Drawing
from folk and blues of the 20s and 30s, John Fahey reinvented steel-string
acoustic guitar with modern compositions, which helped lay the ground for a new
form of self-taught fingerstyle playing that was traditional yet refreshingly
novel. Fahey’s work was therefore instrumental for the advancement of American
Primitivism, inspiring numerous acoustic guitar players from Leo Kottke and
Robbie Basho to Sir Richard Bishop and Jack Rose. Death Chants, Breakdowns & Military
Waltzes is probably my favorite
Fahey record, and constitutes an excellent introduction to his vast
discography. “Sunflower River Blues” opens the record with a melancholy melody
that displays Fahey’s guitar-picking at his best. The sounds of sadness find
their way into the follower “When the Springtime Comes Again”, which eventually
evolves toward a statement of rejuvenation and hope. “The Downfall of the
Adelphi Rolling Grist Mill” is perhaps the eeriest song in the record, where a
haunting flute accompanies Fahey’s feverish guitar and evokes a certain Western
imagery. The music atmosphere lightens up in “Take a Look at that Baby”, a
pretty little tune reminiscent of youthful love. For
a taste of Death Chants, Breakdowns &
Military Waltzes, have a listen to the opener “Sunflower River Blues”:
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