Michael Hedges - Because It's There

From the July 1986 at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia. Haven't been able to find this still available for purchase, so decided to post these finally.
Tuning: Harp Strings G1Bb1C2A1D2, Guitar E2A2D3E3A3D4.

[@RedDogForge]

My heart breaks a little every time i hear his music. Even 30 some odd years later, here i am, an old banged up grizzled blacksmith, with tears running down my cheeks. Listening to you play. You set my soul a fire brother. Thank you so much for making my life all the more deeper and richer. You are loved and missed brother.

[@easygarednia]

I felt that

[@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😊❤

[@garymcaleer6112]

As a schoolmate of Michael at the Peabody Conservatory in the late 70's, beyond his innovations in music, I can honestly tell you, he was a most gentle soul to grace the Earth.

[@donhutch5639]

Thank you for that info. Since first hearing his music I admire his ability, Sorely missed RIP

[@stefanoventurini5900]

I completely believe you!

[@ginajones2328]

Met him at Peabody also He was am amazing soul gentle loving and a musical genius

[@avpicov]

It comes through!

[@ronmounts8075]

That's So Coooool!!!! He seemed like a kick back man!!!

[@OpieDogie]

I saw this guy two times in concert after being captured by the beautiful score “Eleven Small Roaches” which is still one of my favorites still in 2024. RIP GUITAR hero.

[@robertdolby]

I was at this exact show -- 16-years old, also my first time hearing Michael at all -- we were there primarily to see Shadowfax as we hadn't listened to William Ackerman or Micheal Hedges yet. This was an incredible show in a beautiful environment -- mid-summer and cool; no humidity -- unusual in DC). I've interviewed Michael in-person and saw him live many times. I'm a pianist/singer/composer and this changed my life. Thanks for posting this.

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Wow. What a show!

[@SWH2012]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. Shadowfax was also my way 'in' into the Windham Hill world... Shortly followed by indeed the late, one-of-a kind master/pioneer Michael Hedges and others.

[@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😊❤

[@lrtrager]

Still blows my mind how good Michael was. Still remember the day he passed as one of the saddest days of my life!

[@Raed911]

Beyond human capabilities! just the single most under-appreciated talent of all-time

[@jisgchile4859]

all I read are comments like this.... he's not under-appreciated or underrated, theres people who knew him and people who didn't.

[@davidgilbert2479]

Not under appreciated. Just not played enough. Now that we have lost Michael I truly believe it is up to us to share his music with others even more than when he was alive. Thank you for sharing your heart and vibration with us brother Michael. Play some for the BIG guy, cuz a happy God is a smiling God. Peace,Love,Happiness D

[@obiebowman3679]

I agree...

[@endze1613]

I'm sorry to say it like this, but there are so many 'single most underappreciated talents of all time' that it's just waste of breath and/or pixels to write stuff like that. No? I know you meant it in a positive way, and so do I. If we like something just share it and tell other people about it and do our share to promote it and stop feeling like it's a crime or unjust that people like this have no fame- fame or large-scale appreciation is not the reason people like that play music.

[@dmarcco]

Picked up the record that this song is on and I have never been moved by solo guitarist until I came across Michael Hedges. The way he played was so precise yet natural and elegant. And what's even better is that he's from Oklahoma the land of nothing and where Im from... so sad I never heard his name growing up in Oklahoma it's a shame.

[@BassByTheBay]

This piece has stuck with me for decades. Hedges was one of those rare, true innovators as evidenced by this remarkable piece of music.

[@geezer805]

As a novice I don't have a tiny shred of the Talent Michael Hedges possessed. Hearing him play for the first time was an eye opening, jaw dropping, life changing moment. I wish i had seen him in concert. Video recordings are not the same as actually being there. I am left heartbroken over what I and the rest of the world are missing because of his passing. There absolutely was nobody even remotely like him. Truly gone way too soon.

[@seigneurjesuistoipshaw.5359]

Your wee lassie is most definitely proud of the privilege of having such a father! Bless your heart Mike.❤

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I got to see Michael Hedges during his release of his Ariel Boundaries album.He did his first and second album at the time. A dear friend of mine knew him and said i should see him in concert if I ever get the chance you will not be disappointed. The stars were aligned that night that I saw him.You could hear a pin drop at times when he would do his most incredible material..it was truly unbelievable ..if you close your eyes you would swear that there was more than one person on stage playing the guitar.May he rest In peace Michael Hedges. Gone but not forgotten.

