America

by John Fahey

America cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1971
  • Label: Takoma
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 1:18:52
  • Community rating: 4.6/5 from 5 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

John Fahey's 'America' is an ambitious work of American Primitive guitar defined by epic-length instrumental compositions that merge folk, blues, and classical motifs. Originally planned as a double album but released in a shortened format, the recording showcases Fahey's intricate fingerpicking and rare use of a 12-string guitar on inventive originals and expansive arrangements of traditional songs. Later reissues restored the album to its sprawling intended length, solidifying its reputation as a panoramic exploration of American musical traditions and a cornerstone of Fahey's discography.

Genres

Tracklist

  1. Jesus Is A Dying Bedmaker (4:20)
  2. Amazing Grace (2:17)
  3. Song #3 (1:47)
  4. Special Rider Blues (3:03)
  5. Dvorak (3:40)
  6. Jesus Is A Dying Bedmaker - Album Version - (Part 2) (3:23)
  7. Finale (3:10)
  8. America (7:39)
  9. Dalhart, Texas, 1967 (10:56)
  10. Knoxville Blues (3:07)
  11. Mark 1:15 (14:16)
  12. Voice Of The Turtle (15:25)
  13. The Waltz That Carried Us Away And Then A Mosquito Came And Ate Up My Sweetheart (5:48)

Credits

  • John Fahey - guitar, producer, arranger, written-by, illustration
  • Bill Belmont - reissue producer, producer
  • Patrick Finnerty - art direction, design, illustration
  • John Judnich - engineer, recorded by
  • Joe Tarantino - remastering
  • Charles M. Young - liner notes
  • Dallas Jordan - recorded by
  • Steve Guy - mastered by

More from John Fahey: full discography