Michael Hedges LIVE 5-6-1995
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Shortly after the Oklahoma City Bombing, Michael Hedges appeared at a local fundraising event which I covered for the local news station KFOR-TV. Introduced by Graham Nash, He played four songs with a quick impromptu string change in the middle. I had met Michael just a few weeks before while producing a news package promoting his concert in Oklahoma City. He was my "guitar hero" while in college and I was excited to spend the afternoon with him discussing his music. I was never able to get a copy of this performance to him. Michael died on December 2, 1997 in a tragic car accident in California. I just found this video and converted it to digital. My hope is that it will perpetuate the talent of this guitar virtuoso so others may appreciate him as well.
one of the greatest guitarists and composers that ever graced the earth
Nobody else has ever done anything remotely like what he did. Saw him 5 or 6 times in Knoxville, and every time came away with a feeling like id just witnessed something truly unique. Just in the way he comports himself on stage. Totally humble, yet totally confident in his ability. That was one of his most endearing aspects, i think. Aside from the incredible music.
He was practically like a shooting star, with unparalleled brilliance in the dark of night and a gigantic trail that no one could match, pure energy and limitless creativity but unfortunately briefly and sadly he is no longer with us, 25 years after I still think his departure was a great loss for music
He was excellent. A great player and performer.
Ditto, like you said.....
Like a shoting star, they come around rarely. A beautiful musician.
I miss Michael. I was in highschool band with him. Followed his career and was devestated to hear when he died.
@@elfin1218 Do you remember him ever talking about Joni Mitchell?
Saw Michael in Belfast in the 1980s supporting Suzanne Vega. No-one was prepared for the brilliance. Love this.
I saw Zappa with the Berkeley Orchestra and the Oakland Ballet. In a meet and greet, I asked Zappa about other great guitar players. I know on interviews he claimed others, he did say Michael was one of the best.
I saw Michael many times - probably 6-7 times in Kalamazoo Mi and each show was unique and amazing. Seeing him play with Michael Mannring and Leo Kotke was outstanding as well. I loved to San Francisco in 1997 and my hope was to see him play more as I heard he would play at bars out here. A few months after I moved here he died. RIP gone too soon
He was in Royal Oak, as well .and some of the Windham gang, as well. Wow. What a show.
There is nothing more authentic than being yourself and he is definitely that in this moment. Beautiful!
Simply unbelievable... The different tunings, harmonies, song structure and a magical stage presence. Nobody ever replaced him.
There is so little footage of Michael Hedges, thanks for posting this! I remember being delighted and surprised when David Crosby introduced Michael Hedges at a CSN concert. This is wonderful. Thanks for posting this!
Excellent. I had the great privilege of spending time with Michael a few weeks prior to his passing. I received him at the airport in Houston on his Oracle tour in October 1997. We spent time in his hotel room talking (& smokin' out) and he made me this fantastic apple/ginger juice (he traveled with a juicer).
Around that time the G3 tour was coming through Houston featuring Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson & Adrian Legg as the acoustic opener. Michael told me he was offered the opening slot of that tour, but he turned it down because they would not let him headline.
We also discussed Pat Martino’s album ‘All Sides Now’ which Michael was featured on. Michael told me he’d had Joe Satriani (also on that CD) and Pat Martino at his home studio for some recording sessions prior to the release of that album.
In December 1997, I remember sitting in my office and the secretary walking up to my desk and handing me a fax from Michael’s agency SRO Artists. I was deeply saddened when I read the fax announcing Micheal’s passing. I immediately left work, went home, and played guitar to honor Michael and drown out my sorrow.
I was incredibly moved by Michael during our brief meeting. I’m grateful for his presence then and now
+RSMusic: Excellent post yourself, Brother. You write well. Thanks for sharing your experience. jbeinarizona
One of a kind guitarist, defined new heights in playing.....beautifully done, so grateful.
This performance of “rickovers dream” is so absolutely incredible. It’s always seemed a gorgeous display of fragmented emotions. Michael was truly something else entirely when it came to musicality. I have never heard anyone that could take me to a completely new place with such ease. Truly magical.
I'm with you - there will never be another Michael Hedges!
I haven’t listened to Michael’s music in quite a while. How quickly I am reminded what a singular, truly authentic talent he was.
Been waiting (longing) for some new footage of Michael and here it is......an absolute gem featuring the great acoustic innovator of our time. A new and eccentric physical aspect of Michael's performances had joined hands with the music by this time to make his presence even more commanding, as evidenced by the roaring response he received from an audience which was clearly not comprised of his usual base. As such, this is the one and only Michael Hedges at his absolute peak for all of the world to bask in. Thank you, Ryan.....what a treasure.
