AMERICAN PRIMITIVE GUITAR (S5 | E241)
This week on Lester the Nightfly, we delve into the intriguing world of American Primitive Guitar. This unique musical genre, pioneered by the legendary John Fahey in the late 1950s, is a captivating style of fingerstyle acoustic guitar music. Often characterized by its deeply personal expression, minimalist approach, and the frequent use of droning patterns and open tunings, American Primitive Guitar transcends easy categorization. While rooted in American folk traditions like country blues and old-time music, it boldly incorporates elements of classical music, Indian ragas, and avant-garde sensibilities, creating a sound that is both familiar and strikingly original. The “primitive” in its name doesn’t imply a lack of sophistication, but rather a stripped-down, intuitive approach to the instrument, prioritizing raw emotion and exploration over academic adherence to form.
We close out the show with a tune from jazz band leader and saxophonist Nick Biello… A Long Way to You from Nick’s brand new record “New America.” You can learn all about the record on any streaming platform and on Nick’s website: NICK BIELLO MUSIC.
Nick is on La Reserve Records.
PRIMITIVE GUITAR
This week’s radio show offers a captivating journey through the diverse landscape of modern instrumental music, showcasing artists who push the boundaries of genre while maintaining a profound sense of artistry. We’ll start with the evocative guitar work of Hayden Pedigo, a prominent figure in the American Primitive Guitar scene. Pedigo’s music, often described as “Apocalyptic Western,” weaves together intricate fingerstyle techniques with ambient textures, drawing inspiration from the vast and often haunting landscapes of his Texas Panhandle home. His compositions are both deeply personal and expansive, creating sonic narratives that are as much about place as they are about emotion. Following Pedigo’s introspective soundscapes, we’ll shift gears to the dynamic indie sounds of Headlund, a band known for their engaging melodies and eclectic influences, and the heartfelt Americana/Alt Country stylings of River Foxcroft, whose sincere storytelling and evocative melodies transport listeners to a world of open roads and deep feelings.
AMERICAN PRIMITIVE GUITAR (S5 | E241)
| Track Name | Album Name | Artist Name(s) | Release Date | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Wonderland | That Old Place | Headlund | 12/9/16 | Epidemic Sound |
| Return to No Man’s Land | That Old Place | Headlund | 12/9/16 | Epidemic Sound |
| Frog Park | Pure Liz Story | Liz Story | 1983 | Windham Hill/Legacy |
| When a Bird Flaps Its Wings | That Old Place | Headlund | 12/9/16 | Epidemic Sound |
| Early Dourado Sketch – Acadie Goldtop Edition | Acadie (Goldtop Edition) | Daniel Lanois | 11/18/08 | Red Floor Records |
| From This Field I Wish To Rise | Where the Water Tastes Like Wine (Original Game Soundtrack) | Ryan Ike | 2/28/18 | Materia Collective |
| Missionary Ridge | Behold The Spirit | William Tyler | 12/7/10 | Tompkins Square |
| Captain April | Pure Liz Story | Liz Story | 1983 | Windham Hill/Legacy |
| Letting Go | Letting Go | Hayden Pedigo | 9/24/21 | Mexican Summer |
| Small Things and Starlight | Small Things And Starlight | River Foxcroft | 5/3/19 | Epidemic Sound |
| Les contes d’Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann): Barcarolle | The Greatest Relaxing Pieces | London Philharmonic Orchestra | 5/24/11 | X5 Music Group |
| Long Pond Lily | I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away | Hayden Pedigo | 6/6/25 | Mexican Summer |
| Terrace of the Leper King | Live at Third Man Records | William Tyler | 7/29/16 | Third Man Records |
| Relaxing | Doux Voyage | Gary O’Slide | 11/3/23 | Raighes Factory |
| Heart’s Reprise | That Old Place | Headlund | 12/9/16 | Epidemic Sound |
| Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007: I. Prélude | Bach: Unaccompanied Cello Suites (Remastered) | Johann Sebastian Bach,Yo-Yo Ma | 1983 | Sony Classical |
| A Long Way to You | New America | Nick Biello | 6/20/25 | La Reserve Records |
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW
This week’s program continues with the powerful blues and southern rock of Brian Kahanek, a guitar virtuoso whose playing is often compared to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Kahanek’s music is a blend of raw energy and soulful melodies, demonstrating a mastery of his instrument that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. To cap off this eclectic mix, we’ll feature a selection from the renowned pianist Liz Story. A pioneer in the new-age genre, Story’s compositions defy easy categorization, blending classical precision with jazz improvisation and folk sensibilities. Her music is known for its lyrical beauty, rich harmonies, and ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, providing a perfect contemplative close to this exploration of contemporary instrumental artistry.