[@dmlong56]

What an exquisite piece and such beautiful artistry in the hands of this man. He appears so witty and humble…the great ones always are. Thank you for your music. I’m sorry you left this world much too early.

[@joewallawalla6442]

This is as far as you can take ANYTHING acoustic...no special effects, just pure brilliant playing...God bless Michael Hedges forever. Gone too soon...❤️

[@bryanmeekins835]

The way he keeps that rythmn going on the guitar, while hitting those harmonics and playing that bass line all at the same time is truly mind boggling.

[@ericmalone3213]

It's called counterpoint, lots of people do it.

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

A light that Burns twice as Bright burns half as Long & Michael oh you Burn so very very Brightly! RIP

[@garymcaleer6112]

A most kind gesture. He sleeps, awaiting new life and new audiences.

[@Thecurbstomper]

just discovered him today. Absolutely amazing.

[@longlost8424]

I was lucky enough to see him live about a dozen times, and got to introduce this amazing talent to a few of my fellow guitarists, with every one left jaw dropped. 3 shows stand out in my memory, first with Leo Kottke at Carnegie Hall, 2nd at the Bottom Line, both in Manhattan back in the 1980's. 3rd was a Halloween concert in Atlanta back in the 1990's. I actually found the Bottom Line show here on utub, only originally broadcast in Japan. Just a freaking amazing talent...... he is missed......

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

Imagining the makers of that harp-guitar thinking, ”Dang-so that’s how it’s played! Didn’t know we created such a cool instrument til now.”

[@llovebeats3749]

Not really, theorbo players have played like this since forever and its awesome. They are coming into fashion again because of youtube guitarists and its double awesome that we might hear more of this kind of instrument.

[@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😊❤❤

[@RobinBassett]

I saw Micheal perform this live! Live through a PA with an appreciative crowd and him delighting in his music was superb! I'd love to be able to see him again!! You just can't capture an atmosphere like that on TV or KZbin!

[@Yami02blue]

I'm sorry I discovered Michael Hedges so many years after his death. I had no idea he was such a monster talent

[@brettdison]

God, do I miss Michael! I saw him in Scottsdale, AZ. within a week or two of this concert (same jokes and outfit -- bless his beautiful soul). Now, 35 years later, he remains one of my favorite humans. In that respect, I suppose he is still alive,

[@ThePowerCosmic3555]

I had the privilege of seeing Michael Hedges in concert at the OKC Zoo Ampitheatre, with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Michael Hedges' career had just left the launching pad at the time. David Crosby introduced him as the most amazing guitar player he had ever seen, a sentiment that Stephen Stills and Graham Nash agreed with without question.

[@DEATHVIPER1777]

I was there as well. South Okc here.

[@Turboy65]

Michael's genius was not only in the creation of such amazing melodies, but also in his clarity of thought that led to him basing the harmonic structure of his songs on specific tunings that actually made the fingerwork the easiest part of his songs.

[@zoobly3]

Not to be contrary, but you've got it backwards. Michael was a classically trained composer and developed tunings to accommodate motifs within a clearly defined tessitura.

[@B0yardigi0rn0]

I fall asleep listening to this sometimes. It takes me to Jupiter and a bunch of other exotic places within my mind. He's missed, he was the best.

[@tixximmi1]

When Frank Zappa said the same thing, it brings validity and weight.

[@HotelAVJobs]

Crazy good. Always a favorite. I hope it lives on with younger folks transitioning to understanding what is brilliant...

[@melindameeks3302]

I was so sad whenI heard he had passed away. I was blessed to see him preform 3 times. I felt a spirituality, like a connection that is hard to describe. Hearing him play and his humor and performance art I felt an energy he brought to the space, for lack of a better word it was divine. I felt he could bring spirit elements down. I'm glad he was here. He is loving, humorous and an amazing musician. He was loved by so many and so missed.

