Michael Hedges - Aerial Boundaries

[@pmm01532]

my son and I saw Michael in Somerville, MA two weeks before he passed. he gave my son a broken string, signed an Oracle cd, an Oracle t-shirt, an Oracle poster from that show and wrote down his P.O. box in Mendocino, CA so we could drop him a line. he also told my son about his son Jasper who was the same age and waiting for his phone call after the show. besides his incredible talent and gifts, Michael truly shared his humanity and humility with us that day...

[@kerimalpaltuncu97]

what a nice person man, i miss him

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way to Heaven. We've all sinned and deserve Hell. Sins like lying, lusting, etc. Repent and trust only in Jesus, and you will be saved! You can be saved because he took the punishment for our sins on himself when he died on the cross, just like someone can pay your speeding fine in court, and you get off free. Romans 3:23 John 3:16

[@jennawest5279]

I was in love with this man at first sight - saw him live twice and fell under his faerie spell at once...still under it and always will be.

[@dawnmuschell5224]

+Jenna West Wow. I cannot believe that we thought of this wonderful man on the same day. He died in a car wreck and left behind a wife and three little boys. It was tragic and his music will live on in people like me and you forever!

[@urpgag2]

I know why... I wish I could share my front room with my home made altec A7 Voice of the Theatre stero clones... what this genius sounds like popping out of the massive 802 8D tweeters is just plain Experience. He's my favo to listen to... a gentle soul. how good that we have all there is of him, sad as we are he has no more for us... RIP gentle brother

[@ripplebear]

Beautiful words. Thanks for sharing with us. Bless you, Michael Hedges!

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way to Heaven. We've all sinned and deserve Hell. Sins like lying, lusting, etc. Repent and trust only in Jesus, and you will be saved! You can be saved because he took the punishment for our sins on himself when he died on the cross, just like someone can pay your speeding fine in court, and you get off free. Romans 3:23 John 3:16❤😊❤❤

[@laura.sefchik]

Michael’s transcendent composition fills the skies, touching the Heavens with the full resonance of the voice of Beauty...

[@JTNashville]

Oh man, I miss Michael Hedges. Such a brilliant player.

[@ianedmonds9191]

What a performance. The world is poorer for his passing. Luv and Peace

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way to Heaven. We've all sinned and deserve Hell. Sins like lying, lusting, etc. Repent and trust only in Jesus, and you will be saved! You can be saved because he took the punishment for our sins on himself when he died on the cross, just like someone can pay your speeding fine in court, and you get off free. Romans 3:23 John 3:16❤😊

[@rsivarajan]

I was lucky enough to see Michael Hedges a few times and always enjoyed the shows. There was one where he was playing outdoors and a train was going by -- he changed what he was playing at the time to match the rhythm of the train! True genius indeed.

[@krbmsw]

The world is just a little dimmer without this man. There are very few musicians deaths that I have experienced as a personal loss. His was most certainly one.

[@dawnmuschell5224]

+Keith Bayer Me too, Keith. He was a genius and a wonderful father to his 3 boys. His music will live forever through me and my children.

[@ziggystardust1751]

It was late in the evening in a place called Al-Kobar,Saudia,after the call for evening prayer that I heard this song I took a deep breath and was refreshed.It gave me peace.Thank you Michael Hedges.Thank you so much.

[@jeffsech]

This is such a magnificent tune--his degree in composition really shines through. I can play this song (very poorly) and it's astounding how he assembled the left and right hands lines--which play completely different parts through almost the entire song--into a seamless whole. There are a lot of great guitar technicians. The ones who can both play *and* compose are very rare indeed. What a tragedy he died so young.

[@HenryMcGuinnessGuitar]

+jeffsech Exactly right. The ideal is to have someone who can play like this and still step back from the technique and compose. But you rarely see it

[@seanpatrick7791]

I saw Michael Hedges at the Telluride Bluegrass festival that year... My first time seeing Michael. I had no clue who he was at that time, but as my jaw dropped to the ground after seeing and hearing him, I quickly became aware of his awesome musical capabilities. I was lucky enough to see him again in Mancos, Colorado at a place called Millwood Junction in 1996. He played two nights in a row. I went to both shows, first row first night, second row second night...WOW!!

[@vicrattlehead6386]

I just discovered his music quite recently , I was at cd store browsing through the " 70% off" rack and I stumbled on his album Taproot and just somehow decided to buy it (The album cover somehow made me interested to pick this cd). I played the album in my car on my way home and I instantlly loves it and started to look at his videos. Word cant describe, amazing talent.

[@ripplebear]

Gotta love those random chances! So glad you found his music!

[@1blastman]

That album bought YOU, you didn't buy it. Some of the best lps I've ever bought were those that jumped out at me while I'm thumbing through a record rack and yanks my ass into the stack and says: "You ain't leavin' here until you bring me with you!" And I can't argue with that, so I buy the lp and it turns out to be one of my collections better lps and turns me on to many new layers of exquisite music.

[@MountainMomma4Ever]

A friend of mine at UCSC took me to see his concert and I was transported to a different world when listening to him. He was a genius and I was sad to hear when he left this world. Nothing has ever compared to his music since then. Thank you Michael and may you keep the angels grooving with that ethereal music of yours.

[@sgtmcguckin16]

I've heard so much good music in my years & this is one of the best! A musician like Michael Hedges is extremely rare & his personality was so unique.

[@davmaz]

Not that it makes a big difference, but Micheal won a well deserved Grammy for this recording (album). His death was tragic, and no one will ever be able to replace him. I also saw him live several times (once as "warm up" for The Chick Corea Elektric Band), and his performances and recordings will live on in my memory. In my opinion, he is one of the best guitar players ever for his innovative creations. Unmatched. Fantastic.

[@fiosfiend]

I'm just thankful that I got to see this guy live in a small venue before he left us. The most amazing musician I've ever seen in my life.

[@whalerchuck]

It is sooo tempting to want to discuss Michael's guitar technique as it was revolutionary. As an accomplished acoustic guitarist who is undoubtedly influenced by Hedges, I must say that he is one whose playing I have avoided dissecting because the depth of his art and human expressiveness is such that I must stand back and just pay tribute with my awe. Hedges transcends the boundaries, including those aerial. I miss you Michael.

[@PNWdude777]

Well said 👍

[@tiktoride]

I used to go see Michael every time he came to Atlanta, and when I moved to Knoxville, and he would play here. GREAT guitar player, and I meet him. GREAT guy. RIP my brother.

[@RickInRock84]

Aerial Boundaries is one of the best album i've ever heard in my entire life. A true spiritual ispiration, not just musical.

[@CrimsonKarl]

He was a musical force to be reckoned with on the guitar. I can remember the first time I was exposed to his music as a young teen learning the guitar. My mom was part of some sort of club where she would receive albums on the new age Windham Hill label. Not much of it did anything for me, until I heard Hedges, and I was absolutely mesmerized. I could not really grasp all that was going on until I saw him performing a few years later. Slightly pre-dating Eddie Van Halen tapping, he forged his own unique style of playing the guitar that was at once rhthmic, melodic and harmonic, with a myriad of musical influences from classical to funk and bluegrass. I don't know if the non-guitarist realizes how difficult it is to pick up a guitar in a different tuning from the last piece you played, which is different than the one prior to that, and to hold an audience's attention with a single guitar and voice the way he did. I don't think what he did can really be taught. "Genius is the fire that lights itself." That pretty much sums up Michael Hedges.

[@flowerseva]

This song got me thru undergraduate school - snow falling, days on the couch procrastinating in 1984... Michael hedges album in the background.... life was good.

[@PumpkinRain]

I heard this song on the radio today while driving home. When the host said "Michael Hedges", I repeated the name to myself over and over again in order to search in when I got home. A song this good, I had to find right away and listen to again. Goddamn this is a good song.

