I was watching the guitar being reinvented, right before my eyes”. This Song still stirs my soul and gets my the full attention of all my senses.
Moving story and a surprising one. I saw Michael play three times. I was supposed to see him play again in '97, but decided against it because of bad weather (it would have been a long road trip). I never had the chance again as he was gone not long after. My brother died in November of the following year, so it has always been a sad time for me. Surprising to hear that Andy McKee, who is obviously so profoundly influenced by Michael, never got to see him play live, and, in fact, only learned of his music a mere few months before his passing. It just goes to show the lasting influence that MH continues to have on people. I feel very privileged to have had the chance to hear him play live. It very touching to see how moved Andy is to be playing Michael's music.
Such a nice tribute. I saw Michael Hedges play 4 times...and once he was running to get Chinese food in Harbor Place in Baltimore. I shouted hello and he stopped to say hi and then kept running. He was inspired. Thank you for keeping his music alive.
I had the pleasure of seeing Michael in concert many times…even sat with his mom at a concert in Arizona… guitarist from another planet!!!!
This is outstanding. Brilliant rendition of an amazing piece of music from an extraordinary composer.
Micheal would sit back and watch and love this.
Nice job......Hedges. My fav since 1984....first saw him play in a steakhouse bar ...literally blown back in my chair and fell over after first 3 minutes of watching him...the song “ Layover”
Well, Andy Mckee was the reason I wanted to play guitar. It was right after I had listened to "Drifting". So I was in college, didn't have much money, borrowed some and got myself an acoustic guitar. Few years later, I learned to play Drifting. So, thank you.
I first heard Michael in the Great Frog jewelry store in 83, I timidly asked behind the desk who was playing, he was very kind, he gave me the record number for Aerial boundaries , i Changed my life.
Great story.
...but you might want to work on the facts if you want people to believe you.
I booked Michael to play my college back in 1989. S Standing room only show. My dad is a jazz musician and was spellbound. So cool.
Damnit those words made me cry, because that's exactly how I feel! And all the more to Andy McKee for being so honest about how much he loved Michael Hedges music. Hedges was a genius composer and amazing musician.
Thank You Andy - perfect done😎 we are missing Mikel so much …
I know the piece pretty well, and that was an EXCELLENT tribute to such an influential artist. Hedges like all great musicians who've left this world are not really dead, they have simply gone on to another place to play and let others in the universe enjoy their sounds! Loved it, and I thank you for it! RIP Michael Hedges.😊
He says he learned a Hedges tune to promote a influence. Awesome.
He then proceeded to learn one of the hardest fingerstyle guitar tunes ever. I love Andy McKee.
I was privy to see Michael twice in Sandpoint, ID, once with his long braids and once with his head shaved (a diverse fellow). This is an honorable and inspiring tribute by any measure. TY Andy... and get back to Spokane ASAP!
I saw Michael three live times, including the Live on the Double Planet tour. So incredible. Just amazing. We listen to him all the time.
Although Michael is gone, his music and spirit will last forever Thanks Andy for keeping his name relevant. Thanks Bartotheref for posting
Had the joy of seeing Michael live 3 different times. Ripped my head open every time. His death affected my nearly as much as my own father's passing. Thanks, Andy, for this respectful tribute.
I'm not trying to be rude and overall this is none of my business, but since you let yourself share it in the comment, I will let myself share my thoughts on it. Either you with your father were not particularly close or you have an obsession with Michael and not a healthy one.
@OnlyTruth maybe you are right. but still, I lost my granddad recently and I can not imagine to greave for any musician nearly as much. Excuse my English.
