Michael Hedges — Rickover's Dream
Album: Aerial BoundariesAvg rating:
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Length: 4:43
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I saw Michael Hedges once in Vancouver BC -I’d never heard of them before, and he was opening for another act ..: without going into detail, I, and apparently the whole audience was absolutely blown away -he did six songs and got a total standing ovation after each song … then a few years back, I was like what happened to Michael Hedges and I googled him and found out how sadly he passed rather early .:. A remarkable musician and talent !!!
Michael during his first guitar lesson, without knowing how to compose a decent tune.
One of the first tunes I heard on RP. Have been tuned in every since. Thx Bill and crew, you're with me everywhere I go.
mread wrote:
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
I'd like to think someone did it by accident.....But if not, don't worry, because that person isn't with it.
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
I'd like to think someone did it by accident.....But if not, don't worry, because that person isn't with it.
unclehud wrote:
Also a US Navy sub vet -- USS Tunny (SSN 682, RC Div) -- I wondered the same.
Searching the web, a few YouTube recordings of this song call it a "performance of this submarine fantasy guitar composition, less than a month before he died."
Also, the liner notes for this album mention thanks to "Admiral Rickover [and many others] ... for their encouragement, support and inspiration." https://windhamhillrecords.com...
edit, five mins later
Much more detail can be found here: https://www.stropes.com/submar...
Well, who is "Rickover"? As a US Navy submariner, I can only think of Hyman Rickover, the guy who pioneered nuclear reactors onto submarines. Admiral Rickover's Dream was to provide a never-ending source of power for vessels he saw as deterrents to World War 3.
I am pretty sure Mr Hedges didn't compose this for the Admiral, so who might this "Rickover" be?
Also a US Navy sub vet -- USS Tunny (SSN 682, RC Div) -- I wondered the same.
Searching the web, a few YouTube recordings of this song call it a "performance of this submarine fantasy guitar composition, less than a month before he died."
Also, the liner notes for this album mention thanks to "Admiral Rickover [and many others] ... for their encouragement, support and inspiration." https://windhamhillrecords.com...
edit, five mins later
Much more detail can be found here: https://www.stropes.com/submar...
Thank you for keeping Michael Hedges in the RP rotation. It brings me back to University of Maine Orono when I won tickets to his show, had no idea who he was and ended up having one of the best nights in my college memories. I love his work.
Never heard before and i don't know why, this song reminded me of Discovery from Rush. Quite a nice discovery for sure.
Well, who is "Rickover"? As a US Navy submariner, I can only think of Hyman Rickover, the guy who pioneered nuclear reactors onto submarines. Admiral Rickover's Dream was to provide a never-ending source of power for vessels he saw as deterrents to World War 3.
I am pretty sure Mr Hedges didn't compose this for the Admiral, so who might this "Rickover" be?
I am pretty sure Mr Hedges didn't compose this for the Admiral, so who might this "Rickover" be?
keenevision wrote:
Well, I see it is written right below song, artist, and album.
Why does Radioparadise no longer share the days of the release of the music being played?? I drive about an hour and 20 minutes each way to work. I love listening to Radio Paradise. Sometimes, I say to myself “G., when did this come out? It seems like yesterday…“ And I go to look for the release date and now it isn’t fair! Aargh.
Well, I see it is written right below song, artist, and album.
Why does Radioparadise no longer share the days of the release of the music being played?? I drive about an hour and 20 minutes each way to work. I love listening to Radio Paradise. Sometimes, I say to myself “G., when did this come out? It seems like yesterday…“ And I go to look for the release date and now it isn’t fair! Aargh.
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-709)
incredible skill
You met Michael Hedges? I’m so jealous. And about Bruce Cockburn, one of my favorite memories is sitting next to him on a muni bus in San Francisco. He was very indulgent after being spotted by a fan such as myself.
Remember...you had him, Pat Methany, and Bruce Cockburn all coming up in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
mread wrote:
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
Cuz 'social media'... The world is effed up. Evil, deranged behavior is rampant
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
Cuz 'social media'... The world is effed up. Evil, deranged behavior is rampant
One of the best hedges albums… so beautiful
I expect him to launch into "Ramble On" at any second..