[@superscruf]

I saw him live, twice, at the Palmyra Arts Festival in Pennsylvania. He played at the high school two years running - we figured he made a mistake the first time around, so we were really surprised he came back the following year and wowed us again. Dude was totally about sharing the music, and played every bit as intensely for us as for a crowd of thousands. I guess that tells us why the music was so good - the musician was a rare character indeed :)

[@truthawaits4u458]

What a mild channel he allowed himself to be so this beautiful music could pass through him to our dimension. Thank you micheal....🙏

[@JamesZaworski]

Michael Hedges remains one of my all-time favorite artists. I became a fan of his about 1983, and was so impressed with his acoustic guitar work and was so curious about his "Aerial Boundaries" song because I thought it was an overdub track, but was so surprised that on the liner notes of the vinyl sleeve it stated that all tracks were "recorded live with no overdubs". I was so curious about how he achieved this complexity and it was not until I saw a video of him playing that I realized he used a variety of techniques, from finger picking to two handed tap to using a pick and hammer on techniques. You can see a lot of that here.

[@segaloccupationaltherapy2323]

Wow lookin good there no joke I'll listed

[@johnmcminn9455]

yeah man, he was going on an amazing journey with ostanato patterns, not delay loop effect. Michael Hedges is the effect!

[@Babaziba]

The first time I saw Michael was in a tiny Orlando club. I saw him four more times, the last being in the same club 10 years later. The first time he was wearing this same outfit. Some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard.

[@fredandpattychandler4130]

Guitar wizardry, and music magic. Michael Hedges made us feel free to explore the landscapes in our hearts. Because their there. Mountains of the soul.

[@likeablegent]

I love how Hedges looks into the soundhole and reads the info out to his audience...he was one helluva nice guy, an incredible, amazing guitarist and is so sorely missed by his many fans around the world. To say virtuoso would be an understatement...

[@jeremypiquette1364]

This man changed music. And no one knew about him. My buddy shows me him almost 20 yrs ago. He had this concert on vhs.. it's too bad him and Jaco couldn't have gotten together for an album

[@strangher11]

not knowing they were in the presence of greatness, more than likely nervous laughter ... this version is just immaculate ...

[@TheGreenKingdom]

Amazing musician and human. Such an inspiration...

[@AfternoonProductions]

Damn it’s rare for a song to be so beautiful it triggers memories wow Rest in Peace my friend just showed me Michael Hedges’ music and my god what a legend. I’ve never heard this song before how did this evoke this kind of emotion from me??

[@miabishop1709]

I began listening to him when I was 18. Many years ago. He will always be at the top of my list. I don’t think anyone can compare to his creativity and talent. I was devastated when he left this planet. I can only imagine the music he would be producing today.

[@luna3723]

Amazing!!! The guitar player from another planet!

[@Criticalizzy]

To whomever posted this original vid - thank you! We need to keep everything MH ever did alive.

[@msmomo2u]

Rest In Peace Michael. You are missed.

[@DavidWKimber]

I can't tell you how many times I finish listening to a MH tune and just put my head in my hands and despair that he's gone. And, marvel at what he just showed me. Hint: It's pretty much every time.

[@togue777]

What an incredable journey he takes you on in this song.You can feel the energy of motion throughout the entire piece.

[@channel________________]

Simply beautiful, repeat; simply beautiful. He fit the theme so spot on that it's surreal. This song completely correlates to an explorer doing what he loves simply because he can, while basking in the humbleness of doing so. Hedges is another perfect example of someone who can speak and extrapolate feelings and stories through music, in such a professional and, like I said before and to be implied here on out, beautiful way.

[@tannerfamilyco]

pure joy. He's why I fell in love with music 20 years ago. RIP

[@chiefinspectorshine]

"Because It's There". Though I never knew him, that sounds like something Michael would say if someone asked him, "How do you coax these otherworldly sounds from anything you touch?" RIP Michael Hedges and thank you for making the world a bit brighter.🙏🏾

[@edadpops1709]

When i was much younger i knew about him,and overlooked his talent on the harp guitar. Now hes gone and im sad i was so narrow minded. His music is so wonderful and mind peaceful.

[@user-gj1ei9dh8n]

Since I had seen him perform..what can I say..his Vibes were so UNIQUE! The best ever! He was about 3-4 years younger than myself and I am also an acoustic guitarist..been playing😪💚💛🧡 since 13 years old..Just bought me a beautiful Fender! AHHHH! I miss him so much!

[@erikattkisson9353]

An inspiration to me for decades. Glad to see the live footage surface.

[@samswank]

First time I saw him was in 1984 right after Aerial Boundaries came out. He was the first of three acts. He played four songs and tore everybody's face off!!

[@Dimothian]

Oh yes, this is for me! He got the audience standing. Great man. Awesome performer...

