First-generation American Primitive guitarist Richard Osborn studied with Robbie Basho in the late 60’s. Forty years later, Osborn finally recorded, appearing on Tompkins Square’s ‘Beyond Berkeley Guitar,’ a compilation released in 2010 featuring some of Northern California’s finest acoustic guitarists. Whilst this was the first introduction to Osborn’s free-raga style playing to many, ‘Endless‘ will be his first widely available solo guitar album. Listen to ‘In a Monastery Garden’ below:
Last year, Osborn recorded a session for Acoustic Guitar Magazine in which, before playing, he talks about his inspiration and attraction to Basho’s style of playing which offered him more freedom than what John Fahey’s double-thumb style did, although he admits Fahey also blew his mind. One of the greatest quotes has to be from Basho himself who saw something very great in his student:
“He’s a student of mine and he’s better technically than me or Fahey.”
– Robbie Basho
He’s a joy to watch. Even for those who do not have the knowledge on the more technical side of guitar playing, there’s a grace in his playing which requires no textbooks or hardened fingertips to appreciate:
Endless is released 27 January via Tompkins Square: LP (TSQ5340) ltd. ed of 500 / CD (TSQ5333)
Order it here: www.tompkinssquare.com