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
Steffen on Myspace



NICK JONAH DAVIS

Nottingham guitarist Nick Jonah Davis will be promoting a new vinyl LP 'Of Time and Tides' released on Tompkins Square in February 2011!

'It's a high-wire act that very few guitarists could pull off.' - Tompkins Square label boss Josh Rosenthal on Nick Jonah Davis, his latest British signing. Nick's evocative, solitary playing draws on the modal tunings and freewheeling spirit of British trailblazers such as Bert Jansch and Nick Drake, as well as pre-war blues and the Takoma tradition.

‘Guitar Recordings Vol. 1’ was released as an eMusic download by Tompkins Square in 2009, and made the Wild Mercury Sound ‘Top 100 Albums of 2009’ list. ‘San Cristobal de las Casas’, a track from this album, featured on the latest instalment of the renowned ‘Imaginational Anthem’ compilation.

Live, Nick has shared bills in the UK and USA with the likes of James Blackshaw, Alasdair Roberts, Jozef van Wissem, Max Ochs, Ellen Mary McGee and Eric Carbonara.

‘Davis has a lovely, bell-like clarity to his playing, which puts him right up there with Tompkins Square’s other 2009 British discovery, Ben Reynolds.’ – Uncut magazine

Nick Jonah Davis’ playing after a short while becomes hypnotic, as you watch his fingers glide over his fret board like some sort of Zen monk who has mastered the art of playing elegant finger-picked guitar. He makes it look effortless as overlapping, twisting and melodic guitar lines spill out over the audience, who sit there in silence desperate to grab hold of every nuance and note of his music. There are times when if you shut your eyes, it sounds like there could be three or four guitarists on stage such is the amazing, rich, textured sounds that Nick conjures up from his guitar. – Left Lion magazine

Nick's guitar skills are incredible but unlike some of his peers he never lets them get in the way of the music he writes and performs. While the rest of the fingerpicking brigade disappear into a folk vortex, parallel to the speed competitions of 1980s post-Eddie Van Halen excess, Nick just gets on with it. We dig that. You will too.-Honey is Funny

06. Nine Stones Close by Nick Jonah Davis

Nick Jonah Davis on Myspace