Michael Hedges passed away 15 years ago today on December 2nd 1997…RIP.
Michael Hedges was an acoustic guitar pioneer. Starting with his first record “Breakfast in the Field” in 1981 Michael completely changed the way modern acoustic guitar players approached the instrument.
His creative use of alternate guitar tunings, hitting the guitar for percussive effect, slapping harmonics, his use of two-handed tapping showed acoustic guitar players a whole new way to express themselves on the instrument.
I remember wearing out my “Breakfast in the Field” and “Aerial Boundaries” records in the 1980’s. But it was not until YouTube that I actually got to see Michaels unique approach to the guitar. I could hear the great music, and I read about the things he did…but I could only use my imagination.
Here is a cool Michael Hedges documentary with some interviews and concert footage.