By request.
A minor revelation when this came out a few years ago, Mark Fosson's guitar stylings will definitely appeal to fans of John Fahey and Leo Kottke's instrumental work. A Kentucky native and son of a blues record collector, Fosson possessed the right background to produce the roots-inspired material that graces this album. It remained unreleased for nearly 30 years despite Fahey's initial enthusiasm for the project. After receiving a demo tape from Fosson, Takoma Records' head honcho authorized studio time for recording the album sometime in late 1976 or early 1977. Not long after the sessions were in the can, however, the label was sold to Chrysalis Records, and plans for the album were scrapped. Fahey gave the master tapes to Fosson, who had the foresight to keep them for posterity. And finally in 2006, these recordings saw the light of day.
Obviously, Fosson is a damn good musician and displays a deft touch on his 12-string guitar throughout the proceedings. It would be pretty pointless to try to describe one great instrumental after another, so I won't. Although he's very much his own man, there are times where his playing is reminiscent of Fahey's, especially on tracks such as "Jubilaya," "Quarter Moon" and the remarkable "Gorilla Mountain." Other writers have noted the similarities of "All the Time in the World" and "Frozen Fingers" to the works of Leo Kottke, and I can't say that I disagree. In my opinion, the probing "Cosmic Hiccup" is The Lost Takoma Session's finest moment. All in all, this is music of a timeless beauty. Let it wash over you like a gentle ocean wave.
FOSSON WITHOUT THE AWFUL PERM THATHE SPORTS ON THE ALBUM COVER
1. Jubilaya
2. Wind Through a Broken Glass
3. Variations on a Thumb
4. Quarter Moon
5. Cosmic Hiccup
6. Chillicothe
7. Arrival of the Grand Picayune
8. Gorilla Mountain
9. All the Time in the World
10. Sky Piece
11. Frozen Fingers
12. Nancy's Waltz
Posts
Am listening now, and is as you state. Nice to hear music like this again, and too bad they let it languish.
ReplyDeleteOne time in the 70s had purchased a ticket to see Fahey at the Great American Music Hall in SF. We waited, and waited, and said he was coming from Sausalito across the GG Bridge. After the opening act played a few sets, they finally said he wasn't going to make it.
He happened to be drunk and simply didn't show up.
I never tried after that to see him again, although I wish I had.
Same venue to see Ramblin' Jack. Sadly, he did show up and was so drunk he was terrible.
Alas, held out for Dave Von Ronk and he was most excellent, although the voice had problems. Amazing guitarist though.
Ooops, did I say Thanks 4 this!!!!
Cheers! CM
Hi, CM,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those stories. I got to see John Fahey do a show at The Empty Bottle here in Chicago about a year or two before he passed away. His performance was pretty meandering and probably nothing compared to how he was in his prime. Nevertheless, even an over-the-hill Fahey noodling away on his guitar was still an event worth experiencing. Anyway, glad you enjoyed this.
RF
Thank you. Great guitar!
ReplyDeleteIt's really an interesting genre.
CDR rip
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This is really lovely stuff. Fosson brings enough variety to his compositions to keep things interesting throughout. He by no means seems to be any less a talent than Fahey or Kottke, though he is not as unique (quirky?)as either of them. In fact, for that reason, I find it easier to listen to the whole album all the way through. I hope he gets some attention (long over due) from this release. Thanks for turning me on to this fine guitarist!
ReplyDelete@ Slidewell,
ReplyDeleteVery well put, my friend.
RF