|
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
A Truly Gifted Guitar Player, June 14, 2000
From the jazz stylings of the opening cut "The Funky Avocado" from his 1981 debut to the fragile beauty of "Java Man" taken from 1997's work-in-progress album Torched, Hedges displayed a unique style and amazing technique. Now, nearly three years after his untimely death, Windham Hill has put together this generous 17-track, hour-long collection which touches on each of his albums.
While it might be safely argued that his guitar playing was more expressive than his voice, his vocals were always engaging, whether on tracks like the gentle "The Streamlined Man" or his interpretation of Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." In all, five vocals are included.
But it was Hedge's guitar playing that earned him his reputation and this collection does not disappoint. Listen to the acoustic beauty of "Aerial Boundaries" or "Rickover's Dream" and then realize that this was recorded live with no overdubs and it's astonishing to hear his technique.
This is not intended for the long-time fan who will already have all of his previous releases. This is a chronological representation of Hedges' career for the uninitiated who are provided an adequate overview if not definitive glimpse at one of the music world's most gifted guitar players. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |