Harry Taussig

Featuring: Tim Blechmann, Klaus Filip

Released as a short-run private press LP in 1965, Fate Is Only Once has long been a coveted collectible among American Primitive guitar enthusiasts. The only other recorded work by Taussig surfaced on the out of-print Takoma LP Contemporary Guitar Spring '67alongside John Fahey, Robbie Basho, Max Ochs and Bukka White. 'Dorian Sonata' was recently featured on the acclaimed acoustic guitar compilation Imaginational Anthem Vol. 1, and now the album is here. remastered, with original liner notes and vintage photos. The album features takes on traditional tunes ('Dark Town Strutter's Ball', 'Revs Rag' and 'St. Louis Tickle'), expressive originals in the American primitive vein ('Blues For Zone VII', 'Dorian Sonata') and re-workings of songs popularized by Rev. Gary Davis and Elizabeth Cotten ('Baby Let Me Lay It On You/That'll Never Happen No More', 'Sugar Babe, Yoir Papa Cares For You.')The 'headiness' of the album is remarkable for a 1965 guitar recording. While many guitarists were still stuck in the stuffy, conservative world of 'folk", Taussig was mining spacier territory like his colleague John Fahey. The musical ideas on the album sound remarkably fresh 41 years later.