Something seems to be watching great dance.
Especially, Rickover's Dream is not playing the guitar by hand, but music overflows from his whole body.
Thank you Ryan.
I agree, it was a magical performance
Never too late to learn from Michael Hedges. Sometimes very spiritually connected people make their contribution and go back to heaven sooner than others.
Thank you, Ryan Davis!
I had the pleasure of seeing Michael open for Shadowfax in Salt Lake City with a dear Friend, back in the day. When it came time for him to end his set, the crowd did NOT want him to leave the stage! He was incredible!!!
Rest In Peace, Michael.
Michael was a true original. I believe he was the innovator of the two handed pianist technique that is common today. His style heralded a seismic shift in guitar technique. I only saw him play once and was blown away,not only by his originality, but by the immensity of his charismatic stage presence.
I was lucky enough to catch him live and speak with him at a small theater in Davis, CA, just a few months before he passed away. He was so present and kind. And he was an absolutely dynamic musician, entertainer, and person on stage. I wish he was still around.
Perfectly stated. A real phenom.
Yes. His offstage personality was as angelic as his music. A true and humble artist. I miss him as well.
A unique soul creating ...because he was..CREATED...yup
He was part of an amazingly innovative era of music. Ever hear Stanley Jordan? Enjoy. ruclips.net/video/aGoGyGSnVuA/видео.html
I discovered Michael's music in 1996. Bought "Breakfast in the Field, Aerial Boundaries, Watching My Life Go By and Taproot" all at once in Tower Records. It got me back into fingerstyle guitar and prompted me to buy the first of many Taylor guitars. And then sadly and shockingly, he passed a little over a year later. I was so looking forward to seeing him perform one day. We don't get many touring solo acoustic guitarists here in Hawaii. But what a legacy of music he left behind.
My ears, my head, my heart, my body, my senses, my spirit, all filling and swelling with this music and this man. Timeless, exquisite.
Deep gratitude for sharing this.
He is missed.
And yet, you have posted for us a treasure.
thank you so very much
🙏🏽
Glad you enjoy it! Ii interviewed Michael in 1996 a few days before his concert in Oklahoma city. Check it out.
Sometimes this music is the only thing I know that soothes. I miss him so much.
Like a bolt of lightning that completely scorched everything it touched so that newer, more vibrant life could be born anew
"Come, grow this scorched grown green."
What a beautiful human being
This footage is absolutely priceless. Thank you for posting!👍❤️🎼🎶🎵
I was fortunate enough to see him in a 200 seat venue in 1994. Absolutely blew my mind.....
that all along the watchtower breakdown. love and miss you Michael - Hedges forever.
I saw him in concert once. I think it was in Albuquerque in the late 1980s and he was on the bill with Leo Kottke. Michael was introduced then as the "guitarist from outer space." It was a fantastic evening that's for sure.
Hey Ryan
Thanks so much for posting this! Michael was my guitar hero too. Still is. Has never been replaced after all these years. Coming across unseen footage was really exciting.
I miss him so much. Thx for sharing this. His performance of Rickover's Dream is everything- he laid it all on the table.
Michael was an alien or angel, maybe both. That guy was on a totally different frequency and level, his music is almost like a prayer, reaches all the way to the soul. To me he was like a musical prophet.
Absolutely both! I miss him dearly. You’re correct, he was on a total different frequency and level.
I've been finding a lot of aliens amongst us recently. Most seem to be very nice as well as intelligent. It's all good so far...👽👾🤖
Amen ... 110% spot on!!!!
100% i listen to players like him and Shawn lane and I just scratch my head. Terrifyingly talented. We lose a lit of these virtuosos too soon. Check out Antoine Dufour and Andy McKee if you have yet to discover them. Theyre on that same wavelength.
@@theshapeexists shawn did an incredible version of watchtower as well. RIP from memphis.
First time I saw Michael live was at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in '95, he looked exactly the same as in this video. Second and third time I saw him again was in Mancos, Colorado in '96. He played at the now closed Millwood Junction Restaurant two nights in a row. I was at both nights, front row first night and second row second night... I was in true amazement as he played with such precision and energy, also doing yoga poses... I'll never forget those memories ❤🙏
Such an incredible talent. I got to meet him at Rockefeller's in Houston and talk with him between sets about music in general and guitars in particular. Genuinely nice guy who died WAY too soon.
Rockefeller’s!!!
