Song of the Avatars : The Lost Master Tapes, by Robbie Basho

Song of the Avatars : The Lost Master Tapes

by Robbie Basho

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Pieter Bos Robbie Basho was a phenomenal master of the strings and there's plenty of that beauty to find in this box. But I was never a big fan of his singing style. His singing is quite over the top and there's a bit too much of that in this set for my taste. But still this box is a deep dive into the mysterious soul that is Robbie Basho. Favorite track: Harakiri, Kali Style.

hellyeahitsian Never will there be another singer or guitarist like Robbie. An absolutely otherworldly collection.

Even more amazing than the absolute volume and quality of recordings here is how this shines new light on the mysteries of Robbie. Devotional songs to Baba, early blues covers, and torn-heart torch songs are here that you won't hear on any of the albums.

Worth every penny x 10. An absolute gift. Favorite track: Tears of Teresa.

Charlie Moonbeam I grabbed the sampler, had to pick up this massive collection of masterful Basho recordings.

A transcendent player, to be sure.

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** Download includes 48 page booklet pdf with descriptive notes by Glenn Jones, RIchard Osborn, Robbie Dawson, Henry Kaiser, Steffen Basho-Junghans and producer Liam Barker. Many unseen photographs. **

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	1.	Harakiri, Kali Style 15:54
	2.	If I Had Possession 04:19
	3.	Bengali Prayer 01:18
	4.	Brahman's Blues 07:18
	5.	Tatanka 02:41
	6.	Medieval Nocturne 07:36
	7.	Autumn Child 03:31
	8.	Priest Spring Jazz 05:12
	9.	Hippie Song 03:56
	10.	Swamp Song 04:17
	11.	Rosey Bush 10:08
	12.	Gypsy Rosary 13:06
	13.	Himalayan Highlands 11:56
	14.	Rising Sun Song 03:26
	15.	Song of the Avatars 07:03
	16.	Mehera My Love 12:15
	17.	Mehera's Lament 03:38
	18.	Hymn for the Warriors of the Rainbow 03:45
	19.	White Buffalo 04:24
	20.	Walla Walla 01:54
	21.	Crazy Horse Soliloquy 03:49
	22.	Come to Me 03:57
	23.	Symphonic Quisada for the Prophet 04:40
	24.	Cry of the Nightingale 05:22
	25.	Song of God 03:58
	26.	Le Jardin (Ballet) 10:06
	27.	Libation 08:21
	28.	House of God 08:38
	29.	Breeze in the Palace 03:47
	30.	Queen's Ride 14:04
	31.	Bhupali 12:06
	32.	Golden Palomino 06:25
	33.	Memorial 03:53
	34.	Great Depression Blues 02:12
	35.	American Sunday 03:17
	36.	Bride of Thunder 04:59
	37.	Ride the Buffalo 06:13
	38.	Majnun's Lament 06:07
	39.	Omar Khayyam Country 07:27
	40.	Four Ladies Across the Water 02:50
	41.	Tears of Teresa 07:31
	42.	Blues from Lebanon 02:17
	43.	The Song of Leila 06:48
	44.	Califia 04:55
	45.	Tree of Love 04:21
	46.	Lady Fair 04:00
	47.	Wonder Song 02:00
	48.	The Fortunes of War 12:02
	49.	Hindu Christmas Carol 04:57
	50.	Shepherd of the Stars 07:42
	51.	Baba Boy 05:06
	52.	Murshida's Wally 04:22
	53.	Sea of Light (Baba's Ship Song) 05:36
	54.	Lord of Roses 15:53

about

Robbie Basho (1940-1986) is widely regarded as one of the progenitors of what's commonly known today as American Primitive guitar. Growing up in Maryland alongside neo-traditional guitar explorers John Fahey and Max Ochs, Basho's path would take a decidedly different turn, bringing Hindi, Indian, Japanese and Native American musical traditions into his work. His albums for Takoma and Vanguard have left an indelible trail of influence across generations of musicians, from William Ackerman and Pete Townshend to Ben Chasny and William Tyler.

Liam Barker first became aware of Basho having purchased Tompkins Square's reissue of Venus in Cancer, released in 2006. This led him on an incredible fact-finding expedition, unraveling the many layers of mystery surrounding Basho's life and death, all deftly compiled and depicted in his documentary film, Voice of the Eagle : The Enigma of Robbie Basho.

During the research process, Barker came across a large cache of unheard Basho tapes recorded throughout his career, ranging roughly from 1965-1985. By arrangement with Basho's Estate and the original custodians of the tapes, Tompkins Square is set to release Song of the Avatars : The Lost Master Tapes, a 5CD set of previously unreleased material. The label will release a single disc vinyl LP as well. The set includes notes by Barker, Henry Kaiser, Steffen Basho-Junghans, Glenn Jones and Richard Osborn, as well as many unseen photographs.

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released March 5, 2021

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Tompkins Square San Francisco, California

Tompkins Square label, established in 2005, has released acclaimed recordings by artists such as William Tyler, Gwenifer Raymond, Ryley Walker and Michael Chapman as well as reissues of folk, old-timey, gospel and American Primitive Guitar. The label has received 8 Grammy nominations. ... more

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