After the Ball
John Fahey · 1973
31 min · 10 tracks · blues
A tapestry of fingerstyle guitar laced with Americana, blues, and folk influences that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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New Orleans Shuffle — This track showcases Fahey's intricate fingerpicking style while blending jazz influences that nod to the vibrant music scene of New Orleans.
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I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free — Fahey's rendition brings a fresh perspective to this classic, weaving soulful guitar lines that amplify the song's themes of liberation and yearning.
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After the Ball — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, merging wistful melodies with a reflective mood that speaks to nostalgia and longing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Fahey's blend of fingerstyle guitar with folk and blues creates a distinctive sound that rewards attentive listening.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk melodies, while others introduce more experimental elements, blending genres fluidly.
- The last track, 'After the Ball', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the pace significantly compared to earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic warmth in melodies
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- playful rhythms for lighthearted moments
- inviting fingerpicking details
- for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of lengthy compositions
- prefer high-energy listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1973, John Fahey was transitioning from his earlier experimental work to more accessible sounds. 'After the Ball' represents a significant shift in his discography, coming after the critically acclaimed 'The Legend of Blind Joe Death' and showcasing his ability to blend traditional folk motifs with contemporary styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leo Kottke· Bert Jansch· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free
The pivotal moment shifts from yearning for freedom to contemplating its implications through vivid imagery and emotive phrasing.
This lyrical transition deepens the song’s impact by moving beyond mere desire, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of personal liberation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Horses 2:07
- 2 New Orleans Shuffle 3:17
- 3 Beverly 4:48
- 4 Om Shanthi Norris 5:49
- 5 I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free 2:35
- 6 When You Wore a Tulip (And I Wore a Big Red Rose) 2:33
- 7 Hawaiian Two-Step 2:39
- 8 Bucktown Stomp 2:14
- 9 Candy Man 1:26
- 10 After the Ball 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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