What makes City of Refuge by John Fahey notable?

'City of Refuge' is significant for its ambitious structure, particularly the lengthy pieces that challenge conventional song formats, earning Fahey renewed critical interest. The album was well-received in various music circles and contributed to a resurgence in acoustic fingerstyle guitar's appreciation during the late '90s. By the release of 'City of Refuge' in 1997, John Fahey was navigating a late-career renaissance following years of fluctuating recognition. This album marked his return to an intimate, experimental style after a period of exploring more traditional blues forms, showcasing his unique blend of avant-garde and folk influences.

Who is City of Refuge for?

City of Refuge works well if you're into deep personal introspection moments, long immersive soundscapes and haunting atmospheric reflections.

How many songs are on City of Refuge?

City of Refuge has 7 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

City of Refuge

John Fahey · 1997

65 min · 7 tracks · blues

A haunting blend of intricate fingerpicking and atmospheric soundscapes reflecting deep personal introspection.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

deep personal introspection moments
long immersive soundscapes
haunting atmospheric reflections
cathartic late-night listening

Maybe skip if you want

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the release of 'City of Refuge' in 1997, John Fahey was navigating a late-career renaissance following years of fluctuating recognition. This album marked his return to an intimate, experimental style after a period of exploring more traditional blues forms, showcasing his unique blend of avant-garde and folk influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Leo Kottke· Bert Jansch· Nick Drake

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Fanfare 5:17
2 The Mill Pond 3:51
3 Chelsey Silver, Please Come Home 4:31
4 City of Refuge I 20:37
5 City of Refuge III 6:30
6 Hope Slumbers Eternal 5:04
7 On the Death and Disembowelment of the New Age 19:27

What to play next

Listen next

Womblife

1997

Go back to

The Return of the Repressed – The John Fahey Anthology

1994

Full John Fahey discography Artists like John Fahey

blues

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata