Steffen Basho-Junghans: The Dancer on the Hill
ByBasho-Junghans' music has always oscillated between two poles, one more traditionally oriented and the other more avant-garde; the representation of sonic landscapes using the raga technique derived from guitarist Robbie Basho (whose memory he has strongly contributed to keeping alive, including in its name the same name of the Japanese poet used as a pseudonym by the American player) and the exploration of the experimental soundscape created with the six-or twelve-string guitar. The present work does not escape this dichotomy, but tries to merge the two poles in a more definite way than in the past, using the freer and experimental expressive forms within more ordered and compact compositional structures. The songs are also more concise than in the past; if the previous IS had three titles above 10 minutes, here most tracks range between three and five minutes in length, while the longest is eight minutes. This song, "Raga Peru," stands out as the best synthesis of all the guitar paths followed by Basho-Junghans since he embarked on his personal musical journey. A mention is also deserved by "Song of the Cordilleras," not present on the vinyl but available as one of the two exclusively digital bonuses, but all the songs deserve careful and repeated listening for the richness of their content.
In spite of his declared and always acknowledged debt to Robbie Basho, a source of continued and inexhaustible inspiration, the German guitar-player represents one of the most original and authentic voices in contemporary acoustic guitar, himself carrying out research that was started in the '60s by musicians such as Sandy Bull, John Fahey and Robbie Basho, as well as representing a new reference point for the younger generations of players. We hope to hear from him again soon, with further works of similar depth.
Track Listing
Rainbow Dancer; Raga Peru; The Dancer on the Hill; Dancing Mountains II; Brazil; Southern Dance; Eagle Dreaming; Clear Night. Bonus digital-only tracks: Dancing Mountains III; Song of the Cordilleras.
Personnel
Steffen Basho-Junghans: guitar.
Album information
Title: The Dancer on the Hill | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Architects Of Harmonic Rooms & Records
Post a comment about this album
FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ

WE NEED YOUR HELP
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.About Steffen Basho-Junghans
Instrument: Guitar
Article Coverage | Calendar | Albums | Photos | Similar Artists