The Bottom Line
Where Resurrection paid tribute to Fahey by having popular artists play Fahey's own work, Friends of Fahey features mostly originals that were written with John in mind.
Pros
- "Steamboat Gwine 'Round De Bend"
- "In John Fahey There is No East or West"
- "Poor Boy"
- "When Your Way Gets Dark"
Cons
- None
Description
- An impressive set of original songs inspired by John Fahey's work
- A never-before-released recording of John playing "Why Haven't I Heard From You?"
- George Winston appropriately caps the CD off with "Steamboat Gwine 'Round De Bend"
Guide Review - John Fahey & Friends - Friends of Fahey Tribute
Few guitarists have left as much of a footprint on the legend of their instrument as John Fahey. He commanded his instrument with a fluency that covered the areas of folk, blues, and beyond. The independent label he began gave rise to other guitar greats like Leo Kottke and Peter Lang.It's no secret that Fahey's life and work directly influenced his friends and peers, as well as just about any guitarist that ever listened in. Now John's friends and peers have come together with a group of incredibly beautiful songs they wrote with John in mind.
The most notable track, of course, is "Why Haven't I Heard From You?", a Fahey original that has never before been released. Other moments that shine are "In John Fahey There is No East or West," performed by master harp guitarist John Doan.
According to the liner notes, Doan took Fahey's arrangement of "In Christ There is No East or West," and expanded upon it to develop this tribute to his friend.
Also brilliant is Peter Lang's performance of the traditional "Poor Boy." Lang's testament to his friend's work pretty much sums up the impact that Fahey had on other players. In the liner notes, Lang quips that, were in not for John Fahey, he'd still be "punchig out [his] time-card everyday waiting to get [his] gold watch."
Guitar legend John Fahey may be gone, but his music prevails; and as this tribute CD proves, his inspiration is unquenchable.