Andy use to come into guitar world overland Park way back In the day. I was a sales guy. He would play and you just knew he was something special. Congratulations on all your success Andy. 🙌
I first became aware of Michael Hedges, I think, in 1985, while listening to various Windham Hill artists he recorded with. But I REALLY became aware of him in 1987, when a friend played me Aerial Boundaries on his amazing stereo. He had just bought the CD. We were both grad students at the time, and having an amazing stereo was a really special thing. And what an amazing experience that was. To this day, I can recall being in his bedroom (we were housemates) and feeling a buzz of joy, elation, and that feeling you get when you can’t believe you’re witnessing something totally outside your experience or prior knowledge - something you had never considered because you didn’t know it could be considered. Ya know that feeling? To this day I recall it. I’ve experienced that feeling maybe half a dozen times since then, over a span of almost 35 years - no more.
I then had the good fortune to see Michael perform live, twice. The first time must’ve been 1988 or 89, in Berkeley CA at the auditorium in Berkeley High School. It was a very cool venue and Michael was touring with Leo Kottke, whom he said had been a childhood hero of his. But it was still a 1500-seat auditorium, relatively large.
The second time was 1994. I had moved from Berkeley to Seattle. I took my girlfriend to a small music club in the funky, hip part town - because, of course, that’s where Michael was performing. It was a one-night-only deal, and the club held about 100 people. He was just feet away onstage, playing as he rolled around on an exercise ball, which gave him great body freedom as he coaxed amazing sounds from his guitar. His physical sense of presence was huge. And, yes, he played Aerial Boundaries.
Now, despite the fact that I started playing guitar at age 6, I never really went anywhere with it. I’d been to see jazz-fusion players like Al Dimeola play at small college-town venues years before, and at that time, at age 18 or 19, had begun to appreciate what a true master of guitar could do, up close and personal. Still, I knew as I watched Michael play this song that night, that it was beyond extraordinarily difficult. I knew that the studio sound on his album could probably never have been replicated in a live performance (at least in those days). But still. He. Had. It. We, the small intimate audience in that small, intimate club, were stunned, hushed, ecstatic.
Life and career took me away from music for some years, and when I returned to my long connection to acoustic guitar, Michael had died. I don’t recall what year it was or where I was or anything about the circumstances where I found out about his passing. But I had that feeling you get, when something you knew was an unalloyed good, something you just wanted to be in the world as long as you, yourself were here on Earth, suddenly and inexplicably was no more. A bolt of raw sadness and disbelief, for an instant. And then a desperate desire to gather any information about what he had done, where he’d taken his gift, his artistry, his mastery, since I’d checked out of the acoustic music scene maybe 6-7 year before then.
So, yeah, Andy. I get it. When you said you might cry at the end of this performance, I was right there with you. There are only so many ways to honor such an extraordinary person as Michael, and the truly remarkable gifts he left us. You are living one of them, good sir.
best acoustic guitarist I didn't know about this video glad I found it
Had the privilege to see Micheal Hedges live in Chico, CA circa 1985 at a small college venue - he was truly amazing! Was and still am a big fan.
Thank you sir for keeping Michael Hedges in our lives. I do not want to lose him in my memory.
That was incredible brother. Truly incredible. I’ve loved his music for a long time and was lucky enough to see him in the early 90’s but this is the first rendition that I’ve heard that truly did it justice.
I saw Michael Hedges in a small intimate setting. The Town Crier in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was delightful, engaging, and absolutely brilliant. You have studied him well, and honored him with a great performance.
....I've seen Michael play (Mendocino, CA Crown Hall, early '87) this. Andy, this is brilliant, much respect to you and your attitude toward Michael. Was lucky enough to also be in camp with his wife several times, she is the flutist on his albums. BMW's and bald tires on a rain-soaked mountain highway at night does not mix, that was so sad the night he died....
I am still broken hearted thinking about Michael. I got to see him live once in Palo Alto and was always a fan. Rest in peace, brother! Thanks for this memorial for Mike.
I feel so blessed I got to see Michael Hedges in concert on three occasions in the 1990s. I was devastated when I learned of his passing. Thank you Andy for keeping his music alive and crediting him with the influence. Great performance!
