Double bill with two masters of the acoustic guitar. Steffen Basho-Junghans moves between highly intricate patterns and bare, minimalist sections to create music of astounding beauty. He brings together Oriental and American Indian scale patterns, Folk-Western Raga as well as elements taken from the old Takoma School. Cam Deas is also exploring the post-Takoma terrain through extended part-improvised, part-composed works. His last solo double full length, Quadtych, released on his own Present Time Exercises imprint, was called 'a major UK guitar statement' by David Keenan/Volcanic Tongue and 'a quantum step forward after a decade of Fahey acolytion' by Keith Fullerton Whitman. The evening will open with a screening of a fascinating new documentary on John Fahey - 'In Search of Blind Joe Death'.

STEFFEN BASHO-JUNGHANS

Whether working with the paintbrush, the guitar or the pen, Steffen manages to conjure up works of extreme intensity, focus and creativity.

Initially, interested in the writings of Basho, the Japanese poet and diarist of 17th century... Living on the 'wrong' side of the then still standing Berlin wall (wrong side for collectors of world music, probably the right side for internalising a persons unique creativity). Not everything from 'out side' culture penetrated through the wall, but fortunately two very important tracks did: Elk Dreamer's Lament and Variations on Ezumi by 60s Guitarist, Robbie Basho. The style of playing heard on these tracks would be the start of a journey of fascination and homage for Steffen, a journey that would end some years later with Steffen Junghans becoming Steffen Basho-Junghans. On hearing Robbie Basho's playing, one can indeed hear the influence/similarities, but don't be fooled, SB-J is certainly his own man. - Architects of Harmonic Rooms

A master of the 6 and 12 string guitar, Steffen Basho-Junghans moves between highly intricate patterns and bare, minimalist sections to create music of astounding beauty. He brings together Oriental and American Indian scale patterns, Folk-Western Raga as well as elements taken from the old Takoma School.

"Like the gamelan or any number of ritual musics from around the world, Junghans seems to be calling the spirits down to earth." All Music Guide

"German acoustic guitarist Steffen Basho-Junghans has so convincingly furthered the Takoma-era steel string concepts of John Fahey and Robbie Basho that in his hands the instrument's potential once more feels limitless." The Wire

German-born Steffen, additionally reputed for his work as both free author and painter, has also had a considerable impact on the East-German guitar scene. Often found lecturing on acoustic guitar history, organising numerous festivals and chairing Profolk (the German association for folk and world music) Steffen's passion for his music is clear through his actions and not only through the remarkable creations that work their way out of his fingertips.

Steffen Basho-Junghans currently has 16 releases to date with 'IS' being his first full-length UK output on the Architects of Harmonic Rooms label.

Steffen Basho-Junghans website

Photo by Andy Newcombe





CAM DEAS

Cam Deas is a London based 12 string guitarist exploring the post-Takoma terrain through extended part-improvised, part-composed works. His last solo double full length, Quadtych, released on his own Present Time Exercises imprint, was called 'a major UK guitar statement' by David Keenan/Volcanic Tongue and 'a quantum step forward after a decade of Fahey acolytion' by Keith Fullerton Whitman. He has toured Europe extensively over the past few years with around 80 concerts in 2011 alone and has been seen to collaborate live and in the studio with the likes of Chie Mukai, Steffen Basho-Junghans, Ignatz, Jack Allett, C. Joynes, and Belgian free jazz group, Sheldon Siegel among others.



IN SEARCH OF BLIND JOE DEATH - THE SAGA OF JOHN FAHEY

Fahey is known as "the father of American Primitive Guitar." Some think of him as a foundational figure in American folk music. Fahey himself, however, insisted "I am not a volk, how can I be a volk? I'm from the suburbs." All jesting aside, Fahey, as both musician and musicologist, made a fundamental contribution to the global understanding of classical American musics such as Delta blues, Appalachian bluegrass and New Orleans jazz.

Fahey's own music stretches the boundaries of past musical traditions, creating a complex musical dialogue primarily with his steel stringed solo guitar. Fahey transcended his essential Delta influences combining bluegrass, Brazilian, classical, Indian, New Orleans, musique concrète, and gothic industrial ambience.

johnfaheyfilm.com

Trailer: In Search of Blind Joe Death - The Saga of John Fahey from JohnFaheyFilm on Vimeo.