Customer Reviews

Fare Forward Voyagers

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This is an absolutely beautiful album from 1973,on which Fahey continues to take a more extended improvisational approach to his guitar compositions; similar to that recently explored on his masterpiece album, "America."

There are only three pieces here, but each is very successful,dynamic and cohesive, incorporating traditional tunes as well as themes from previous Fahey compositions ("When The Springtime comes again"). On many of the tunes John uses a 1930s Gibson "Recording King" (later tragically smashed in a fit of temper)which sounds absolutely stunning.

Years ago, the good folks at Shanachie reissued the album on CD (albeit with different jacket art) but it's long out of print. A real shame as this is indispensible Fahey.

an inspired effort, written and performed by the artist in his determination to obtain connubial bliss with the object of his heart's desire (a most noble quest), this recording combines such powerful yearning with sublime composition that is tinged with eastern spiritualism. it is a level of performance rarely if ever matched in his discography, or anybody else's for that matter. it should be mentioned that the lengthy title track is now featured on the best of john fahey cd, if you're looking to save a buck or two, given the relative expense of this title at this writing.

John Fahey recorded one free-form album. And this is it.

Fare Forward Voyagers is Fahey's mystical album. It dives deep, and then swoops upward into complex reveries of cadences and rhythms. Although he occasionally anchors his compositions in delta blues hooks, the music pushes ever forward, as the title suggests.

Fare Forward Voyagers is one of the most sophisticated acoustic guitar albums ever recorded. However, it didn't sell as well as Fahey's more accessible albums, and he never again revisited this approach.

Fahey himself had warned against what he called "orientalism." And yet, here he is, flaunting his own rule. Again, according to Fahey, for the love of a Yogi's secretary.

But don't let this endearing story distract from the intent of the compositions. This album is a serious excursion.

If you are a Fahey follower, Fare Forward Voyagers is essential. If you are a guitar player or guitar music fan, it's a rare journey to the heights of solo acoustic guitar.

I've been listening to John Fahey for over 30 years and never tire of his music. This is my favourite. As others have mentioned, it was his most improvised album. Do yourself a favour and get it - you won't regret it!

John Fahey is the man, and this is some of his most accomplished guitar playing. A truly beautiful album.