I was fortunate enough to see Michael Hedges and Leo Kotke in Baton Rouge, LA in the mid 1980"s. Thank you for sharing your inspiration.
yes Hedges was a guitar god and thank God you continued in his style; so good and we're all so grateful Andy
Michael was smiling down from above Andy, you did him and all of us proud with your rendition of Aerial Boundaries. Long Live the "Heavy Mental" guitar!
Not many times will an artist copy the master with success like Andy playing this. Absolutely beautiful.
Its surprising how many people have not heard about Michael hedges he was soo far ahead of his time, it is unbelievable.
Saw Hedges twice, once with Bobby McPherson and once alone. He changed everyone, everywhere he played.
saw Michael Hedges a few times in the 80's. Have all his cds...probably my most favorite musician...ever
thanks Andy for keeping his music alive!
You Honour our brother, I feel it, tears of joy.
Bravo 👏 that was excellent. Michael Hedges was one of the greatest musicians ever to walk the planet. Truly an extraordinary human being and so sorely missed.
Good man for giving love to Michael. Also a favorite of mine.
Keep his music alive brother.
I got to see Michael Hedges live a few times on the east coast in the 80s ... after all his performances he would walk down off stage and greet you in person. I remember it so clear.. he really listen when you spoke to him, he was a great "presence" he changed my life as well. Thank you Andy for the memories.
What was hedges like as a man?
He was the real deal. The true Zen hippie. Meditating, yoga master, sometimes dread-knots, sometimes bald, always funny as hell on stage. Laid back, but you never would know what cover he would play. "Come Together" by the Beatles one minute, "Love Bizarre" the next. It would behoove you to research all that YT has to offer on this Master. As a 50 yr veteran musician myself, I would not be where I am if it had not been for Michael Hedges....yeah.
live
OUTSTANDING! A wonderful rendition of Michael's signature song. And what a great tribute to a musician who died way too young. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at Rockefeller's in Houston in the early 90s and we spent a wonderful few minutes talking about music in general and guitars in particular. I can close my eyes and hear his spirit in your performance.
Sorry you never saw him.. Ive seen him quite a few times.. Even met and interviewed him.. This is my favorite, my wedding ceremony song.. Thanks for keeping him alive
We certainly knew Michael Hedges and get entangled on his music on the 1990s.
Thanks for giving him credit and honoring one of his star themes.
Complements and kind regards to Mr. McKee for his sincere efforts to keep M. Hedges' memory and music alive and well. And thank you bartotheref for this excellent post. Did you know? Will Ackerman described Michael as "The Guitarist from another Planet."
Perhaps an anecdotal story is proper here. I had the very great pleasure of seeing M. Hedges three times in Atlanta. All in small venues (200-300 seats). It is the first of these that I will relate.
It was Michael's first 'big' or 'breakout' tour. And, would you believe, with no less a player than.......(wait for it).............. LEO KOTTKE. We arrived for the second show to find the theater emptying from the first. One cannot miss it when a mass of people are joyfully cursing out of a sense of wonder, delight and astonishment; they tried to 'warn' us of what was coming, but no, smug as we were, having seen Leo K. half-a-dozen or more times, we were there for LEO! More fool us.
Leo started the show; always entertaining and with the usual unusual monologue. Then he introduced Michael Hedges.
Michael was received with polite, if brief, applause. Michael started with his own idea of a 'monologue'. He did
a rather unique rendition of the poem 'Jabberwocky' using those Chinese 'hand chime' steel balls. We, the whole audience, held in a sort of bemused fascination, were being 'set-up'; and did not have the least clue that the musical portion of our brains were about to get steamrolled.
What came was.... you guessed it, Aerial Boundaries. Brows furrowed... eyes bugged... jaws dropped... I swear, the entire audience actually stopped breathing for a time. To describe our collective reaction as ' sublimely deep shock' might have compassed the expressions on our countenance. And on the show went; each number gaining a gladder reception than the one before. Then, after an hours duration and the crowd limp with astonishment; Thank You, Goodnight and bowed, and made his exit.
Pandemonium ensued! If there is a line between cheering and yelling, the audience crossed it on the instant and as one man. We abandoned our senses to the joyous expression without the least blemish of restraint.
