A little research revealed John Fahey was a musicologist of some note, with a masters degree in American studies and a biography of Charley Patton under his belt and that apart from knowing about the all old country blues stuff he did a fine job of playing it as well. American primitive guitar was the label Fahey used to describe what he did.
One weekend about twenty years back there were a few people sitting on the verandah in front of The Cave downing ales and swapping tales, a situation where John Fahey was often providing a background soundtrack. One of those present was taking a break from his regular occupation as the pest control operative at Hamilton Island, and much of the tale swapping was concerned with the latest escapades of various local identities, so there wasn’t a lot of attention being paid to the soundtrack, or so I thought. Most of my friends know better than to ask what they’re hearing, but for some reason The Barra turned to me. Professor, who’s this?
His visits to town were few and far between so I guess he was less aware than most of the shaky ground he was entering by asking such a question. Most of my acquaintances would have adopted a don’t encourage him attitude.
John Fahey, I answered. Good stuff, eh?
What I like about it is he doesn’t seem to be playing for anybody else. It's like he’s pleasing himself and everybody else can .... The Barra replied.
And that’s probably the best way to classify the tracks on this playlist - music that sounds like it’s being made on someone’s back porch by people who don’t sound like they’re particularly interested in pleasing an audience.
So what’s on the playlist?
Steamboat Gwine 'Round De Bend - John Fahey