Buck Curran’s beautifully curated tribute to his recently departed friend, guitarist Steffen Basho-Junghans, is a touching memorial with contributions by some of the many great artists he influenced over the years.
When Basho-Junghans passed at the beginning of December, the music world lost a remarkable and truly unique figure, and many lost a dear friend. Curran spearheaded this album out of his own need to pay homage to Basho-Junghans, and that pure intention and loving tone permeates across the album. You can genuinely feel the love and respect all of the artists on this collection have for this man in their performances. This is especially evident on the two pieces Curran recorded for the project himself, “Winter Solstice 1 and 2,” on which he played Robbie Basho’s very own 12-string guitar. These tracks, which bookend the record, feature swooping mournful moans from Curran’s slide, and a thick, melancholic atmosphere.
Elsewhere on the record, you’ll find moving performances by the likes of Kendraplex, Joseph Allred and Blake Hornsby. Another particular highlight I must mention is “Saqi” by Milanese troubadour, Paolo Laboule Novellino. This rather subdued acoustic instrumental twirls and cascades like a swallow riding a morning breeze. Novellino’s instrument rings out like a bell with a flood of warm reverb. The whispering guitar lines feel both comforting and sullen, sounding very much as though the guitarist is processing his own grief while playing. Without a doubt, this is a recording that comes directly from the heart.
Fans of Steffen Basho-Junghans will never find a more loving and personal tribute to the German guitarist. Click here to check it out for yourself.
-KH
Record Crates United 