In memory of Steffen Basho-Junghans. (1953-2022)
One of the most colorful aural painters on the acoustic guitar passed away last December. German guitarist Steffen Basho-Junghans was 69 years old. He was an intrepid explorer who leaves behind an impressive body of work that too few music lovers actually know. Basho-Junghans was inspired by the guitar folk experiments of pioneers such as John Fahey, Leo Kottke, and Robbie Basho, as well as minimal music, free jazz, world music, and 20th-century classical music (Bartók). Out of respect for the great Japanese haiku poet Basho and the guitarist Robbie Basho, Steffen Junghans changed his name to Basho-Junghans. In his guitar compositions, Basho-Junghans could create vast, cinematic soundscapes while also penetrating deeply into the core of the guitar sound. Both picturesque and experimental at the same time. This special program presents a cross-section of his work, from virtuoso, spellbinding guitar compositions to his unique, minimalist experiments.