He made a curtain call, and I don't remember that a single person retook their seat for it.
He seemed to have this effect on 'first-timers'. A restrained welcome, and then the deluge!
If music is an elixir we came powerful close to drowning in it on that special night. And full willing too.
As one who has only recently discovered Michael Hedges (thanks mostly to Andy McKee), I have to say - this is a wonderful story, and masterfully told. I don't typically find that type of enjoyment from youtube comments, but you are a fantastic storyteller. Hearing things like this make the experience of listening to Michael's music all the more special. Thank you!
Who read this? Not me
@@nalinshukla5413 i read it. it was worth it.
@@nalinshukla5413 More fool you, then.
@@AllThingsMech Hello Ranch Mechanic, I'm Skip. Thank You very much for your kind words. And believing that gratitude should be actionable if it's proper to do so I'll post for your perusal a bit I wrote on the website of a motorcycle club I'm a Member of. The thread concerned pickpockets.....
"
I've seen the mention of these nefarious, freelance capitalists in some threads in this section and cautions concerning their slick-fingered proclivities.
However, I've seen nothing, after a site search, that offers the suggestion of some sort of protection against these cretins.
So I offer some ideas of mine own to protect the traveler's in-pocket loot.
1. In-wallet Latch-tripped Detonators.
Advantages: Pretty much guarrentees a career change for the pickpocket.
Disadvantages: Pretty much guarrentees destruction of your cash, credit cards, wallet and, freedom, as TSA takes an extremely dim and prejudiced view of wallet-sized explosive devices, however well intentioned a device they may be. Also, the chances that you will forget to safety the thing increases exponentially with every beer you drink; results un-necessary to state.
2. Harnessing a small deadly reptile to your wallet.
Advantages: Fancy the entertainment value of watching a pickpocket trying to disengage him or her self from an entirely exasperated mamba. The more coarse traveler may take side-bets on wheather disengagement occurs prior to the expiration of the pickpocket.
Disadvantages: Problematic mostly, the greatest being one's own comfort level at having such a creature in close proximity to one's own flesh. And the continued risks involved with every purchase. And the idea of having to feed your wallet protector is enough to give Stephen King the creeps. Also, TSA don't cotton to surprises of this sort. Oh, and you can't sit down. Ever.
3. Pockets that are 3ft. deep
Advantages: Most pickpockets are less than 6ft. tall, therefore, unless they possess the proportions of an orangoutang, your wallet will remain safely out of their reach. Of course, if you're so dim as to not notice some lout who is shoulder-deep up against your bum, well, you are a simpleton and a candidate for an early headstone, however, the gene-pool is self-cleaning anyway, so, no worries. Also you will spend less as your money is now out of your reach as well.
Disadvantages: Every time you go for your wallet you will look like a contortionist escapee from The Ministry of Silly Clothing; people will point and remark.
4th. And last : Velcro!! Adhere the hook panel inside your pocket, the fuzzy panel to your wallet.
Advantages: Your wallet will remain in your pocket when the airport security goons order you to do handstands and whatnot. Makes an audible sound when extracted by you or anyone else (pickpockets, chambermaids, wives......... wait..... ain't they synonymous?). Cheap, easy to apply, hardly noticeable, sturdy, etc., etc.. And you will feel the tug of the unsolicited withdrawel.
Disadvantages: Clerks will think you've ripped one (in) your trousers. ..."
you nailed it, man! A Michael Hedges cover, vow! Congrats
I saw Andy play this live, and I wept. I saw Michael play the song live, and had despaired of ever seeing anyone perform it again. I'm so glad Andy decided to learn it and introduce people to Michael's music.
Bruh just discovered Andy's work through a tik tok I viewed just wow and now I've got leads on another amazing guitarist micheal hedges thankyou 0🙌🙌
Both are great. Andy is living now and will be an inspiration for years to come.