Muzak.
shhhh777 wrote:
yes...
A privilege to be listening
yes...
A privilege to be listening
Cynaera wrote:
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
Beautiful work. RIP, Mr. Hedges. And thank you for the wonderful legacy of music. Your vision sets my vision to flight.
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
Brings back such memories! I remember discovering Windham Hill music and losing my mind! I needed the stability of the time as I was continuing to get sober. Happy to say I’m 37 years clean and sober these days.
frederic086 wrote:
The ancient Israelites, you'll find.
David had guitars with 6, 12 and 18 strings and many sizes of harp.
As well as plucking the strings (various Harpsicords), they also struck the strings as with pianos. (Check the musical instructions in the psalms!)
They were much much more sophisticated than today, where we only tend to have piano & guitar. Of course, the Assyrian & Babylonian invasions & captivities destroyed much of their wonderful musical technology.
Check out this:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/17895-how-god-values-music/print
The type of guitar Hedges is playing traces its roots back to Spain pre-1200's CE. There were "Latin" guitars and "Moorish" guitars (guitarra).
The Kithara of the Bible was a lute-like instrument and the Babylonians get the credit for developing that. If there was a divine influence as you claim, Marduk gets the credit, not Yahweh.
Kithara is an ancient Greek word btw, not even Hebrew.
The ancient Israelites, you'll find.
David had guitars with 6, 12 and 18 strings and many sizes of harp.
As well as plucking the strings (various Harpsicords), they also struck the strings as with pianos. (Check the musical instructions in the psalms!)
They were much much more sophisticated than today, where we only tend to have piano & guitar. Of course, the Assyrian & Babylonian invasions & captivities destroyed much of their wonderful musical technology.
Check out this:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/17895-how-god-values-music/print
The type of guitar Hedges is playing traces its roots back to Spain pre-1200's CE. There were "Latin" guitars and "Moorish" guitars (guitarra).
The Kithara of the Bible was a lute-like instrument and the Babylonians get the credit for developing that. If there was a divine influence as you claim, Marduk gets the credit, not Yahweh.
Kithara is an ancient Greek word btw, not even Hebrew.
Checkout Gordon Giltrap for some sweet guitar from the 70's onwards
I caught Hedges at a small venue called Ned's in Tahlequah, OK. No acoustic guitar - electric. And boy, did he shred. OK has its fair share of gifted guitar players but Hedges was in a class by himself.
Great track from MH. I got into him about the same time I found Penguin Cafe Orchestra, through my sister Meera née Tracy Maurer. What a lovely gift she shared through music 🎶 and through her life. RIP sis. 8th Sept & 25 Oct will always be yours heart💕
shhhh777 wrote:
yes...
What a cool thing to say. Thanks for that.
yes...
What a cool thing to say. Thanks for that.
Starts to sound like he might go somewhere with this several times.
Disinterested meandering , presented as . . 'Rickover's Dream' . . lol
Disinterested meandering , presented as . . 'Rickover's Dream' . . lol
gemtag wrote:
The ancient Israelites, you'll find.
David had guitars with 6, 12 and 18 strings and many sizes of harp.
As well as plucking the strings (various Harpsicords), they also struck the strings as with pianos. (Check the musical instructions in the psalms!)
They were much much more sophisticated than today, where we only tend to have piano & guitar. Of course, the Assyrian & Babylonian invasions & captivities destroyed much of their wonderful musical technology.
Check out this:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/17895-how-god-values-music/print
Whoever invented the Guitar was a genius.
The ancient Israelites, you'll find.
David had guitars with 6, 12 and 18 strings and many sizes of harp.
As well as plucking the strings (various Harpsicords), they also struck the strings as with pianos. (Check the musical instructions in the psalms!)
They were much much more sophisticated than today, where we only tend to have piano & guitar. Of course, the Assyrian & Babylonian invasions & captivities destroyed much of their wonderful musical technology.
