Michael Manring Remembers Michael Hedges

[@SWH2012]

HEROES....both of them. Beyond borders, beyond deep, beyond genius... Their music and mastery will live on forever. Thanks for this beautiful, long talk.

[@Nithael_]

Thank you Mr. Manring, the two of you were a special magic that has never been repeated.

[@kisslena]

Michael Hedges. I was so broken when he died. His music brought me through some dark times. And his peace and passion on the guitar was everything to me. I loved his singing voice too. Thank you for sharing your beautiful insights on his life and work.💛🎸🦋

[@PNWdude777]

I saw Michael live for the first time in '95 at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I'm a guitar player, and my girlfriend at the time knew who he was, but I had never heard of him. She kept telling me you gotta see this guy and the way he plays guitar. I just remember being absolutely blown away by his playing and was hooked! I was fortunate enough to see him again in '96 at a small intimate venue. He played two nights in a row. I went to both shows and sat in the front row ten feet away from him! The first night, he was late getting to the place. Everyone was standing in line, waiting for the doors to open. The next thing I saw was Michael walking up right past all of us and went in for a quick soundcheck. We could hear him playing, and we all got excited...I sure miss him😔

[@rsrmusic]

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 before 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 Michael’s passing. I immediately left work, went home, played guitar to honor Michael, and drowned out my sorrow. I was incredibly moved by Michael during our brief meeting. I’m grateful for his presence then and now

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

What an incredibly beautiful and information-packed post! Thank you for this, so much. Please, know that Michael's family is in the process of creating a documentary about Michael... ORACLE: the Life & Music of Michael Hedges - slated for release in 2025. We're hoping that it will reach as many people as possible with the message about Michael and his legacy. Tell your friends! It's a crowdfunded effort, and it's already 50% filmed/produced. :) Love the details about G3!! He should definitely have headlined... they missed an opportunity on that one.

[@ManCaveStudio]

I was fortunate to see Hedges live several times. To this day I have not heard anyone make an acoustic guitar sound the way he made his sound. It was larger than life. His shows were always solo and his acoustic was a 3D type of sound. He ran two outputs out of his acoustic. One for the immense lows and the other handled a stereo sound with some reverb. I miss those days.

[@fruitloopdingusdingus838]

A star that burned bright but fast. His influence is world wide. This is steller. Thank you for the introspection of the late great Hedges.

[@mikesales8611]

Michael Hedges helped me through some of the most emotional parts of my life. He is the original alternative guitar players who set the standard for future guitar players.

[@mikebrown9850]

I met Michael in 1994 weeks before I left for Nashville at a show that Mr Manring himself was sharing the stage with the musical Icon. Manring is correct in relating how Michael would react to someone trying to emulate or (try to) copy him. I was doing a one man show in those days and I was working on covering Breakfast in the Field. Michael said, “ That’s interesting, what tunings do you use?” And of course I had no idea and neither did anyone else at the time. I was able to spend about 20 minutes with just him alone. He was flattered at my interest in playing his music but encouraged me to explore and create my own. He was the most humble unassuming musical genius I’ve ever been around. He signed my playbill and as I was walking away he called me back and motioned to the program he had just autographed. I gave it to him and he wrote more underneath his signature. When he handed it back to me he said, “ here you go”. He had scribbled down the tunings for Breakfast in the Field. It was literally a Mean Joe Green moment. He is widely imitated but never duplicated. An Icon indeed!

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Incredible story, Mike! Thank you for sharing here. You will be happy to know there's a documentary about Michael's life being made by his filmmaker son, Mischa. Check it out at michaelhedges.com and watch for the crowdfunding starting March 6th. Peace.

[@mikebrown9850]

@@JeffreyTitusguitar Excellent, thank you for the heads up!

[@rodshop5897]

While I also loved Hedges, and still miss him, let's give a little shout out to Manring and his amazing skill as a musician and a composer. The two of them were fantastic together because of the conversations they had both within and without the music.

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Agree 100%. Michael Manring is a legend in his own right, and yet would be the first to say that MH lifted him to new heights and inspired something special that only the two of them could create together.

[@bloodysmurf]

Thank you for this. Michael Hedges was a gift to this world.

[@mattg629]

Thank you for this. His music was an "ah-ha" moment in my life where I was never the same afterward.

[@dougdombrowski4987]

I was fortunate to see Michael Hedges at Princeton University. At the time I had no idea who he was. What a fantastic show. He was amazing to watch perform live as he moved on the stage.

[@dugdug007]

I first met Michael Hedges in a bar in Baltimore as he tapped his foot in time to the Beatle Music he played. I looked up from the pool table because I recognized the timing and technical prowess. I wept openly when my sister in Mendacino called me about his death. I listened to every album constantly

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Thx for sharing the memory!

[@lucass.martins1091]

Rewatching this, I can just imagine that for those that knew him alive , it must kinda feel like "he was here yesterday". A person like Michael Hedges is quite literally one of a kind and not easily forgotten, and people tend to naturally swarm around, everybody want to be "blessed" by his energy. And it makes him feel like a piece of time that froze somehow, in the sense that he left a hole and we keep coming back trough videos and music to try and re-live him, more than it is normal for regular artists. It is like magic really. I often get myself wonder how he would feel and be about the world of nowdays? what would he think about the politiques? about the pandemics? about the many new styles of music? what new things his own music would had incorporated, technology and all? Would he got used to the internet, would he have an Instagram and make livestreams playing his many songs? just imagine how AWESOME would be to open your phone in your job and there is Michael Hedges livestreaming again.

[@paulprince5672]

amazing insights!

[@leftypick4854]

He was a beast on the guitar.

[@dakotarose06]

EXTREMELY honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of his 20 Year Tribute Concert AND to be able to call ALL of you my friends! I, unfortunately, never saw Hedges perform live nor did I get to meet him, but I did get to know him deeply through the study of his music! Thanx Jeff for the opportunity and Manring for playing "Two Days Old" with me!!!

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Well, Adam, you kicked ass at that show! I'm so glad you were there and that we were able to make it happen. You're a good dude and I look forward to more shows in the future. :)

[@pguguwa3133]

I really enjoy MM's interviews. He is a really good interviewee and I just like listening to what he has to say. Loved seeing him with Michael Hedges, too.

[@paulprince5672]

thankyou - for the beautiful and illuminating memories of Michael - I felt lucky to have met him back when he was playing the varsity in Palo Alto before his amazing Breakfast in the Field and remember being hypnotized every time -some of his grab the neck stuff was just outlandish - sound drama and he was inspiring in more than just his playing, with a kind few words he made me realize the best path is one's own - he is so missed . He even played some Joni and Neil Young back then, and with few words he could be quietly hilarious, to entertain while he retuned. I always thought the two Michael's made the perfect alchemical blend. Thankyou

[@jeffreycollins7297]

When he said we would take a song and turn it into a reggae rhythm, I immediately thought of Frank. His adapting Bartok to the guitar was absolute brilliance. And to think that was done before he was even 20.

[@Timmoyoga]

Thank you so much for this. Thank you!❤

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

You are so welcome! Keep listening to and loving MH!! ❤

[@AUnitedIreland]

Knowing Hedges was into Van Halen makes me happy. Both him and Eddie are the reason I started playing guitar.

[@swordsinging1709]

Priceless thank you Michael for sharing this information about your closest friend with us

[@daviddryden8088]

The tragic and completely unwarranted end to such genius that was and still is Michael Hedges is a testament of how mad, without structure, utter failing and malice this reality is capable of. I can't help but wonder, what beautiful song he was writing in his last hours.

[@GusMozart1]

Unlikely he was writing anything in his last hours. He died traveling home in a hellacious storm, coming from Harbin Hot Springs in Lake County after a tour. He often went there to decompress after being on the road.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

So humble

[@stevenlapar187]

I desperately wish for someone to play music with on this level.

[@fruitloopdingusdingus838]

Variety is the spice of life. Peace through music ❤ from Montana.

[@boywonder1444]

These guy's make me happy

[@danielhicks4826]

He's such a good dude its ridiculous, and an even greater player if that's somehow possible. So dang tragic though I cant even imagine losing my best friend at his age feel genuinely so bad for Manring.

[@Stargazer5611]

♡ !! RIP Michael !! ♡

[@navyveterancgn-3728]

I had the opportunity to meet Michael Hegdes in person in Norfolk, Va. in the summer of 1997. He was playing there at a music festival.

[@MT-sk1ln]

and...?

