Harry Taussig

In 1965 Harry Taussig released Fate Is Only Once, a privately pressed and little-known set of acoustic guitar instrumentals whose blend of folk, blues, and stark Americana recalled the work of John Fahey. Relative to the better-known Fahey, Taussig shares the same degree of obscurity that separates the likewise little-recognized Robbie Basho from Fahey. Among American Primitive guitar collectors the album quickly became one of the most coveted items. Taussig’s only subsequent recordings appeared on the 1967 compilation Contemporary Guitar Spring ’67, a Takoma LP that also included Fahey, Basho, Max Ochs, and Bukka White. A CD reissue of Fate Is Only Once followed in 2006. Persistent encouragement from Tompkins Square Records founder Josh Rosenthal finally prompted Taussig to issue the aptly titled sequel Fate Is Only Twice in August 2012.