Check out this:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/17895-how-god-values-music/print
Truly a Guitar Hero of mine
Thrills without frills. Super nice !
Thanks B&R
Thanks B&R
Proclivities wrote:
From the RP posting guidelines:
"Everything posted should be appropriate for all ages. The Internet is full of adults-only hangouts. We don't see any reason to have RP be one of them."
o.k.....? so....?
From the RP posting guidelines:
"Everything posted should be appropriate for all ages. The Internet is full of adults-only hangouts. We don't see any reason to have RP be one of them."
Cynaera wrote:
yes...
Beautiful work. RIP, Mr. Hedges. And thank you for the wonderful legacy of music. Your vision sets my vision to flight.
yes...
Thank you for keeping him in rotation. I saw Hedges in concert years ago and he was an extraordinary talent.
JeffoFitts wrote:
From the RP posting guidelines:
"Everything posted should be appropriate for all ages. The Internet is full of adults-only hangouts. We don't see any reason to have RP be one of them."
This just unzipped my auditory processor.
From the RP posting guidelines:
"Everything posted should be appropriate for all ages. The Internet is full of adults-only hangouts. We don't see any reason to have RP be one of them."
This just unzipped my auditory processor.
Great to hear the old Wyndham Hill classic tunes. Guest you'll put Penguin Cafe Orchestra on the eclectic set. Thanks B&R!! Cheers from Matt Maurer, down under.
LaurieinTucson wrote:
Navy submarine veteran replies: see below. A genius, dreamer, and visionary to be sure.
Now, do I believe Mr. Hedges wrote such a beautiful acoustic guitar serenade to the Father of Naval Nuclear Power ...? No.
does anyone know who Rickover is?
Navy submarine veteran replies: see below. A genius, dreamer, and visionary to be sure.
Now, do I believe Mr. Hedges wrote such a beautiful acoustic guitar serenade to the Father of Naval Nuclear Power ...? No.
Just discovering Michael Hedges now..and I wish I did sooner..guy was super talented!
does anyone know who Rickover is?
Judging by the cover photo, Nash the Slash would be proud. (RIP)
I see I'm not the only one that expects some lost follow up to Paprika Plains to unfold.
What an incredible artist; this is my favorite of his.
gemtag wrote:
According to Wikipedia it was George Beauchamp in the twenties.
Whoever invented the Guitar was a genius.
According to Wikipedia it was George Beauchamp in the twenties.
gemtag wrote:
Gemtag, the guitar is an ancient instrument that has evolved, like humans, to produce their maleficent sound. It all began with a 1 string instrument!
The loss of Michael Hedges was a loss to our culture
Whoever invented the Guitar was a genius.
Gemtag, the guitar is an ancient instrument that has evolved, like humans, to produce their maleficent sound. It all began with a 1 string instrument!
The loss of Michael Hedges was a loss to our culture
Hannio wrote:
Perhaps Hedges was referring to a different "dream" of Adm. Rickover's. From Rickover's farewell testimony to Congress:
"...I do not believe that nuclear power is worth it if it creates radiation. Then you might ask me why do I have nuclear-powered ships? That's a necessary evil. I would sink them all...
Rickover's dream was a nuclear navy. Different Rickover, maybe.
Perhaps Hedges was referring to a different "dream" of Adm. Rickover's. From Rickover's farewell testimony to Congress:
"...I do not believe that nuclear power is worth it if it creates radiation. Then you might ask me why do I have nuclear-powered ships? That's a necessary evil. I would sink them all...
Sublime. Such a sad loss.
Brilliant
Yes! Joni!
zedstation wrote:
zedstation wrote:
Yes, same thought every time.
linz_bobinz wrote:
linz_bobinz wrote:
I keep expecting Joni Mitchell to start singing.
Bill how about playing some Antonio Forcione sometime? In particular his live album.
Came back from the end of SRV's Riviera Paradise on PSD to get this song on the main player.
Almost as if Bill programmed the 2 songs together.
Very nice indeed.
Almost as if Bill programmed the 2 songs together.
Very nice indeed.
