Counterflows: Kim Doo Soo + Steffen Basho Junghans

Event information

This will be the first ever UK appearance for Korean acid folk singer Kim Doo Soo (PSF/Blackest Rainbow) and a return visit to Cafe OTO for Steffen Basho-Junghans offering another opportunity to catch the tightly focussed creative intensity of his post-Takoma guitar playing.

KIM DOO SOO

"Kim Doo Soo is the deepest and most introspective of Korea's acid folk singers. Many are the legends that cling to his songs -- political oppression, alcoholism, suicide, a ten-year period of mountain seclusion. Despite having been active since the mid-'80s and having released four acclaimed albums in Korea, most Western listeners only became aware of him through his tracks on the recent Damon & Naomi compilation, International Sad Hits. On 10 Days Butterfly, his fifth album, he mines productive veins of profound melancholy, animistic nature, and unfathomable, hermetic affection. The whole is couched in a veil of the most gorgeous, still melodicism, Kim's vocals and guitar shaded with subtle accordion, violin, piano, organ and harmonica. A reflective and unearthly beautiful masterpiece." - Alan Cummings



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.

-------------------------------

Counterflows

Counterflows is a new series of festivals exploring international networks of underground music. This first festival takes place across London, Berlin and Glasgow from 6th-15th April. Produced by OTOProjects in Berlin and London and AC Projects in Glasgow the festival was made possible with support from Sound and Music, The British Council, Creative Scotland, The PRS for Music Foundation and The Goethe Institut.