Robbie Basho

The Profile

Robbie Basho (1940–1986) was an American guitarist and composer associated with primitivist fingerpicking and Takoma Records. He is known for blending country/folk elements with raga-influenced, experimental acoustic work and a distinctive baritone voice.

Born 1940; died 1986. Recorded for Takoma Records; cited influences on later acoustic guitarists such as Jack Rose and James Blackshaw. Known for 6- and 12-string fingerpicking and for fusing American folk/country idioms with elements inspired by Indian raga and East Asian imagery.

DeBaser's reviews present Robbie Basho as a primitivist fingerstyle guitarist who blends American country/folk with raga and eastern imagery. Key albums discussed are Venus in Cancer and Visions of the Country. Reviewers highlight his distinctive baritone voice, twelve-string work and richly symbolic imagination. Influence on later acoustic guitarists and his association with Takoma are noted.