[@hypekillacsplaya]

this is like a road map inside michael hedges brain to me. its amazing how he was able to express himself with his guitar. he was at a true level of mastery, he is free to do what he wanted with his guitar. the creativity is incredible. only the good die young, even though hes gone hes not forgotten.

[@gwynnevans1282]

This is the song that made me fall in love with Michael Hedges. I was lucky enough to see him in concert in a very small theater in Knoxville, TN. It is something I'll never forget. Who knows what he would have done had he lived longer? I don't think there will ever be anyone like him. And yes, his music will live on forever, thank goodness. He was pure genius. I am astounded that so few people know about him and I keep turning people on to his music and will do so until I'm dead!

[@claudelarosa3378]

Michael , Génie à l'état pur ,un son et un jeux d’Exception ,et Unique .Un Géant .il a éssemer ses notes ,en parcelles d'Harmonie durant sont passage Terrestre . Merci.

[@1cutchie]

Thank you for the post, Michael was a great musician and a beautiful human being. This was the first song I ever heard by him and it still has that effect on me: it takes me elsewhere. One Love.

[@marthaworc7873]

Good point. Michael Hedges died before the cell phone with all the bells and whistles was invented. There is very little footage on him. I really appreciate the fact that this is posted on KZbin. The sound quality is very good as well.

[@oldpython]

I saw him for the first time today - I didn't know anything about him but from the moment I heard him for the first time 20 minutes ago I was enchanted. I am very sad that knowing that this young inspiring genius has met a similar end as those many other gifted talents who seem to leave us too soon. What a gift and a loss for humanity. I believe that after 55 years as a musician, I will see music in a different way now. Hello rackeffect and thank you.

[@BenBopALula]

And there, the maestro who open the way for guys like Jon Gromm or Andy Mc Kee. Awesome.

[@Kalyvakos]

He always blows my mind away when I hear his music. I wish he was still here...

[@Otispuss2]

I must have heard this a hundred times, but I'm still amazed and mesmerized by this. A virtuoso. Damn, I wish the good ones didn't have to leave so soon.

[@marthaworc7873]

You kind of have to see it to appreciate it, right? No looping, no backtracking, just one person and a guitar.

[@MegaSlowe]

The ending of Aerial Boundaries is simply 20 seconds of the best sounding acoustic guitar you'll ever hear.

[@fredandpattychandler4130]

Michael, and the world, he lived in, and played music in. Is so different now. I miss Michael Hedges, and that world, so much. Thank you for posting.

[@Rikk303]

Been playing for 40 years now...never was a natural musician...just did stuff over and over again to get it right. So glad you met this music cousin. It's a year later, maybe you'll remember the moment though

[@PNWdude777]

I first saw Michael Hedges at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in '95, then twice, two nights in a row in Mancos, Colorado in '96... ❤️🎼🎶🎵😥

[@ecoputsch]

Wow, Does this bring back memories! I got into Hedges back in the '80s on vinyl and then tape and finally on CD. He was a wild man on guitar, but somehow it all managed to sound right. He had a style that was breath taking and refreshing at the same time.

[@jefft275]

I saw him 3 times and he was a superb performer. He always was so energetic and his playing was amazing live. My favorite was his take on at least one rock song per show. He played "Let's get it up" by AC/DC one show and it was cool. RIP Michael!

[@oldboy1000]

We have been blessed with extraordinary guitar talents in the last forty years - Hendrix, Beck, Page, many others - but nobody as extraordinarily gifted as this man

[@WilsonEatsASMR]

Thank God we have videos of him...What a true musical genius.

[@ShutlOrbit]

aww man, every time I watch him play, I think not only is that oustanding technique, but it's an amazing composition, too. What an inspiring musician. RIP.

[@lancehuttsell3878]

Strings in his heart...

