|
09 Apr 01 - 08:37 PM (#436945) Subject: John Fahey and religion? From: GUEST,Brad Sondahl I'm thinking of doing a Tribute to John Fahey concert at Holden Village, a Christian retreat center, and wonder about John's religious connections. I recall that an Anglican Priest lent John money to start his record company. Also he played a lot of Christian hymn tunes, not just the best known, so I would guess he was brought up in the Church. I'd appreciate any info people have read or gleaned from Fahey personally. Thanks |
|
09 Apr 01 - 10:52 PM (#437035) Subject: RE: Help: John Fahey and religion From: Tom D. The liner notes from the very fine 2 CD anthology, "The Return of the Repressed," on Rhino Records, shed some valuable light on the life of John Fahey. The New York Times obituary and a companion article, both of which came out within a few days of his untimely passing, also have some useful information. To be sure, there is something inherently religious--in the sense of 'numinous' as used by Rudolph Otto in "The Idea of the Holy"--in a lot of his music. In addition to the majesty of some of his tunes, there is an undeniably light and joyous side as well, as in his "Hawaiian Two Step." His actual religious affiliation, if any, and whatever it might have been is, to me, less significant than his ability to discern the inherent majesty in a traditional tune like "John Henry" or "The Sea of Love", an old top forty tune by Phil Phillips that I remember from early high school. One tribute to his ecumenical spirit is his version of the old Episcopalian tune called "In Jesus Christ There is no East of West." He also did stuff from the Indian (as in India) tradition (Jaya Shiva Shankarah). I can easily imagine a Fahey service that consists of nothing other than folks getting together to hear some of his tunes being played in a house of worship with a good sound system and accoustics worthy of his music. He had his thumb on a deep and universal pulse, primarily, but not exclusively, as it manifested itself in a uniquely American form of music. There is a truth in his music that goes beyond words as well as religious denominations. God Bless John Fahey, as he has belssed us with his music. Tom Dowling |
|
10 Apr 01 - 02:02 AM (#437130) Subject: RE: Help: John Fahey and religion From: Stewie Have you looked at the website? 'The Nature of Reality' may give some hints re his thoughts. Lots of luck! Great musician. --Stewie. |
|
10 Apr 01 - 02:09 AM (#437132) Subject: RE: Help: John Fahey and religion From: GUEST,Brad Sondahl Yes, I had looked at his website. I mostly get the impression from his written comments that he was at best disorganized, and at worst, emotionally disturbed. (I've read the other material mentioned above, and mental illness certainly seems a possibility in his later years.) Anyway I agree with Tom D's comments as a general trend, but am hoping for someone who knew him to respond... Brad http://pages.about.com/bsondahl |
|
10 Apr 01 - 12:00 PM (#437375) Subject: RE: Help: John Fahey and religion From: LR Mole The one thought of his that I recall frequently is from his liner notes from the Christmas "New Possibility" album, all of which deserves quoting and which I won't attempt verbatim. He says, though, that hooking kids' concept of Christmas to Santa and toys (or Easter to egg-laying rabbits and candy) makes religion much less "possible" for them when they become adults. I remembebr being impressed by the quality of the whole essay. |