Andy you nailed it! Michael Hedges was very unique! My wife and I got to see him at The Ark in Ann Arbor Michigan in the 80's the same night his baby was born. It was an amazing Concert! Thank you for bringing his music back!
🤗
I was fortunate enough to see Michael in concert on his Taproot tour. I liked his music before wasn't sure what to expect from him live. I thought that he would actually have a band with him, not the case. I was as amazed as everyone else there. I have been a big fan every since. Andy, I think Michael would be proud of you!
His legend lives on through you and you live on through so many. Music is our eternal gift to the generations
Great playing of this song! Ill light some incense for him!
Amazing Andy ... like you I discovered Michael Hedges about a year before he passed away and never got to see him play. Thank you for keeping his music and spirit alive. I am a bass guitarist and came to hear Michael through one of his frequent collaborators, Michael Manring.
Saw him in 1985 at the Old Main Theater at SUNY New Paltz where I went to school....I was never the same and that's a beautiful thing...He was the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar......I was stunned like vegetable after the show...instant fan...I am grateful to have gotten to see him a few times. Thanks Andy...you are fantastic yourself bro!!!
Beautiful job Andy!
Thanks for keeping his music and name alive. Saw Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman at Wolf Trap in 1986. Genius.
Michael Hedges humor was so inviting....I loved seeing him in concert. Before seeing him the first time, I heard his music, the deep somber tones followed by shear wild energy......I thought "this guy will be a deep thinking quiet dude to watch in concert." I was so very wrong and so surprised to hear him sing laugh and tell jokes.....nothing like the albums might suggest. I miss his energy and feel.....but I'm greatly impress to see someone play his music with so much of the passion Hedges did. If he were alive I would bet you he'd be up front smiling laughing and cheering you on. Thank you for the music my friend.
I love this gorgeous piece of music!
Thank you for your introduction to Michael at the beginning. Aerial Boundaries blew my mind all those years ago too. Great rendition, bravo.
Andy, excellent work on this song!! Michael Hedges would be proud to know his music is still celebrated and that we will always love him and his music. Thanks so much for playing this song and for playing it perfectly!
Incredible. Long live Michael Hedges in the heart of his music, the fingers of those who play it, and the ears of those who hear it. Great job Andy!
Brilliant rendition of this wonderful tune of Hedges! I saw a gig of Hedges and de Grassi in the '80s in Milano, Italy, I enjoyed a lot their show.
Goosebumps!!
You did a great job with this, Andy, and your words about Michael ring so true. He was such talented musician. I was lucky to see him three or four times and each show was unique and you left feeling that you had experienced something new. Thanks for honoring Michael with your excellent playing and for continuing to move percussive acoustic guitar forward. Be well.
Fortunately I got to see MH a couple times here in Cincinnati. He was a legend
I think we all want a tune or a melody that when people hear will remind them of someone. Michael perfected that with this song and Andy reminds us of that. Pure joy to listen to...
A beautiful tribute. Really well done, Andy.
awesome , great tribute to a phenomenal talent,
Michael hedges' legacy lives on by influencing guitarists like Andy McKee.
alakazam fam ..That was my thought exactly, when I first saw Andy M.
Very nice recording. Thanks for posting this and sharing the wonderful moment for those of us who couldn't be there. The internet for good.
What a fantastic tribute to Michael. So well done. Thanks, Andy.
Absolutely Beautiful Song and Pickin!!! Love this!!!!!!
Boy this brings me back a few decades! I bought the Michael Hedges album Andy is referring to when it first came out. He's right, Michael was a game changer on acoustic guitar and "Aerial Boundaries" was a mind blowing composition for 1984. The world lost a great guitarist when when Michael died, but we've got another great one in Andy.
Been lucky enough to see him playing in Milan in 1992. Out of this World, unbelievable music.
Andy, I had the opportunity to see micheal and he was amazing and an inspiration . I am a huge Hedges fan and watching you play Aerial Boundaries brought it all back for me...Thanks.......great job...!!!
