As one of acoustic music’s most influential innovators, John Fahey has influenced musicians from many genres. On February 14, a who’s who list of indie rock artists’ pay their respects to the guitar-extraordinaire with the release of I Am The Resurrection: A Tribute To John Fahey. Produced by M. Ward, the tribute features cuts from the Fruit Bats, Sufjan Stevens, Calexico, Devendra Banhart, Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo, and Granddaddy, among others – a full track listing is below.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of his signing with the label (12/12/66), and the fifth anniversary of his death (2/21/01), a simultaneous reissue of the 1968 fan favorite The Yellow Princess is also planned. The reissue will include three new tracks, as well as new and original liner notes.
The goal of the tribute, which was the idea of Vanguard staff member and the album’s co-producer Stephen Brower, was to compile a roster of contemporary artists, primarily from the indie rock and indie folk worlds, who have been profoundly influenced by John’s work. “As relatively obscure as he was, John Fahey’s unmistakable stamp is all over the current strains of rock and folk music,” says Brower.
Track listing:
Fruit Bats – “Death of the Clayton Peacock”
Pelt – “Sunflower River Blues”
Sufjan Stevens – “Transfiguration & Communion at Magruder Park”
Devendra Banhart – “Sligo River”
Calexico – “Dance of Death”
Lee Ranaldo featuring the Lazy 8 Chorale – “The Singing Bridge of Memphis, Brooklyn Bridge Version: The Coelcanth”
M. Ward – “Bean Vine Blues #2”
Cul de Sac – “The Portland Cement Factory at Monolith, CA”
Granddaddy – “Dance of the Inhabitants of the Palace King Phillip XIV of Spain”
Immergluck, Kaphan, Krummenacher & Hanes – “Joe Kirby Blues”
Currituck Co. – “Medley: John Hurt Shiva Shankarah
Peter Case – “When the Catfish is in Bloom”
Howe Gelb – “My Grandfather’s Clock”