What a great spot
I sat on the balcony looking down at John McLaughlin and Trilok Gurtu and a MONSTER bass player
Great memories
This man was so very beautiful and talented. Otherworldly
I saw him the year after this in Somerville Massachusetts for the third and final time unfortunately. He brought it every time he stepped on a stage. Some have tried but there'll never be another quite like him.
I’m exhausted by just watching him ….🎸🎶😊🌺💗
I believe he is playing the big Takamine that he loved so much for it's "big, chunky sound." Sadly, Michael Hedges had no life insurance at the time of his death, despite having a wife and kids. He swerved off a road in California during a rainstorm (this was during the El Nino winter of 1997). Watching him play was like watching a wizard or sorcerer as he brought out sounds and tones we seem to have never heard before. I really miss him. Thanks for this.
Looks like a Martin to me
No signs of it being a Takamine, e.g. bridge, headstock logo, headstock shape.
I miss him every day, 25 years later.
It looks like a Takamine to me. One of the guys I used to play with had one and it was massive and the headstock looks about right.
@@ianedmonds9191 It's "famously" a Matin as it has been written about in several articles and he's talked about it Takamines have a tapered then a pointy headstock. Sadly, it was in his car with him when he crashed.
I saw him live at Mann Music Center in Philadelphia around that time period... amazing Concert!!
In the mid '80's a friend invited me to go see Hedges with her (wow, free ticket!), I had no idea what to expect! On stage there was a chair in front of a mic and I figured "cool, some sort of folk classical guitarist!" He was announce, he walked out barefoot, kicked the chair over to the side and laid into his furious style of playing!! Wow, my eyes (and ears) POPPED! Been a fan ever since!! Another incredible talent taken too early!!
Thank you,
Thank you so much for this heavenly gift. Everytime i can see his live performances, it’s a spiritual experience, not just music. Again, thank you deeply.
the man was fearless in his interpretations of other people's songs, let alone his own. I once took some of my other guitarist friends to see him back in the 1980s at the bottom line in new york city, and we all sat in amazement. got to see him several more times before he passed. always enjoy new hedges materials. thank you...
Thank you ,Thank you ,Thank you !!
My God, what a beautiful raw talent Michael was~I miss his guitar spark so much!🌀🎶💫
Last part legendary Michael finger picking beauty.
I got to see Michael and speak with him at a small concert at the Winchester Center in Las Vegas, we are talking early 90s. The 'harp-guitar' just blew my mind into smithereens, I couldn't understand how he could create such amazing sounds, really there will NEVER be another Michael Hedges, he was a phenomenon of epic proportions and was humble as all get out when we talked with him. I will never forget him and that concert I saw back then. When he died I felt so much pain. Years later I visited Mendocino, California where he was apparently living at the time of his untimely death. He had this dry sense of humor also, about everything... really there is no one on the planet today like him...
No one who hasn't seen/heard him in person could ever know. His sound was so deep and vast and it cannot be captured on the videos unfortunately. The first time I saw him (1986) I instantly knew I was witnessing a very rare and special musical event. And what's even better is that I was there by accident. Blew my mind. I have his jacket.
I just stumbled upon this while watching other Hedges videos! So thrilled to find this!! I’m a long time fan and have seen him many times live and saw him only a few weeks before he died 😢 This video captures his magical spirit....it made me cry. Thank you for this gem ♥️
*He's on a whole other level.*
Yes. Yes he was.
I never knew of Michael til now. Amazing playing, musicality and energy. So free and inspired. I love how his shocking amount of technique never gets in the way of the music; only supports it. Seems like a guy with no bloated ego either, like the opposite of every RUclips guitarist.
Man what's with that word musicliaty ? the. Fk , you're not looking at the same guitars I'm watching cuz there's bouxo coo humble awesome teachers on this f****** phone
And the simple fact is I mean I'm sure he's practiced a lot but I couldn't listen to him for more than a few seconds at a time
Thanks Ryan, so much for posting this, others can now see what a phenomenal player Michael was,........
I was there in Enid, Ok and watched this. He BLEW MY MIND. I had just got out of Oklahoma Prison. I had not moved back to San Francisco yet.
Ryan: This is a priceless gem! I knew that Crosby & Nash loved Michael's music, and I was glad to see Graham Nash provide that great introduction. Michael's performance in this all too brief appearance has an energy and intensity that surpasses anything else I've seen him do, and those of us who recognize, love, and miss his genius owe you a debt of gratitude for capturing this and sharing it. Truly, thanks for preserving this masterpiece performance from a legend who left us too soon.
I miss him too. Glad I was there to capture this magical moment in time.
What a great video, and thanks for the story behind it.