[@kentuckyblugrass]

We've seen it throughout history. We've even written and sang songs about it. The good die young. This man was way ahead of his/our time. Every now and then the Lord blesses us with extraordinary people and Micheal Hedges was definetly one of those souls. So far beyond his time with his abilities as a musician. I can only imagine what he would be accomplishing nowadays. Thank you for the upload. New Sub👊

[@RHINOSTARROCKT]

One in a Million. A true explorer without boundaries.

[@Mammut1965]

What a wonderful Artist. A brillant Musican and a Clown in the best sense. He opens up our Hard, takes himself not so sirus. He makes our Hard an soul laughing. These Sounds lift me up. Does not matter if he is „the best Guitarplayer, but „he is unique. He gives me curage to look for the very best in me. Pictures of Sounds.

[@fretfix1]

Saw Michael a number of times...all from mere feet away... Six String Paintbrush:)

[@nonameinfl]

His music lives on... in our hearts and minds.....and cd players. Rest in peace Michael your weary soul.

[@dctrex]

I saw Michael Hedges play in Blues Alley in DC. Just an extraordinary talent. Beautiful music. I didn't know that he died until recently. Really makes me very sad.

[@philipatoz]

I remember, sometime during the early to mid-'80s, Michael came to my town, to a little bar - I saw the promotional posters of him with his harp guitar all around town - and to this day I am kicking myself for not going to see him. He was truly a sound painter - he thought the guitar was an organic tool with virtually infinite possibilities - and was intent upon exploring and discovering all he could - providing soaring soundscapes and beautiful nuances that evoke a kaleidoscope of moods and feelings. And what he did so well was open up the sonic spectrum with a sparseness and contrasts of sounds and movement.

[@philipsanders5024]

Back in the early 1980s ther was a small music venue in London's West End called Bunjies folk cellar, every evening people would come along to sing a couple of songs. There would be a resident who would play for an hour then a short break then 3 or 4 floorsingers! I went one night and arranged to do a spot then Adrian legg turned up to play, the resident ,who was a friend of mine told me to follow Adrian !! I.was and still am a 3 chord strummer and here was my mate putting me on directly after this incredible guitarist!! PUCKER TIME!!!! I merely explained to the audience that he'd just played two of the songs I'd been planning to do so they'd just have to listen to the crap I normally played

[@eringism]

sure do miss this fine man....saw him for the first time in nashville in the early 80's then in Oregon at the country fair ....

[@rackeffect]

God I loved this dude. I got to see him five times. He changed my life. His death felt like some of the light in the world disappeared. I still feel it. I hope his children know he was humble giant among men. I saw him once at the Mondavi Winery at dusk with Michael Manring. It was his son's third birthday and he brought him out on stage on his shoulders. It was touching. I've been to hundreds and hundreds of shows in my life...his will always be special.

[@revsharkie]

I only got to see him once, at a little festival in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in 1986. Never forgot it. Still hurts me that he isn't here any longer.

[@JohnsundDk]

This guy was just so brilliantly awesome and this pieces is among his best. Never forget the first time I heard this is was like a "religious" experience - I had NEVER heard anything like this before. And although this is highly technical guitar playing - you never think of it like that - no... here every single note has a profound meaning - nothing more, nothing less! And then, beside the humorous presentations, the man also had the audacity to add subtle humour in the middle of this piece: at 7:10 he quotes the riff from In A Gadda Da Vita from the Iron Butterfly song and looks at his hands like "what did you just do...". Just amazing.

[@jeffsech]

+MrRealitymusic Lol, yeah. He looks at his hand and then shakes off the offending notes. I was just telling my son there's so little video of him--he died before the digital revolution really took hold.

[@davidspice]

I'm pretty sure I saw the Boulder show he was talking about in this clip, if it was at Chautauqua. Man, I was so excited to finally see him perform. That was a truly transcendent, magical night. That venue, that local and his music created a memory that still gives me chills to this day 20 plus years later.