[@Loonaticx]

Man. I was 12 years old that year. I didn't discover Michael Hedges until 12 years later. If I'd have known about him prior I dare say my entire life would be different

[@RonWinter335]

I haven't thought about Michael in many months...he was / is awesome!!

[@marcusdolby1]

I saw you at Spirit Square in Charlotte NC with Micheal around 1995. Amazing show and one of the highlights of my life.

[@ElGuapoBeltran]

This was such a thoughtful insight into the artist - thanks

[@catkeys6911]

This is just pure gold! Thanks so much for these recollections and insights.💖

[@westrokker]

I did get to see him at Bogarts here in Cincinnati. Amazing really. So sad he died so young and tragically.

[@togue777]

A most excellent, candid glimpse into the world of Michael Hedges, both musically and personally as only Michael Manring and maybe Will Ackerman could give. And in de Grassi's studio to boot.

[@RaeZoladawn777]

I adore MH hes so beautiful I remember when I was in College he was merging or coming out . He was so Special ..to listen to ..I loved him . The leader ...when I heard His version of Along the Watch Tower I fainted ahhhh..bless his heart ..x RD

[@Davidthemarathoner]

Thank you so much for this dedication. Much appreciated.

[@hughgallagher6372]

great-- i have listened to hedges forever and knew nothing about him aside from his phenomenal music. though i have to say "Michael on Michael" might have been a better title

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Hugh Gallagher Thanks, Hugh. "M on M" as a title works for those familiar, but then it would be tough to surface in targeted search results on YT. ;)

[@lorenneufeld4306]

Insight from someone who was 'there'! Brilliant!

[@sc7244]

Ah I recognize this guy, he’s played with Calum Graham. Another great player, along with hedges who both inspire me greatly when I pick up my guitar

[@neaituppi7306]

I often wondered about the two Michaels relationship. I know, if I knew any of Hedges songs when he was alive, it would never occur to me to play them for him. That would be very surreal, and maybe uncomfortable to me, if someone played one of my original songs in front of me.

[@patricm.3718]

Wonderful post, many thanks.

[@Iconick1]

R.I.P Hedges

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

I love the voting on YT - someone, mid story from Manring about taking inspiration from Joni and Jaco was thinking, "this is horrible... thumbs down". It's a diverse place we inhabit, eh?

[@andrewoverhere8525]

Jeffrey Titus dont sweat it. you're doing gods work

[@ElGuapoBeltran]

Manrings comment resonated with me - I was fortunate enough to see Joni tour shortly after Hejira with Jaco and Matheny ... I was only 20 at the time but it opened me up to a whole other world of music... led me down the path of Windham Hill and Michael Hedges and now I will learn more about Michael Manring

[@howardcox2918]

Saw Michael in 91/92 ( so long ago now I can't remember the exact year ) at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia,he opened up for CSN

[@savagetofu1]

i watch again!

[@espen_of_drammen]

❤️ Hey Jeff, long time. Hope all is well with you. Greetings from Norway🙏🏼

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Great to hear from you, Espen! Hope all's well and that you're kicking major amounts of arse and still jammin' daily.

[@TioClotildo]

its really strange for me to imagine, based on that image we have of him from youtube videos only, this version Manring talks of him "itching and annoyed" by some other musicians playing his songs or using his invented "styles", mostly because a great part of his work was about mixing styles of his influences, and various of these videos i quoted are about him playing covers. oh, in reality it's hard to imagine he manifesting any negative emotions at all.

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

When you talk about this being "negative" that he wouldn't like to witness these individuals playing his tunes or being derivative in attempting his techniques or style - perhaps it's not so negative as you may think from Manring's comments. For instance, you might imagine the deluge of acoustic guitar players wanting him to witness their attempt to recreate his performances or arrangements. After good and bad experiences where he interacted with those folks, sometimes perhaps offering comments that weren't all that well received but honest, at other times perhaps feeling a bit pressured to give "on the spot critique"... that can be taxing and even frustrating, especially in the environment of his own concert. The honor one feels might wear-off after the first 20 or 50 people with guitars approach you. You might come to abhor the experience - nothing personal, just not a vibe you would want to be subject to when you're not exactly "in the mood", or whatever. The other concept of not exactly being happy to see such adoption of his techniques, style, etc. that Manring is speaking of - who knows, exactly, but in other comments and recollections you can imagine Hedges feeling as if he wanted a legacy attributed to his compositions and not techniques, as he was surely one of the greatest guitarists and innovators ever but aspiring to create music and leveraging the instrument in service to that vision and not the other way around. I wouldn't read these statements too literally at the surface. Michael Manring is simply riffing here and is coming from a place where there is a lot of contextual depth behind what he's sharing with us. We can't really know what his reaction would be, but what Manring is telling us is likely quite accurate being that they were so very close. The context for why he's saying these things would probably take a lot longer to surface. I shot these statements Michael made in one unrehearsed take and it's really incredible how very clear and articulate his thoughts were. They poured-out unadulterated and without filter of any kind. Lastly, such recollections truly do match-up to other stories I've heard of Hedges' personality. Every color of the rainbow and shade of grey that such a profound mind would explore. It might be hard to imagine such a gentle and kind soul in bumper-to-bumper traffic jams, for instance. We all have a variety of emotions and reactions and not all of them are exactly expected or even rational without the full context in the individual reference, memory or association. Peace!