When I heard of his passing, I wept. Thank you for posting this rare material.
His spirit and art live on.
Words cannot express the sheer genius and humanity of the great Michael Hedges. Fortunately, we have his videos to inspire those of us who never had the opportunity to see him perform live in person. Thank you for uploading this gem.
Such a great and passionate talent. Thank you so much for sharing this. Wow.
i think there's no other better performance in history
I so agree!
When I saw him in Davis, CA in the late '80s I asked him what inspired him to play the way he does and with so much percussion, and he told me, seeing Joni Mitchell in concert playing a Dulcimer in the late '60s.
Damn. Amazing question! Thx for sharing that..
I started listening to Michael Hedges about a week into my freshman year at Butler University in 1984.
I was 18 years old, majoring in classical guitar, and a gorgeous 24 year old nurse gave me a lift home from a football game, and in her car she popped in a cassette called An Evening with Windham Hill Live. She could tell I really dug it, and she let me take the cassette with me. And so began my fandom of Michael Hedges.
The prescription for taking the ear and to the acoustic guitar to another place -Thank you for sharing this
Thankyou.
Saw him in '92 when he opened for Crosby, Stills & Nash, he was incredible.
Thank you for posting this... videos are all we have now to witness his powerful energy. I first saw Michael play at the Telluride Blues Festival in '95, then again in Mancos, Colorado in '96. He looked just like this, with long hair... He played two nights in a row in Mancos, I was front row center the first night, second row second night. All I remember is my jaw hitting the floor... He was truly talented and spiritual with a strong aura... I miss him😢🙏
So sorry for all that loved this man..
I saw him once in Boston. Never will forget🤔
Thank you for posting 🙏🏻
Yes!!!!!!! Thanks for posting!
Thank you for sharing this is my first time hearing Michael Hedges and I loved his music and the way in which he performed.
Power, dynamics, innovation, soul, and GROOVE. I was fortunate enough to see Michael twice - he bared his soul (though without the gymnastics). This video shows me the acoustic hustler (though having Graham Nash introduce you doesn't hurt!) His busted string drill was very good - otherwise, that's an easy way to lose an audience even if they loved your first tune. He is greatly missed, though I will always enjoy turning on other folks who missed his brief career. Thanks for posting this, it made my night.
Wow this is awesome, really something else out of this world
I used to see him busking in front of the Varsity Theater in Palo Alto back in the early 80s? He'd blow people away playing on that street corner.
Thank you for the wonderful video.
I want to convey the great history.
Met him in class at WI Conservatory of Music. Everyone was asking him how do you do this? and how do you do that? I raised my hand and asked, "What is going through your head when you are playing?". He had this huge smile and pointed to me..."That is the question!" He couldn't really answer...and that was awesome!
Vai said it best..."No one on God's great blue earth plays the guitar like MH". What a loss to the arts and to each of us.
Thank goodness nobody else plays like him
Michael made love to his guitars. Incredible talent. I went to see Leo Kottke at the State Theater in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the headliner (I had never even heard if Michael.) So Kottke plays his set first. That's strange. He was great. I went for a beer at the break, long lines. Just when I got my beer I hear this incredible sound. I almost dropped my beer. As I made my way back ro my seat, I turned into the isle and see this crazy guy kicking, bobbing, making celestial magic. Instant fan. Saw him several more times before we lost him. I still can't get over the loss. But what a legacy he left us.
I was there too....great show. Michael made sounds I had never heard before. As I recall, he did aerial boundaries.
Is he circular breathing to hold that note on the wind began Hoooooowl?
I guess he's a better guitarist than singer, but he can sing his ass off
I ve never seen micheal live respect... hes so gifted i think he was the inovator of all that acoustic playing and string pulling bending and banging on the guitar
I was working at a record store selling tickets for that tour. Practically everyone who bought a ticket bought it to see Michael Hedges; I think I even had to explain to one customer who Leo Kottke was and that he was Hedges' equal in his own way and they shouldn't miss him.
@warriordrum He did indeed. Blew me away.
I remember his name and have a sense of how good he was, but I've never seen him play. This is so cool! Thanks! I've played guitar from way back. This makes it hard to pick up a guitar again. His style and abilities bring to mind John Butler Trio.
his cover of All ALong the Watchtower sends chills up my spine. What a great talent he was!
Trying to describe his playing live to anyone who never saw (or heard) him was impossible. Male? Female? Imp? Gnome? Acoustic acrobat? Genius? Angel? ....so glad this footage exists.
I was just saying -- no one who hasn't seen/heard him in person could ever have any idea of what it was like.
