Robbie Basho - Venus In Cancer (1969/2020)

Astrological concepts and mystically inspired recording from the brilliant American folk guitarist Robbie Basho, whose work is as essential in the continuum of folk music as that of the masters John Fahey and Sandy Bull. The American primitive guitarist created some of the most stunning solo guitar improvisations, which drew heavily on Eastern modalities and structure forms his work recalls the Indian raga of Ravi Shankar as much as it does Appalachian folk. This 1970 album is a glorious display of his technique that later proved to be a profound influence on a generation of folk guitarists such as Rod Poole and Stefan Grossman. Robbie Basho was greatly admired by contemporaries six-string masters Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, and John Fahey among them. This 1970 recording is the last of what could be called his American primitive recordings his later works are equally gorgeous, although he went further into new age territory than is comfortable for many fans of instrumental American folk. Robbie Basho used raga and flamenco techniques to develop an entirely unique style with the steel-string acoustic creating long, flowing melodies that are simply exquisite to hear. Essential stuff for the folk guitar fans.