Bill how about playing some Antonio Forcione sometime? In particular his live album.
This is one of my favorite songs he does. I was fortunate to watch him for free at the New Varsity Theater while growing up in Palo Alto.
Kokoloco53 wrote:
If you liked MH, you might like Willy Porter.
Just wished Michael Hedges could keep on playing, here on earth.
If you liked MH, you might like Willy Porter.
Je vous conseille à tous le double CD sur les dix premières années de Windham Hill Records (Windham Hill: The First Ten Years).
I would advise all of you to have a double CD on the first ten years of Windham Hill Records (Windham Hill: The First Ten Years).
I would advise all of you to have a double CD on the first ten years of Windham Hill Records (Windham Hill: The First Ten Years).
Just wished Michael Hedges could keep on playing, here on earth.
Yes, same thought every time.
linz_bobinz wrote:
linz_bobinz wrote:
I keep expecting Joni Mitchell to start singing.
Still bummed I never got to see him play live.
I always for some reason, think this is Bruce Coburn
Rickover's dream was a nuclear navy. Different Rickover, maybe.
nook wrote:
Few things like a night transit on the surface. The peace up in the sail was a nice respite from maneuvering. Envied the JO's who got to enjoy that on a regular basis.
Most of us tend to filter through our experiences. Seeing the title of this song kicked in the old dusty submariner filter. I could almost smell the sea rushing over the deck as the boat transited on the surface at night in the balmy tropics. Strange juxtaposition, calm and peace, a sense of all was right in the world, experienced from the deck of a nuclear submarine transiting equatorial waters, underway to or from the front lines of whatever the current hot spot was.....
Few things like a night transit on the surface. The peace up in the sail was a nice respite from maneuvering. Envied the JO's who got to enjoy that on a regular basis.
nook wrote:
What a beautiful study in contrasts. The peace of a weapon of war sailing the seas. The thought set to this music was so fitting.
Thanks for sharing that.
Most of us tend to filter through our experiences. Seeing the title of this song kicked in the old dusty submariner filter. I could almost smell the sea rushing over the deck as the boat transited on the surface at night in the balmy tropics. Strange juxtaposition, calm and peace, a sense of all was right in the world, experienced from the deck of a nuclear submarine transiting equatorial waters, underway to or from the front lines of whatever the current hot spot was.....
What a beautiful study in contrasts. The peace of a weapon of war sailing the seas. The thought set to this music was so fitting.
Thanks for sharing that.
Most of us tend to filter through our experiences. Seeing the title of this song kicked in the old dusty submariner filter. I could almost smell the sea rushing over the deck as the boat transited on the surface at night in the balmy tropics. Strange juxtaposition, calm and peace, a sense of all was right in the world, experienced from the deck of a nuclear submarine transiting equatorial waters, underway to or from the front lines of whatever the current hot spot was.....
Automatic 10
oldsaxon wrote:
He or she may have just been a friend. Why make a thing about politics out of it when the man was an artist that gave his music to a guy that did cable television? We sometimes look too hard at things. Relax and enjoy it.
I too had the same reaction when I saw the name Rickover but it certainly wasn't politically motivated. "Uncle Hymie" and Naval Nuclear Power School had such an impact on me that nowadays anything I encounter that is somewhat related to that period of my life conjures several deep running emotions. Outside of parenthood it was hands down the most intense experience I could ever survive and live to tell about.
He or she may have just been a friend. Why make a thing about politics out of it when the man was an artist that gave his music to a guy that did cable television? We sometimes look too hard at things. Relax and enjoy it.
I too had the same reaction when I saw the name Rickover but it certainly wasn't politically motivated. "Uncle Hymie" and Naval Nuclear Power School had such an impact on me that nowadays anything I encounter that is somewhat related to that period of my life conjures several deep running emotions. Outside of parenthood it was hands down the most intense experience I could ever survive and live to tell about.
markw wrote:
The song is Spare Change. It wasn't played backwards. It was played forward and then each note (after the intro) was physically cut from the tape and spliced backwards (I believe by turning it upside down) to get that effect. The notes still played in the original sequence, but started with the decay and ended with the striking or hammering of the string. There are some overdubs of both normal and edited guitar mixed in. True genius.
