Search - Mark Fosson :: Lost Takoma Sessions

Out late but still great

Felix G. Villarreal | 02/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Takoma'esque label lettering, the color and style of the cover, the fact that this album is dedicated to John Fahey by the artist and the almost unbelievable fact that the master tapes lay dormant for three decades after being listened to by the master himself, John Fahey, are all fascinating details to this delayed debut cd. However, in a time and space where Fahey has inspired burgeoning fingerstyle guitar players it is revitalizing to hear genuinely expressive compositions. One can still hear distillations of hybrid folk and blues woven into lighter melodies with sparkling finger work. The compositions transcend technique which makes this album more fresh and uplifting (almost sweet) in the style of guitar greats Michael Gulezian, Peter Lang, Mississippi John Hurt, or Chris Proctor. This cd is a retrospective look at American fingerstyle guitar, once a quiet and neglected art form. With this cd and with all guitar greats, the listener eventually appreciates the nuances and complexities of each composition over time. Personally it was the best musical surprise of the year."