Anyone wishing to avoid the stuck-groove sonic terrorism that is festive pop music should drop the needle on John Fahey’s 1968 album The New Possibility, on which carols and festive folksong are worked into striking American primitive guitar arrangements. Indeed, much of this self-taught, fingerpicked, wintry guitar music – a mix of haunting improv, hillbilly folk and neo-classical composition – is perfect for this time of year.
John Fahey is the most celebrated purveyor of guitar soli, but at college was joined in his studies by Daniel R Robinson Jr. Or Robbie Basho, as he’s better known.