Cons: Some might consider the songs moody and somewhat depressing
The Bottom Line: Taproot is one of Hedges' most enigmatic albums. A story album that had a lot of potential though it's somewhat unrealized. A solid record that holds up well.
First, Taproot is the name of an album by Michael Hedges [1953-1997].
As I've written before, Michael Hedges, who died in a tragic car accident in December of 1997 was possibly the greatest acoustic guitarist of his time. He WAS Windham Hill, their best-selling artist. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live many times at the Bottom line in NYC and he was always superb, a real entertainer, a storyteller and always, a first-rate musician. He was incredibly prolific with his instrument, the sounds of which no one else has come close to matching. His vocals were reedy, if heartfelt, and he increasingly sang better and better through the years with a more relaxed and confident style.
Taproot is a transitional album for Hedges: one vocal piece, instrumentals that tell a story within a story. Taproot contains songs about his sons (the stalks) and his life. Nomad Land became the title of his web site later.
Reportedly Hedges was going through a divorce and its aftermath during this time period. I imagine that the songs reflect some of the painful emotions of that time period, as does his other album of this time, A Road to Return. As such, the songs directed towards his sons (the stalks) can be quite moving.
My standout cuts: Nomad Land, and Ritual Dance. The one vocal, I Carry Your Heart, based on the e.e. cummings poem is a brilliant work that illustrates Hedges ability to remake his influences into something all his own.
Even with the mellow, if somewhat downcast tone, this is a solid record and one that holds up well (four stars) years later.
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