I was fortunate enough to see Hedges 5 or 6 times, and each time was incredible. Unfortunately, he drifted more and more towards this intolerable hippy-dippy, California vegetarian, Birkenstock stage persona that was frankly just obnoxious. The last time I saw him (only a few months before he died) I had the opportunity to meet him. I wasn't one of these fawning, rabid fans - I just said, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I always enjoy your shows - you're an amazing guitarist." His reply (and the accompanying look) was almost drenched in contempt. He said, "I'm not a guitarist. I'm a composer." And while I was standing there he treated just about every one else with equal disdain. The whole time I'm thinking, "You officious, pretentious f**k. Get over yourself."
Hedges was astonishingly talented, and he certainly raised the bar for a generation of guitarists, but my firsthand experience is that he was also a complete ass.
Now having said all of that, I'm very interested in Kaki King. I'm always interested in new music, so thanks for the tip.
