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Michael Hedges - Road to Return Audio CD

A fair review of the Michael Hedges "Road to Return" 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: Road to Return
Rating:
Release Date: 2008-10-22
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Prelude 2: Road to Return 3: Communicate 4: Sister Soul 5: Guardian's Trust 6: India 7: Midwinter Night's Dream 8: Follow Through 9: You Can Have Anything You Want 10: Road Music

Unique
And I like to hear him sing. I love Hedges' instrumental guitar works. Nobody else sounds like him on the acoustic guitar and the microphone, and that is a good thing. One of a kind. When he incorporates the flute, keyboards, and other instruments into these melodious songs it all comes together to move me deeply. And don't be swayed by the guitar snobs regarding his singing. (And I am a guitar player. ) Michael Hedges writes and sings wonderful lyrical songs. Most solo musicians wish they could capture the magic and beauty of his voice combined with his wide open guitar to create such beautiful works. He consistently executes his incredible guitar technique woven amongst his words. RIP MH.


Not his best work
There are a couple of good songs, but if you are looking to buy your first Hedges album, you might try Aerial Boundries, Breakfast in the Field, or Oracle. Hedges liked to try new things, but never really sounded "New Agey" except for this album. Live on the Double Planet is also fantastic. This is the only Hedges disc I own that really never impressed me.


What can be said?
Yes, his vocals have an unpolished sound - and it only embellishes the brutal honesty and integrity of his work. This is a wonderful album - from the heart and soul of a truly gifted artist. . . I think the lyrics are esoteric only to those who lack sufficient imagination. New age? I hate that description. Honest? Yes, very! That is why we love you so, Michael. And to those who understand, no explanation is necessary.


Honest, unpolished vocals , mature craftmanship, brilliant!
This work, another vocal experiment for Hedges, is far and away a better piece than his earlier "Watching My Life Go By," which seemed to be halfway betwen his earlier phenomenal guitar work and his later musical explorations. Well, Hedges was the most incredible guitarist I have ever known, and his death is still a numb spot in many lives, including mine. While some reviewers have been distracted by Michael's vocals, I found them refreshing and unpolished, honest, and unwashed. Yes--unwashed, a good word for it. "Sister Soul" and "You Can Have Anything You Want" are wonderful sets, each evoking a different mood and display moving texts with intricate, if subtle, music. "Sister," for example, is an wonderful chordal piece where the right hand moves in a simple down-up-down pattern while the left hand fingers seperate melodic lines on the fretboard. It is interesting that the vocals come in after a two-minute instrumental with "Time to talk,/It's time I speak. " Well put together, as if the music has to now give way to the voice, the carrier of the message that the music has been hinting at. Besides "Aerial Boundaries," this is my favorite Hedges album, and ought to be a fine addition to any collection.


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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