Voice Of The Eagle: The Enigma Of Robbie Basho

Voice Of The Eagle: The Enigma Of Robbie Basho is a heartfelt tribute and stunning documentary that shines a spotlight on one of the progenitors of what's now popularly known as American Primitive Guitar. This eloquently crafted 2015 film presents the mysterious life and ethereal music of the late Robbie Basho, whose impact and influence in the world of music still resonate. The film boasts notable appearances by renowned musicians including Pete Townshend, Country Joe McDonald, and Will Ackerman.

The movie, directed by Liam Barker, embarks on a journey revealing the unconventional life of the not too well known, yet immeasurably influential musician Robbie Basho. A non-conformist in every sense of the word, Basho proved to be a visionary and a pioneer in a genre of music that existed vaguely and unsegregated, until he provided it with character, space, and form. Basho was a contemporary of better-known figures like Leo Kottke and John Fahey, and like them, he pushed the acoustic steel-string guitar into new realms. But Basho's music was even more far-out. Drawing inspirations from Eastern philosophies, Native American cultures, and natural mysticism, he synthesized musical elements that created a unique tapestry of sound, transcending the traditional barriers of the instrument.

The journey kicks off with insights into how Robbie Basho abandoned his birth name and fervently embraced his self-created identity, keeping the audiences intrigued. The film uncovers the various chapters of his life, from his struggle as an adopted child who sought solace in music, his early love for classical music, to the conventional struggle of an unrecognized artist. In this film, audiences witness the unique process Basho employed, merging his personal anecdotes, cultural fascination, and the mysteries surrounding his sudden demise.

Historical interviews with Basho and performances of his, along with countless current interviews with friends, contemporaries, disciples, and critics are affectionately strung together. This helps the audience gain intimate access into the deeply profound and interesting life Basho lived. Pete Townshend (of The Who) beamingly speaks of Basho's music, paralleling his own exploits into the Indian musical territory with his rock opera ‘Tommy’. Country Joe McDonald and Will Ackerman too, share their rare intersections with this commendable, yet endearing musician.

The storytelling is eloquent and vibrant, keeping the viewers riveted with its seamless blends of interviews, enchanting visuals, reflective moments, and Eurhythmics. Barker's documentary does a commendable job of introducing broader audiences to this relatively unknown musician while satisfying long-time fans with in-depth exploration and rare performance footage. This captivating film traverses into the depths of music and serves both as a comprehensive documentation of an outlandish artist and an exploration of the power of art to inspire and transform.

The editing and the flow of this movie weave a hauntingly beautiful narrative that aligns with the enigmatic persona of Basho, expertly matching the rhythm of the film to the cadence of Basho's life story. Meanwhile, the cinematography adds a layer of visual ambience that perfectly corresponds to the tone of the story - melancholic yet hopeful, ethereal yet grounded.

In summary, Voice Of The Eagle: The Enigma Of Robbie Basho immerses you in a melodic trance tracing the surreal journey of an unconventional artist. It revels in dramatic irony, plunges into the bittersweet reality of a man ahead of his time and powerfully accentuates the universality of music, across time and culture. This documentary is certainly an enriching watch for music lovers and an exploration of a musical genius who, despite being left on the fringes of mainstream music, left an indelible mark on the landscape of American acoustic music.