Search - John Fahey :: The Best of John Fahey 1959-1977

Lively Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

Zordano | 10/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Fahey excels as performer and composer in this outstanding compilation of his distinctive brand of solo, finger-picked, steel strung acoustic guitar blues and folk.



This well selected set covers a period when Fahey was really sharp and focused.



Melodic, original, engaging solo instrumental pieces, played with attack and gusto - Fahey always thumb and finger picked a full loud sound out of his dreadnought Martin guitar.



The instrumentals are a fusion of traditional blues and folk and John Fahey's gutsy reinventions of both - here we have striking metal strung guitar sounds and strident melodies.

Many of these sharp, punchy, lively, highly original guitar pieces will become favourites you'll feel compelled to hear again and again.



This re-release comes remastered and with three new bonus tracks (tracks 16-18) making it a must buy."

Great collection chosen by Fahey himself

Ed Brickell | 06/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most inventive guitar players you'll ever hear on a compilation chosen by none other than Fahey himself. The CD adds thee highly generous bonus tracks to the original, including the 23-minute "Fare Forward Voyagers" -- a jaw-dropping passacaglia of sorts that never dips in invention or interest for its entire length."

Acoustic guitar's most brilliant pioneer

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 01/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This single-CD best-of has a fair amount of material in common with Rhino's 2-CD "Return Of The Repressed" collection, but is a more compact and cohesive reading of the first half of Fahey's career. Stunning acoustic guitar work with the undying creativity that Fahey infused into all his work. If you haven't heard Fahey's work before, this is an excellent starting point; exploration into his original, full albums is also highly recommended."