[@Gilyslas]

One of the greatest guitarists of all time to have blessed us with wonderful talent. Have so much of his music and it always reminds me of his great talent and influence on the music world.

[@hoppinjohnvolunteers]

I knew Michael when I was in college. He was studying at the Peabody and he used to come and play at our 'coffee houses' all the time. This was before he became known. I loved talking with him about music. So sad he was a shooting star.

[@intracoast]

Genius. How well I remember when I first heard this recording. I never saw Michael Hedges perform when he was alive. Thanks for posting this video.

[@mygoodnessmyguiness]

Ahhhhh......... Shiver down the spine. Totally beautiful. Makes you feel like a inadequate guitarist. I mean seriously inadequate.

[@JeffersonFox]

Lord I wish Michael Hedges was here to have coffee with...or something.

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way to Heaven. We've all sinned and deserve Hell. Sins like lying, lusting, etc. Repent and trust only in Jesus, and you will be saved! You can be saved because he took the punishment for our sins on himself when he died on the cross, just like someone can pay your speeding fine in court, and you get off free. Romans 3:23 John 3:16😊❤

[@SergeLepineTunes]

Such a great mentor. Pure inspiration for so many acoustic guitar players !

[@tobyman7]

i saw Michael at his very last show, in Pittsburgh, he died driving home to Mendocino after flying to west coast after the gig. I was devastated, it seemed the air was sucked out of most of my acoustic playing friends. So Sad...still miss ya mike...

[@jakerandall123]

No one has ever understood the accoustic guitar like Michael. he was the master of the instrument and a rarity!

[@dannyhood66]

For not being known by the mainstream this guy is highly respected from guys that are equally as shredding in music to that of a martial artist of highest ranking when it comes to guitar playing

[@wolftune]

he was so great (one of the best musicians on this planet of course) charismatic high sense of humor now we can ear great acoustic guitarists but no one with 10 per cent of his genius

[@2gobeond]

Had the guitar player issue with Micheal on the cover, bought Aerial Boundaries, love his music such an innovator and wonderful composer.

[@JeffersonFox]

his connection to the instrument is magical. Though you see lots of players using the techniques he employed you rarely see anyone that is employing them because they're natural to the player. Michael had 2 arms and a guitar for limbs. I'm glad he shared all of this with us and it's truly a shame that an early demise shortened such an artistic life. Be careful out there everybody. jf

[@MrKellyv1]

So happy I stumbled by him playing at one of the outdoor patio clubs on the park by the river in '89-- at least I think that's where I was { I did a lot of LSD back then)... I remember his name on the street sign and just being stopped in my tracks on the sidewalk hearing him~ amazing cat

[@fngrpckr]

This is amazing! I am sadly only now getting into Michael's music. A very special musician! Thank's for sharing this! Darryl Chafe

[@josephgarrahan9945]

Not sadly at all. It's only a joy to discover Michael hedges and his music.

[@Truth0420]

This is musical purity! What an amazing blessing!

[@methodinsane]

I really really like this version. He's really feeling it here..

[@AndrewGorny]

stellar performance... I always love it when 5:07 comes around and he nails letting 1st string ring through that transition... one of my favorite moments in AB

[@JasonGlisson]

Oh my goodness! Why did this guy have to leave the musical community?!? What a fantastic guy and probably one of the most inventive guitarist I have ever seen.

[@paulkapka2499]

my hometown. great show. yes, I was there. so thankful. r.i.p.

[@observer7418]

I saw him in Columbus Ohio but I can't find the clips anywhere...

[@americangum]

God! The power in this man's fingers is absolutely stunning!

[@rodneyriddnauer]

Last time (of 20?) I saw Hedges was in July 1997 at the place in Davis CA where he began -- a converted movie theater. Before the New Varsity in Palo Alto even. Anyway, during intermission he's out there in the lobby talking to his girlfriend on the pay phone by the entrance. He hands me the phone and says hey you wanna talk to my girlfriend? On my mother's name. One of my heroes forever.