[@djpetenice]

Left us too soon. His guitar skills and compositions were from another dimension. Thanks for posting. Really enjoyed this.

[@GregInEastTennessee]

He played on a plane much higher than us mere mortals. I saw him in Knoxville, TN and my jaw dropped and stayed that way the whole show! So sad he's gone.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

We’re still loving you, Michael!

[@ericjohnsawyer]

A great sense of humour and magic - always in our hearts

[@sojannedos]

Andy Mckee's inspiration. I can hear "The Friend I never Met." Beautiful.

[@JimAdams_banjo]

One of my heros of guitar....How I wish he was still creating music on this Earth.

[@rumbalala]

A genius, much lamented. RIP Michael.

[@jamesnoneya2113]

one of the greats he is one of my favs

[@cecilcharlesofficial]

God listens to Michael Hedges.

[@ChrisSharp_kr1spy]

Michael, bless his soul. A human being who so gifted us with his beautiful and timeless compositions, and even his interpretations of other work (i.e. ‘Come Together’, ‘Pinball Wizard’, ‘Love Bizarre’). So glad I got the honor to introduce him to the stage for a show he did twenty-some-odd years ago in ABQ, NM. He explosively began with ‘Pinball Wizard.’ It was amazing of course!

[@GahMehGrrrr]

I had this on a guitar player magazine flexi disc. Amazing

[@nelsoncole493]

Why have I never looked this up before? Wonderful musician, very sadly missed. "Live On the Double Planet" is one of my favorite albums.

[@PamAdkisson]

I saw him once..in Ventura...my life was forever...is forever...changed by Michael Hedges...RIP beautiful soul!!

[@tripstar4000]

no one will ever be able to replicate what you see , please understand it is a priceless moment in music. thanks for posting. RIP Mr Hedges.

[@Suzmthompson]

This man was amazing. He still is. Thank you Michael.

[@traceyconnor921]

god playing the guitar through hedges right there! transparent to the transcendant, touch down!

[@niskaniskaniska]

how many hours and timeless state of love for the sake of music itself!

[@Checkofoto]

My uncle Carlos Molinar turned me onto Michael back when this video was available. I couldn't believe it. Imagine being a punk rock kid in High School listening to Hedges...Funky Avocado....Now I'm paying his music to my baby.

[@kennethorlando]

I have this on VHS...Shadowfax & Leo Kotke were also on it, but it was called "An Evening with Windham Hill". This is my fav performance on here of this song. Love it!

[@josephgalatha21]

I had a really cool uncle who I only got to see a few times, never really spent any time with. But on one occasion we went to his house for a gathering, and he was playing the Windham Hill Sampler from 1982. I asked him what it was and he showed it to me; I tried to get a visual picture of it, reading the back of the CD (CD's were new then) So I go to the record store to buy "Windham Hill", and Michael Hedges was the only name I could remember. Aerial Boundaries was the first CD I ever bought. In 1992 or 93, Michael Hedges played live in Chapel Hill, NC, and I got a chance to go. I still remember him walking out on stage with a stick of incense burning, stuck between the strings, and he was hunched over, doing a clever knees-bent walk that reminded me of the M.C. Escher print "The Encounter" When I heard that he had died, and that it was in a car crash, all I could think of was Harry Chapin. All these wars we engage in to "save lives" yet we still lose the most brilliant people to simple things we give no thought to, like car accidents. I always have this same set of thoughts any time I hear Michael Hedges now.

[@crobertmayes1464]

Chills every time I listen to him.

[@wasbruno]

a few tears too

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I love what this man does with his acoustic guitar. And what a guitar! He communicates a lot of emotion through it. Gosh, I wish I could play like Michael.

[@denieledwards6893]

SAD LOSS TO THE WORLD, RIP BROTHER

[@jahthunder01]

Im a nylon string player but there's something very nice about the sound of the steel string played fingerstyle. It's refreshing to see a musician like Hedges develop his own "thing" and take it to the limit.

[@madwovens8772]

I was working in my weaving shop when I heard Bensusan on my local public radio station.... rushed out to pick up Aerial Boundaries and have been amazed ever since. I play guitar but never will attain this level of "wow" but that doesn't stop me from reaching.. Michael Hedges was and continues to be an inspiration, and it is evident that no matter his level of accomplishment ...he loved playing. RIP Michael!

