Railroad Cadences & Melancholic Anthems: A Drummers Tribute to John Fahey (Jealous Butcher)

What Your Ears Say & The Cover Looks Like

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What We Say

One for the best of 2022 lists I reckon. The guitars of M. Ward, Marisa Anderson music & Chris Funk pay homage to John Fahey, but what sets this nod to the man apart are the decidedly unfolk like percussive patterns & sonic ingenuity of Jose Medeles, whose beats elevate the strings to even greater heights & make this eulogy so unique. Out now on Jealous Butcher Records.

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What The Release Notes Say

It was an absolute dream to create with this trio of brilliant guitarists Matt Ward, Marisa Anderson and Chris Funk, at the same time celebrating the musical spirit and genius of John Fahey. 

Please note that this is a not “covers” record, but a “tip of the hat” to a forward thinking musician, writer and artist. Although I have never encountered Mr. Fahey, it sounds like he was as unique and complicated as his some of his tunings and overall approach to music. I specifically asked Matt, Marisa and Chris because I knew their appreciation for Fahey ran deep. 

Created over the course of three separate afternoons/sessions. The plan was very simple: set-up, get sounds, play, have fun and exhale. Friends making music in a sea of uncertainty and freedom. All the while, the spirit of John Faheys music was the lighthouse that guided us home. Some waters smooth, others choppy, but ALWAYS exciting. 

All the pieces were improvised under the umbrella of vulnerability and trust. Musical musings caught like a floating amber just before it goes out. I can't help but think of recording pioneers Alan Lomax or Chris Strachwitz who boldly captured field recording of Southern chain gangs and juke joint raconteurs decades ago. The result here is similar: pure and honest recordings. 

Recorded & mixed by the prolific John Askew at the ever so sonic friendly Bocce Recording and mastered by the great Amy Dragon at Telegraph Mastering. Thrilled to have had them at the helm. 

At some point this recording will be available on vinyl. In the meantime I'm happy to have it here on Bandcamp. 

I will be forever be indebted to Matt, Marisa, Chris, John and Amy for their positive energy, talent and openness to make this a reality. 

My hope is that you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it. 

With love and gratitude... 

JM

CREDITS
​Guitars/Anthems: M. WARD. MARISA ANDERSON. CHRIS FUNK 
Drums/Cadences/Ambient Clatter: JOSÉ MEDELES 
Recording & Mixing Engineer: JOHN ASKEW 
Mastering Engineer: AMY DRAGON 

Tracked: BOCCE RECORDING 
Mastered: TELEGRAPH MASTERING 

Producer: JOSÉ MEDELES 
Cover Art: JOHN KING

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IF YOU LIKE THAT YOU MIGHT LIKE THE SLOW FOLK PLAYLIST

You can stream the Slow Folk playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Youtube & Soundcloud.