I met Andy McKee a number of years ago after a gig he did in the UK, really nice fella and absolutely amazing to watch live. He nailed this! Michael Hedges would be proud I'm sure, what a song too!!
Damn son. That was nicely done.
Wow, awesome job!!! Beautiful!!!
Michael Hedges, Andy McKee, Djent and Preston Reed. Love the sound. 👍 It's what I think of when I listen and watch this video!
Amazing music! Thanks!
Michael changed my life as well...hurt me to never be able to see him live. LOVED the audiences response...
I was turned on to Michael Hedges when I was given a cassette tape of "Watching My Life Go By". I saw him once in concert at The Music Hall at the TCC in Tucson, in a word: Unreal. He was one of my all time favorite guitarists and one hell of a showman. I was living in a little apartment in Fallbrook, CA in December of 1997 when I saw a small blurb in the local newspaper "Guitarist killed in car crash". I knew I would probably recognize the name when I read the article, but, I was totally devastated to read it was Michael. He was the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar, that same fluidity and nonchalance while absolutely shredding it. I don't know about anyone else, but, I also cried after watching this and thinking about the loss.
Absolutely amazing, Hedges was a master. I wish they would have been able to play together. It would have been incredible. Love this!
Wonderful performance. I had the privilege of seeing Michael a hand full of times prior to his death in '97. He truly reinvented the acoustic guitar for so many.
at 16-17 my friends and I would drive to the "New Varsity" theater in Palo Alto, CA. Michael Hedges would play many an evening not in the theater but in their partially outdoor coffee shop. We used to talk and he said he wanted to sing more but sadly he played guitar much better than he sang. : ) He had recently started Windham Hill at the time and would sell/give his records out at his shows. He gave me Breakfast in the Field and Aerial Boundaries plus signed them. We saw him live many times during the summer of 1984. We all had just graduated from high school and were into the Dead & Rush etc. but we knew Hedges was something special. He was really shy and a bit of a Kook but he loved it us high school kids would attend his shows and just drink tea and coffee all night. It was special to have him to ourselves that summer!
Here is Michael playing Aerial Bounderies live. ruclips.net/video/YaIN13aDbCc/видео.html
@@RussellRoesner I really like his singing voice. It sounds heartfelt and honest.
His rendition of Come Together is Epic.
Luv and Peace.
Such an incredible version, Andy...very well done! I've been listening to Micheal Hedges since the early 90's...he would be so proud to see that you were able to pull this off so well.
OMG!!!! This song is in a lot of my memories because it was part of a compilation cd that my dad would play very often. I never knew the title or the composer, and now, by accident, I finally know!!
That rendition was so good. Saw Michael Hedges at Wolf Trappe in Maryland a few times. That was spot on.
Very warm words of appreciation for a great hero. Well done Andy.
Beautiful job. I got the chance to see Michael twice, once in a large hall, the 2nd time in a small intimate venue. I'm not a guitar player but wow, I appreciate that Andy figured out how to perform it. "Aerial Boundaries" isn't a cover, it's a feat. I'm thankful he's such an awesome artist, I'm hoping it makes it to my region some day.
one Soul,one Heart,one man,wunderful feeling ever.... and he do this!!
Excellent execution! Have respected Michael Hedges for years - i appreciate your investment of time and effort to learn and play Ariel Boundaries! Thank you!
A wonderful tribute to a musician that inspired so many players, Andy thank you for your heartfelt and masterful performance. I bought Aerial Boundaries soon after its release on Windham Hill Records, and to me that is the most perfectly recorded acoustic album of all time.
Holy fuck I have the OG albums at home but this is new stuff. im mentally moved by this. So good. god bless
Thanks for keeping Michael.'s spirit alive. Every solo acoustic guitar player in the last 49 years owes a dept to him, I could not beleive one person was playing when I first heard him. Michael did for acoustic guitar what Hendrix did for electric. Thank you again. Great performance. That was not easy task.
THANK YOU!!! Awesome recreation, SPOT ON!! Keep it up!!