[@verbaud]

Jeez, Michael. I miss talking with you. Sail on, baby. Rest in Peace.

[@Steamboat72]

Reminds me of a friend I wish I could see again, not sure how he is doing, but I love you bro.

[@CStack2Ci]

I met Michael twice in Oklahoma, he was a lovely soul! He played this at the big Music Fest in Bartlesville, OK about 1986....RIP, my friend!

[@shelparks988]

Awesomeness,brilliant and an Intelligent piece to listen

[@randallel5299]

What genius.......OMG...... Amazing!

[@virtualrenegade440]

Still so beautiful it makes me want to cry no matter how many times i hear it.Such an amazing artist that went too young, but his music will live on forever.

[@JJF10101957]

My God,30 years!

[@JohnDoe-ki6fm]

I will forever miss Michael for the rest of my life.

[@Hct-ud6kk]

Listen to him from cassette to cd. But before the time of dvd, he was gone. Thanks for reviving him in YT.

[@SpiderStratagemVI]

I had the about privilege of meeting Michael when he played a club i was working at. I was a fan after hearing 'aerial boundaries '. The technique he used was so ingenious- the was he slapped and tap the neck and guitar body, conjuring beautiful harmonics that just rang out. When I talked to him very briefly, so unpretentious and down to earth. Sadly, it was a week later I heard he passed in a car accident. It was one of the last few shows(from what I understood) when I met him. Truly a huge talent and unique individual.

[@davebase3]

My favorite piece by MH!! I saw him perform several times and he amazed me every time. RIP Michael!!

[@koenie5324]

how great just to play music and don't think just what you are playing, just release the mind and let you're hands loose talented and gifted

[@Krissycrackerblues]

Remember seeing Michael play on April 20, 1988 in Sacramento with Leo Kotte. He was amazing and so talented. Of course I bought his tape of Aerial Boundaries. I checked him out on youtube last night because I met a talented harp guitarist from Sedona, AZ, Patrick Ki and it reminded me of Michael. Of course, he knew of him.

[@spacecowboy2k]

Type3 owns. His collection is unmatched. Thanks, Type3. Great clip. You can't beat the outfit either. Classic 80's.

[@danmang923]

How in the hell is this man not known by most people..... thats the saddest thing of Michael's great talent..... my favorite song of his is Ritual Dance..... im an acoustic guitar player and if i ever had someone to emulate over all my other favorite artists..... michael hedges would be the pinancle i would hope to reach but never would..... and thats alright with me.

[@surfaceofthings]

Only got to see him once but it was remarkable. One of the things that I think gets lost in Michael Hedges discussions is that not only was his music technically challenging but it was also beautiful. He was an excellent composer who had good instincts and a high emotional IQ and it came through in his music. So many musicians-especially guitar players- get caught up in the technical aspects and forget about the most important thing which is making good music. Hedges made good music and I miss him.

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

God I miss him

[@raulcp27]

My Guitar teacher lend me a VHS tape which included a presentation by Michael Hedges and another one by King Crimson, this was back in 1997, i never knew Hedges name, so after more than 20 years i started searching for "Hippie looking dude with crazy guitar" and after a few failed searches i stumbled into this videos! and is him! This guy is the coolest!

[@JohnnyNowhere]

I've never met Michael, never went to school with him, nor attended one of his concerts. To the best of my knowledge, I am unrelated to him in any manner. He was just a big influence on me as a musician.

[@kengodwin3879]

This is awesome. I'm sure it wouldn't be quite so touching without the echo of Jon's lyrics in my head. We go sailing......

[@TheKeroady]

I loved this since new. It plays a part of me. Thank you Michael!

[@Odymon]

I was at this show. He was amazing. It was a Windham Hill night. He was the best, by far.

[@DougGrinbergs]

2:31 actusl performance. Amazing harp guitar work! Hoping some talents of current generation will carry the torch.

[@johnironbear1508]

Michael remains one of my favorite guitar players of all time since I first came across him in the 80s. He was a pioneer and an amazing guitar player and composer. I thank you for posting this, I love his sense of humor and its a wonderful piece.

[@robitteilag6682]

who is here after mike dawes name dropped him? another awesome talent, thank you to both mikes

[@Sman-dc1ow]

Absolute Genius. Gorgeous Song. Just rings out forever...

[@fretkillrfan]

Love you, Michael!