He did this with his engineer and it took an inordinate amount of time and dedication to accomplish, but it was clearly worth it. I wish I could remember the whole story of how they did this. It's one of my favorite tracks ever. Bill should really add the Aerial Boundaries version of Spare Change to the rotation so people can hear how truly astounding it is.
That is unbelievable. I just listened to the track after reading your comment, and am in utter awe. It is achingly beautiful, and a masterpiece of art. What a stand-out artist.
The song is Spare Change. It wasn't played backwards. It was played forward and then each note (after the intro) was physically cut from the tape and spliced backwards (I believe by turning it upside down) to get that effect. The notes still played in the original sequence, but started with the decay and ended with the striking or hammering of the string. There are some overdubs of both normal and edited guitar mixed in. True genius.
He did this with his engineer and it took an inordinate amount of time and dedication to accomplish, but it was clearly worth it. I wish I could remember the whole story of how they did this. It's one of my favorite tracks ever. Bill should really add the Aerial Boundaries version of Spare Change to the rotation so people can hear how truly astounding it is.
That is unbelievable. I just listened to the track after reading your comment, and am in utter awe. It is achingly beautiful, and a masterpiece of art. What a stand-out artist.
fitzworld wrote:
Great post. Happy for you!
Saw Michael Hedges at the Bottom Line in New York City back in 1997 (two weeks before he died) and sat in the front row. It was easily one of the most extraordinary, magical experiences of my life. Hedges was completely engulfed by the music and the moment and we felt carried away by his magic. I don't know if he was a genius or a prodigy or just an ordinary person who cared passionately about making music, but we were mesmerized by his trance and will always cherish that night. Can't help wondering what else Michael Hedges would have done if his life hadn't been snuffed out way to early!
Great post. Happy for you!
Great guitarist, RIP!
wow 10
Dear Michael, dear me...
Some of the most amazing musical performances I ever had the pleasure to witness.
I have a guitar, or two, but I could never imagine making six strings do the things Michael got his six to do. What the heck, I ponied up and bought his song book, just for kicks. I wanted to see how somebody would translate what Michael does with his hands to lines on a page. Pretty funny, if you ask me.
Some of the most amazing musical performances I ever had the pleasure to witness.
I have a guitar, or two, but I could never imagine making six strings do the things Michael got his six to do. What the heck, I ponied up and bought his song book, just for kicks. I wanted to see how somebody would translate what Michael does with his hands to lines on a page. Pretty funny, if you ask me.
He wasn't making politics out of it. He's genuinely curious, as I am, who the "Rickover" might be. BTW oldsaxon, some people enjoy looking harder at things to understand the inspirations that lie behind a nice piece of music. So live and let live.
oldsaxon wrote:
He or she may have just been a friend. Why make a thing about politics out of it when the man was an artist that gave his music to a guy that did cable television? We sometimes look too hard at things. Relax and enjoy it.
oldsaxon wrote:
He or she may have just been a friend. Why make a thing about politics out of it when the man was an artist that gave his music to a guy that did cable television? We sometimes look too hard at things. Relax and enjoy it.
Saw Michael Hedges at the Bottom Line in New York City back in 1997 (two weeks before he died) and sat in the front row. It was easily one of the most extraordinary, magical experiences of my life. Hedges was completely engulfed by the music and the moment and we felt carried away by his magic. I don't know if he was a genius or a prodigy or just an ordinary person who cared passionately about making music, but we were mesmerized by his trance and will always cherish that night. Can't help wondering what else Michael Hedges would have done if his life hadn't been snuffed out way to early!
This guy started the trend of percussive guitar and harp guitar, some fantastic playing, inspired people like Eric Roach and therefore Newton Falkner and Ben Lapps. RIP Michael Hedges.
Just woke up at 6:30am here in Burkina Faso, West Africa, turned on RP, and this perfect instrumental came on to greet the day. Reminds me of the Windham Hill stuff I used to listen to in college, or open mic at the Daily Grind in Bloomington, IN back in 1983... Merci.