[@citizenfitz]

Saw him play in Tulsa back in the mid 80's. Not only was he a great guitarist, he was funny and he had very likable stage presence. What a shame things ended like they did.

[@drummer2k5]

he looks like he has do much fun when he plays and is stage show looks very entertaining. i wish i could have saw him in concert :(

[@tyler1820]

What I really like about this song is not his technique, but when you listen it really sounds like you're in the air

[@istetchthesun]

In the lights of Michael Hedges eyes, there was only one way of seeing substance, and this would be sound, pure beauty of the sonic sense.

[@STICKSnSTRINGS]

To all guitarists (and any other musicians watching this)... the sustained note at 3:07 (as he takes his hat off) is a string IN BETWEEN two other strings that he's muting to do the hammer-ons with his left hand only. Try this at home and you'll get a new appreciation for this man's technical ability... Freakin' AMAZING!

[@loyeti71]

One of the best guitarist and composer of the last century A true genius when i hear for the first time Aerial Boundaries (1990) the original record is dated1984! i don't believe to my hear A true genius

[@savagemyth]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS, it looks like the same era that I saw him perform in Madison and Milwaukee WI and he was breathtaking, it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and you could cut a knife through the collective awe in the audience.... I'd give both my legs to have that Martin...

[@GGBundy]

Saw him at Belmont College in Nashville Tenn back in the late 80's. Truly a musical inspiration.

[@AlbertMustang]

This man changed my life

[@johnnyd63]

He was the best...Totally original and fresh.Brought finger style out of the doldrums and made it into an event..The best.

[@brjimbo1]

Aerial Boundaries - my all time favorite. Meteorological/cumulus formation set to music...Phillips University (Enid, OK) graduate.

[@travisweaver22]

Wherever you are, thank you. Needed this reminder tonight.

[@VincentVader]

I saw him a couple times in Birmingham AL. I remember when I heard he died. Incredible talent gone too soon.

[@gtarpicker]

michael, i wish you were here today

[@flamencojaymo]

Damn that ending part starting at 5.52 is simply beautiful, i love the whole piece but that part really connects with my soul. Michael was in the spiritual calling.

[@swinedance]

Miss him and his music.

[@SonicArchitecture]

This Man was the Real Thing. A combination of flawless execution mixed with melody, groove, dynamics and an overall sense of composition. There are many mimics, some with huge hits on the Tube - but this was the true genius. And yes, No fx's, except for some reverb. It's called musicianship. Peace

[@Aracnicon]

I can hold back the tears through the enitre melody UNT>ILL you get to that part....After that its goosbumps and tears all the way

[@therzallwazajack]

amaazzzzzing man saw him Michigan theater Ann Arbor MI 198?something he maybe gone but his music talent is for ever in my memory and others I'm sure !

[@franksigwart9777]

My God, no words express

[@Newyorkgeo]

Rest in peace Michael.

[@Psalmist374DKR]

friggin loved his sense of humor.... right hand sneaking in some iron butterfly rofl

[@olivierpreziosa1707]

+Darrell Russell i agree ... brilliant and so poetic ^^

[@ronaldpetrin5823]

I remember that...now. I said before he got to that part, at 63 my memory is not so bad. It took an "Iconic" experience.

[@gking407]

the best version yet, thank you

[@awjs74]

FRAP is the brand of soundboard pickup he used. Jackson Brown & Neil Young used them. They impart a very natural sound to the guitar. That plus his Sunrise magnetic soundhole pickup gave his his distinctive acoustic sound.

[@paulomellettski]

Just beautiful. Thank you Michael. May your spirit fly free.

[@egauldin]

this music is quite something ,magical and methodical

[@russellvt]

Simply beyond amazing... such a tragic loss .

[@MikeBurkard]

Fell in love with Michael Hedges long ago... got the album Taproot back in 1990... such a genius with the guitar... wasn't he kicked out of Julliard?