I think this type of stuff is very cool . . . in moderate doses, of course. There's no denying that it's a great way to establish a groove a solo acoustic guitar, and the better players in this style are able to incorporate a melody to go along with the rhythm. If there's too much "groove," and not enough melody, it tends to lose me after a few songs.
Michael Hedges did some of this kind of thing, but usually used it more sparingly, and his pieces usually feel more like compositions than grooves.
Don Alder--the guy in the second clip--is a very nice, down-to-earth guy. I got to hear a bunch of the songs that'll be on an upcoming album from him, and they're fantastic. Definitely a guy you'll be hearing more about . . .
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