BBoyes wrote:
He or she may have just been a friend. Why make a thing about politics out of it when the man was an artist that gave his music to a guy that did cable television? We sometimes look too hard at things. Relax and enjoy it.
Who is Rickover? The one who comes first to mind is the father of the US nuclear Navy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyman_G._Rickover
He or she may have just been a friend. Why make a thing about politics out of it when the man was an artist that gave his music to a guy that did cable television? We sometimes look too hard at things. Relax and enjoy it.
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Agreed! Sadly, your verb tense is incorrect - he could play!
I really felt his loss. Have all his vinyl LPs. Used one of his songs as the theme for my cable tv series, "Nature Walks" in Marin County ans San Francisco. He gave me permission and never asked for anything other than a copy of one of the shows. Great person and musician.
Agreed! Sadly, your verb tense is incorrect - he could play!
I really felt his loss. Have all his vinyl LPs. Used one of his songs as the theme for my cable tv series, "Nature Walks" in Marin County ans San Francisco. He gave me permission and never asked for anything other than a copy of one of the shows. Great person and musician.
I forgot about Michael Hedges and my Windham Hill period. Thanks for the rememberance. I'm downloading now.
Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
....... "Outstanding" this boy can sure play
Agreed! Sadly, your verb tense is incorrect - he could play!
....... "Outstanding" this boy can sure playAgreed! Sadly, your verb tense is incorrect - he could play!
linz_bobinz wrote:
Came here to say exactly that... :)
Fortunately, she's not at home in this song.
I keep expecting Joni Mitchell to start singing.
Came here to say exactly that... :)
Fortunately, she's not at home in this song.
....... "Outstanding" this boy can sure playMe Likey 
Who is Rickover? The one who comes first to mind is the father of the US nuclear Navy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyman_G._Rickover
One of John's best imo and always makes me happy. Bonus.. it was in one of my favorite movies too, Benny and Joon. 
linz_bobinz wrote:
Now that's funny. Nothing less than a 9 for Hedges.
I keep expecting Joni Mitchell to start singing.
Now that's funny. Nothing less than a 9 for Hedges.
I rated this a 7?I blame some substance or anger issue. >9
linz_bobinz wrote:
I keep expecting Joni Mitchell to start singing.
Pat Metheny was her guitarist for a long time, and his sound is a bit similar to this, I agree. I like both, a lot. Nice.Pure Magic 
Splendid, splendid! A peerless and visionary musician, lost far, far too early...
..okay, i'm now totally chillaxed..ahhhhh..
I keep expecting Joni Mitchell to start singing.
I heard just the first couple of chords and before I knew the song I thought, "That's Michael Hedges." Hedges' guitar strokes were always very powerful and resonate and for whatever reason I have never heard anyone play the guitar like he did. He was very special and is sorely missed.
My wife and I saw him perform at the Bottom Line (now defunct) in New York City about a month before he was killed in that freak car accident in California, and we were blown away. We've both seen a lot of concerts through the years but that one sticks with us like few others. We sat in the front row and watched him do his thing and it was mesmerizing. It wasn't just his playing but the way he moved his body in sync with the music and his determination to connect his sound with the audience. Hedges was operating on a different plane that ordinary people, and that experience will stick with me for the rest of my life!
My wife and I saw him perform at the Bottom Line (now defunct) in New York City about a month before he was killed in that freak car accident in California, and we were blown away. We've both seen a lot of concerts through the years but that one sticks with us like few others. We sat in the front row and watched him do his thing and it was mesmerizing. It wasn't just his playing but the way he moved his body in sync with the music and his determination to connect his sound with the audience. Hedges was operating on a different plane that ordinary people, and that experience will stick with me for the rest of my life!
Yes, this definitely sounds like a Windham Hill performance ...
Michael can best five guys playing guitar. Seeing him live (or a live recording) is the best way to appreciate his artistry and mastery of traditional and unique (I'm thinking Harp Guitar) instruments. I don't think you "get it" until you realize many (most?) songs are one take on a single instrument.
