RecentMusic - Robbie Basho New Releases

Robbie Basho

Robbie Basho, born Daniel R. Robinson, Jr. in 1940, was an American fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the American Primitive Guitar genre. His music is characterized by its mystical and emotive qualities, integrating elements from American folk, blues, Indian classical music, East Asian music, and the native traditions of North America. Basho was a contemporary of John Fahey and Leo Kottke, associated with the Takoma label that was instrumental in fostering such innovative acoustic music during the 1960s and 1970s.

Throughout his life, Basho sought to elevate the steel-string acoustic guitar to a level of expressive capacity akin to that of the piano. This endeavor is evident across his discography, showcasing an unbounded exploration of both six and twelve-string guitar work. Albums like "Venus In Cancer" present a cosmic blend of complex raga-esque fingerpicking alongside a resonant vocal style, while releases such as "Art of the Acoustic Steel String Guitar 6 & 12" and "Guitar Soli" highlight the spiritual and technical intricacies of his instrumental compositions. "Song of the Avatars: The Lost Master Tapes" and "Live in Forlì, Italy 1982" provide further testimony to Basho's live virtuosity and his enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the world of acoustic guitar. Though his life was cut short in 1986, his remastered works, including "Bouquet," continue to introduce his visionary music to new generations of listeners.

Genres