Portland guitarist and songwriter M. Ward pulls double duty on “I am the Resurrection” as both a contributor and co-producer on this tribute album featuring songs by John Fahey, an innovative American guitarist who has released more than 40 albums since the late ’60s. Fahey died in Salem in 2001.
Ward makes his love of Fahey apparent in the album’s liner notes: “In truth: it is only a short time until John Fahey is recognized as the most innovative guitarist America has ever produced – my hope is that our tribute record acts as a catalyst toward this understanding and appreciation.”
“I am the Resurrection” is an excellent tribute album featuring some of today’s indie greats including Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo, Sufjan Stevens, Devendra Barnhart and Grandaddy frontman Jason Lyte.
The album features a wide variety of bluesy, folksy, spacey, subtle guitar arrangements. Standout tracks include Arizona band Calexio’s version of “Dance of Death,” Ward’s short, rambunctious centerpiece “Bean Vine Blues #2” and Cul De Sac’s “Portland Cement Factory at Monolith, CA.”
Spare a few moments; this album is devoid of vocals, but the engaging guitar arrangements will surely please Fahey fans and could turn a few people on to Fahey’s legendary music.
A Tribute to John Fahey, “I am the Resurrection”
Daily Emerald
February 15, 2006
0
More to Discover