Would be cool to follow this w Bill Frisell - an electric magician. His version of Hard Rain from East\West would make a great segue.
snowcat wrote:
Agree...one of the greatest acoustic guitar players ever. And an amazing recording engineer; one of the songs on Aerial Boundaries has an entire guitar track played backwards.
The song is Spare Change. It wasn't played backwards. It was played forward and then each note (after the intro) was physically cut from the tape and spliced backwards (I believe by turning it upside down) to get that effect. The notes still played in the original sequence, but started with the decay and ended with the striking or hammering of the string. There are some overdubs of both normal and edited guitar mixed in. True genius.
He did this with his engineer and it took an inordinate amount of time and dedication to accomplish, but it was clearly worth it. I wish I could remember the whole story of how they did this. It's one of my favorite tracks ever. Bill should really add the Aerial Boundaries version of Spare Change to the rotation so people can hear how truly astounding it is.
Agree...one of the greatest acoustic guitar players ever. And an amazing recording engineer; one of the songs on Aerial Boundaries has an entire guitar track played backwards.
The song is Spare Change. It wasn't played backwards. It was played forward and then each note (after the intro) was physically cut from the tape and spliced backwards (I believe by turning it upside down) to get that effect. The notes still played in the original sequence, but started with the decay and ended with the striking or hammering of the string. There are some overdubs of both normal and edited guitar mixed in. True genius.
He did this with his engineer and it took an inordinate amount of time and dedication to accomplish, but it was clearly worth it. I wish I could remember the whole story of how they did this. It's one of my favorite tracks ever. Bill should really add the Aerial Boundaries version of Spare Change to the rotation so people can hear how truly astounding it is.
Sjaaks wrote:
Michael had a degree in music composition. I think that's a significant part of why he sounds so advanced compared to others. More than just technique. It really shows on the first two albums, especially Aerial Boundaries. He was definitely cut from a different cloth. Grew up in the prairie town of Enid, Oklahoma, not far from me. Things are different out here. I think it's the dust from the red dirt, stirred by the occasional tornado. Woody, Charlie Christian, Jimmy Webb, Leon Russel, Flaming Lips... so many carry it with them, wherever the wind blows them.
Now this i love! Beautiful complex arrangements yet taking it slowly, instead of rushing it at 200bpm like so many guitarists do.
Michael had a degree in music composition. I think that's a significant part of why he sounds so advanced compared to others. More than just technique. It really shows on the first two albums, especially Aerial Boundaries. He was definitely cut from a different cloth. Grew up in the prairie town of Enid, Oklahoma, not far from me. Things are different out here. I think it's the dust from the red dirt, stirred by the occasional tornado. Woody, Charlie Christian, Jimmy Webb, Leon Russel, Flaming Lips... so many carry it with them, wherever the wind blows them.
I'm so grateful that I got to see Michael Hedges live at Rivina in Chicago. Amazing artist.
CaptTofu wrote:
I read the following about Rickover somewhere. If he was considering an officer for his command, he would have the candidate over for lunch. Salad was always served first. Of course it was the first test. He observed whether or not the candidate salted and peppered his salad before tasting it.
My Dad worked for Adm. Rickover, having gone into the nuke sub Navy after graduating from Annapolis. Rickover was one tough guy to work for, though he himself went to the Naval Academy against all odds when the had perforated pages in the yearbook for the Jewish members, Rickover having been one of the few Jews at the time.
If not for Rickover, we wouldn't have a nuke sub fleet.
Great song, my dad was quite interested when I told him.
If not for Rickover, we wouldn't have a nuke sub fleet.
Great song, my dad was quite interested when I told him.
I read the following about Rickover somewhere. If he was considering an officer for his command, he would have the candidate over for lunch. Salad was always served first. Of course it was the first test. He observed whether or not the candidate salted and peppered his salad before tasting it.
I have a guitar with six strings.
It doesn't do that.
Ho man, we miss you Michael.
It doesn't do that.
Ho man, we miss you Michael.
