Oracle
Michael Hedges's last album before his untimely death is one of his best. The 1996 album opens with "The 2nd Law," a quietly intense and introspective piece, and moves on through the percussive "Ignition," the sprightly "Gospel," and two variations on the same piece, "Jitterboogie" and the playful "Jitterboogie (Family Version)." The sole vocal piece on the album is a nice turn on theBeatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows," with Hedges backing himself on guitar and fretless bass. There are two other interesting cover choices,Henry Mancini's "Theme from Hatari!" andFrank Zappa's "Sofa No. 1."Oraclewon the 1998 Grammy for Best New Age Album, and the award was richly deserved.--Daniel Durchholz