[@TioClotildo]

wow, thanks for honoring me with that complete answer, it's a great analogy! And sorry for my bad english by the way. I understand what you're saying and you're right, his mind was certainly complex and deep in emotions, a depth comparable to his genius. it would request a lot of time analysing it for sure. Just for justify myself, when I say these are "negative emotions", I kinda unconsciously based it on my self little experiences with "my art" whenever I meet similar situations Manring mentions (not to say that I'm in any atom genial or influent like michael - FAR from it). You see, I'm video editor and digital painter, and in these areas you inevitable develops your own interesting ways of doing somethings that others arrownd you will ask "how you did that?" or try to make the same effect in evident ways. In part I'm happy and proud that people think my work is relevant enough to mimic, but in other sense I'm allways annoyed like "hey, its my work I spent a lot of time to achiev. Go create your own!" - And I allways feel bad with myself after I experience such feelings, like I'm a terrible person for such conflict. As Michael is someone I invision as model of life, alomost like a guru, its a litte unsettle imagine him with these mundane aspects, wich of course, as human he for sure had. And Jeff, I'm a great fan of your work too by the way, allways in my playlists when I'm creating something. Really inspires me, so thanks.

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Thanks, Tio. Makes perfect sense about the internal conflicts we all experience in these situations! Glad you dig my music and thank you very much for that comment. More to come!

[@Stargazer5611]

I think he just wanted people to play in their own individual style instead of copying his. I don't think there was a mean or rude bone in his body. :)

[@frontbum420]

Jaco and Joni What a combo

[@gtrrobster]

Thanks for posting this Jeff. Did you do the filming? Manring is a classy guy!

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

gtrrobster Yes, the video/lighting was my privilege to make happen. There's a bunch more with Alex de Grassi that I will share when I have time to edit. Glad you dig it!

[@gtrrobster]

Alex is GREAT. Super nice dude too.

[@AKLowEnd]

Whoa...is that a 18-string acoustic guitar in the background?

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Yes! That's Alex de Grassi's sympitar, created by Fred Carlson (who also built both of my harp sympitar and many other wonderful instruments).

[@matthew_m]

The Bartok chord Manring mentions about 15 minutes in is in Breakfast in the Field. He talks about it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ7cgXaYoM18j8k and here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qamrg2CgZdOMZqc

[@laura.sefchik]

MH + MM = Compadres forever Love both Michaels🕊

[@eddyfree33]

Would have loved to have heard Hedges & Manring playing with Jeff Buckley, another who left far too soon.

[@handsomerube]

Now that would have been an amazing collaboration!

[@rexvisitor44]

Throw John Martyn into the room with those guys as well.

[@kerimalpaltuncu97]

is manthing by manring is recorded with hedges' strings?

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Yes! aka "Rikki's Shuffle", it is a collaborative performance.

[@kerimalpaltuncu97]

@@JeffreyTitusguitar i thought manring recorded mathing with hedges too

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Yes, that's correct - they both feature Michael Manring and also Michael Hedges. They are virtually the same. Rikki's Shuffle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHuspYNreLajo80 and Manthing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJfEdJRmjZudrck

[@kerimalpaltuncu97]

@@JeffreyTitusguitar yeah it thought they are the same

[@tonyrandazzoe8210]

Hey Jefferey !

[@JeffreyTitusguitar]

Teddy!!! You Da Man. :)

[@haydenlandry3837]

Well, I'm sure he does.