Playing so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. Michael, you were gone too soon.
Thanks, RP.Now this i love! Beautiful complex arrangements yet taking it slowly, instead of rushing it at 200bpm like so many guitarists do.
9
9
SmileOnADog wrote:
Caught him on a double bill with Shadowfax back in the mid 80's, truly an astonishing musician who pioneered fresh guitar techniques and created a musical space that was intense and immersive — really sad that he passed away so relatively young.
I saw him with Leo Kottke while I was living in Phoenix. One of my wife and I's favorite shows. Still brings a warm glow.
Caught him on a double bill with Shadowfax back in the mid 80's, truly an astonishing musician who pioneered fresh guitar techniques and created a musical space that was intense and immersive — really sad that he passed away so relatively young.
I saw him with Leo Kottke while I was living in Phoenix. One of my wife and I's favorite shows. Still brings a warm glow.
Kokoloco53 wrote:
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
These last lines of the Desiderata and this spiritual music is what I use to renew my hope for this world. Smiles and joy to everyone.
Whoever invented the Guitar was a genius.
Gorgeous. Thank you.
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
These last lines of the Desiderata and this spiritual music is what I use to renew my hope for this world. Smiles and joy to everyone.
scraig wrote:
Wait'll his stuff hits The Weather Channel. My kids busted my chops a few years ago when they were playing Pat Metheny's music during the "Local On The 8's" Quasi-Muzak, I guess, to those unfamiliar with the music.
reminds me of the music they play in every single touristy store along the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
Wait'll his stuff hits The Weather Channel. My kids busted my chops a few years ago when they were playing Pat Metheny's music during the "Local On The 8's" Quasi-Muzak, I guess, to those unfamiliar with the music.
Not sure of the actual album this was originally from but I have it (at least the studio version). He definitely was another excellent musician who died too young. This trend goes back a long way to giants like Mozart, Schubert, et al.
This song right here *is* what Radio Paradise sounds like.
Om nom nom (eats this tasty song)
Being a rock musician seems to be a very dangerous occupation - seems they have a much higher death rate than most others. 
A great talent lost too soon...
A great talent lost too soon...
Gutter wrote:
Not exactly. One of his songs was used for August Rush, but Michael died in 1997. Kaki King (Katherine Elizabeth King) was the one that performed the song, and did most of the playing (listed as all the hand shots) for Augusts' character in the movie.
Was this the guy that did the music for the Film "August Rush"?
Not exactly. One of his songs was used for August Rush, but Michael died in 1997. Kaki King (Katherine Elizabeth King) was the one that performed the song, and did most of the playing (listed as all the hand shots) for Augusts' character in the movie.
scraig wrote:
I hear you (it)...but still, try to listen with clean, fresh spirit and ear...sublime.
reminds me of the music they play in every single touristy store along the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
I hear you (it)...but still, try to listen with clean, fresh spirit and ear...sublime.
Was this the guy that did the music for the Film "August Rush"?
Cynaera wrote:
Amen to that, and "As the Raven Flies" while you're at it.
Bumping to a 10, based on the day I've had and how this song has calmed me down. I wish someone would upload "Illinois" by the late Dan Fogelberg. Or "To The Morning." Either would fit perfectly after this one...
Amen to that, and "As the Raven Flies" while you're at it.
RedGuitar wrote:
Caught him on a double bill with Shadowfax back in the mid 80's, truly an astonishing musician who pioneered fresh guitar techniques and created a musical space that was intense and immersive — really sad that he passed away so relatively young.
This guy was a truly amazing guitarist. I'm glad I was able to see him perform before he left this earth.
Caught him on a double bill with Shadowfax back in the mid 80's, truly an astonishing musician who pioneered fresh guitar techniques and created a musical space that was intense and immersive — really sad that he passed away so relatively young.
Cynaera wrote: Beautiful work. RIP, Mr. Hedges. And thank you for the wonderful legacy of music. Your vision sets my vision to flight.
mread wrote:
Someone actually down-voted this comment? Who would do that... and why?
My guess is they didn't have their prune juice that morning.