Thank you for this upload!! Hedges used to tour with my uncle who was in a band called Shadowfax, first time I saw him was in the third grade. Next time I saw him was in Madison, WI where I heard this opening song Jitterboogie the first time. 25 years later it’s still one of my favs of all time. I cried when I saw he died, caught me off guard. He was way far ahead of everyone else and to this day no one I know has matched his talent or innovation and he channeled it so beautifully, especially with the cover songs. It truly sucks music now a days with no talent like this in sight.
Shadowbox! Haven't heard that name in decades. Wyndham Hill...same label as George Winston?
Looks like he was on Windham Hill at one point. I know he toured with Shadowfax on a Windham Hill showcase tour circa 1986, saw him at Ravinia in Highland Park, IL for that show. I remember my uncle walk g me around backstage to try to introduce me to Hefges but he’d already left.
Completely agree. Check Jon Gomm & his incredibly beautiful Passionflower video. Jon’s greatly inspired by Michael ✌️🎸✨
There are living guitar heroes who had Michael Hedges as their inspiration growing up. Just check out Mike Dawes, Calum Graham, Andy McKee... the list goes on.
Shadowfax, a great band. I have a few on vinyl, I will have to put it back on the turntable as it has been awhile. Nod to your uncle.
He sounds better than most just during tuning
Thank you for uploading this. I got Aerial Boundaries on tape around 1990, had no idea who the guy was or how he was making these amazing sounds. This live version of Rickover's Dream is just incredible. Gone far too soon.
Wow! What a nice find. Went to see him on a random recommendation of a friend at the El Rey in Albuquerque and was blown away. Some scruffy looking guitar tech guy walked out to tune up and then he just picked up and started spinning and laying out this wall of sound. I have never heard a concert venue so quiet because everybody's jaws were on the floor. That evening changed how I see my guitars and even music in general. I feel fortunate to have had that moment
Long live the El Rey in downtown Burque!
Mesmerizing.. I still enjoy my "Aerial Boundaries" album.... ageless : )
I saw him live at Iowa State University maintenance room in the very early 90s. I think he is the master of the acoustic guitar. The off the scale harmonics imbedded in his style with the percussive rhythm makes it a whole sonic event. Art worth pondering.
He actually plays four songs: Jitterboogie, All Along the Watchtower, Ritual Dance, and Rickover's Dream
I never saw this footage. Thank you so much for the upload.
Thank you so very much for posting this.
Good gracious I've been looking for this forever! I've spent the last decade telling people I'd seen old footage of Tim Robbins playing wicked acoustic. But I never could find anything about Robbins being a musician.
I was able to see him with Leo Kotke at my hometown theater in the late 80's and then again opening for CSN in the 90's. This is great footage. Thank you for sharing.
Man this brings back some memories. Saw him on one of the Windham Hill tours with Marschall and Anger. RIP
🙏 ✌ ❤ 🎶 🌎 👏 Michael
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this.
jitterboogie, all along the watchtower, ritual dance, rickover’s dream
It's a boy, Vegas boogie check those songs out
He who burns twice as bright... Why must all of our dreamers die young?
I want more. I saw him in concert in Atlanta. Truly an inspire giant. Miss him
Cool. What venue in Atlanta did he play?
@@atlantaguitar9689 i remember it was near sevananda health store
@@vinceanna1115 Thanks. Probably at what is now known as The Variety Playhouse.
peerless and unrivaled
Amazing. Beautiful.
Michael Hedges was a genius on the acoustic guitar, always considered him the "Eddie Van Halen" of the acoustic guitar, in terms of his innovative virtuosity, and how much he influenced everyone that followed him, a game changer and a true transformative player. Was fortunate to see him play live in the Bay Area about a 1/2 dozen times, always mind blowing, and real sweet and genuine to meet in person. Aerial Boundaries is still one of my all time favorite albums.
100%
Wow ! Wow ! 👍😊
Absolute legend. Thanks for sharing this
We are so lucky and blessed to have such a rich archive of Michael's amazing performances captured for posterity and shared on this platform. Great humour as always and fantastic whacka whacka energy on this one with a lively audience!
I watched this live . IT was right after the Okc bombing he opened up for Crosby Stills and Nash
It was a magical night for an horrific event. He introduced me to Gram Nash backstage before the concert like I was his best friend. I had interviewed him a few weeks prior to the bombing. I really miss him. I went on photo safaris listening to his music while in collage.
If anyone could tell me about it, I wouldn't be able to believe! So fascinating! I'm on pause now! What a...??? Genius one!!!