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Michael Hedges - Torched Audio CD

A fair review of the Michael Hedges "Torched" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Michael Hedges reviews here, or go back to the Michael Hedges tabs.

Michael Hedges Band: Michael Hedges
Title: Torched
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-02-09
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Torched 2: Spring Buds [Live] - David Crosby, Michael Hedges, Graham Nash 3: Fusion of the Five Elements 4: Promised Land 5: Phoenix Fire 6: Dream Beach 7: Arrowhead 8: Shell Shock Venus 9: Ursa Major 10: Free Swinging Soul 11: Rough Wind in Oklahoma 12: Sapphire 13: Gospel of Mary/The Holy Flame 14: Java Man 15: Free Swinging Soul [Live 1994 Concert][*]

A few songs really stand out for me on this one
" This is a lovely album that I have listened to again and again. I love the sound and sense of place in "Rough Wind in Oklahoma" and in the two, very different interpretations of "Free Swinging Soul. I highly recommend it.


A last and great gift from Michael Hedges

For those who are not familiar with Michael Hedges' work, please purchase as a minimum, Ariel Boundaries, and then perhaps "Live on the Double Planet. This is a last great gift from a musician and artist that touched the souls of all he met. " After those two albums this one will take on a greater meaning.

This album in it's unfinished state only adds to the experience, because it yeilds a small insight in to the processes from which his art emerged whole. I would have much preferred to wait for the finished album than to loose such a national treasure as Michael Hedges.

This man died far too soon, with far too much music left in his heart. I consider myself blessed indeed to have been present at a number of his concerts over the years, and to have shaken the hand of such a talented soul.

Michael, you are with us always in your music and in your gentle manner and your raging performances and your wit.


Torched
His inventive playing style and creative alternate tunings make his work a joy to listen to. Michael Hedges was probably the most gifted writer, musician, arranger and producer in the modern music age. Torched is the last work that Michael completed before his death in 1997. If you really want to hear every nuance on Torched, I suggest you listen to these two albums first: Breakfast in the Fields, Taproot, then Torched. You will hear the evolution of a player and the maturing of an arranger. I give Torched 5 stars not because I am a big fan and emulator of Michael, but because it is the best work I have ever heard.


Hedges final work. Half-baked, but hauntingly beautifull.
What you hear here are the pre-production "demos" which were to become a final mastered product. Hedges last work before he was killed in an auto accident.

The quality of the production is no big deal, only audio engineers could really care. The important point is, this album was released intentionally "as is". . . . they did not want to change any of the production values. . . . . it was a great idea!

The music is solid & beautifull as expected, but add the haunting realization that this was this genius man's last effort.

What was once an unfinished production, these pre-production recordings add to the honor and beauty of Micheal Hedges legacy.


The Broad Vision of Michael Hedges
It is his final musical statement, and no one knows which of the unfinished tracks, if any, would have made his final cut. Anyone who has enjoyed any other recordings of Michael Hedges should own this CD. In that light, a different standard needs to be applied to this collection of recordings. Perhaps more than any other album, "Torched" illustrates the broad vision of Michael Hedges, which spanned from pop music fan, to serious composer, to spiritual mystic. The unfinished tracks are often very clearly unfinished; but the Michael Hedges fan will love this collection as a rare glimpse into the creative process in action; the Michael Hedges fan will love this collection because it gives a view of what was to come; and many other people will enjoy this recording because the music is of a very high compositional standard, and has an integrity that is truly rare. Of all the Hedges albums, this is the one that may be for fans only, if there is such a thing; however, this is not meant to dissuade the curious. If you are inclined to take a chance on this, you will most likely be pleased. I must say that I was very disappointed by the Amazon reviewer's lack of musical perspective, as well as by his use of sledgehammer "wit," considering the circumstances of Michael Hedges' death.


You can see a complete list of all Michael Hedges discography, or go back to the Michael Hedges tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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