A composer as well as a performer, Junkera’s first original pieces were recorded in 1988 on the album Kepa, Zabaleta eta Mutriku. His two subsequent albums, 1990’s Triki Up and 1991’s Triki Zoom, are outstanding examples of a blend between jazz and trikitixa dance music.

In 1992 Junkera’s European experiences were reflected in Trans-Europe Diatonic, a special diatonic accordion trio project with John Kirkpatrick and Riccardo Tesi. The album, recorded in Belgium and followed by a long European tour, was the genesis of many international friendships Junkera has continued to nurture.

After releasing Kalegira Al-Buk, an album with an international folk rock sound, and Lau Eskuetara (recorded with Julio Pereira), Junkera joined forces with Ibon Koteron, a master of the alboka , a unique Basque wind instrument made out of two ram’s horns. Their album, Leonen Orroak (1996), explored the music of Junkera’s Basque homeland.

Junkera has performed on the road and in the studio with many important international folk musicians such as Béla Fleck, Carlos Núñez, Paddy Moloney and Phil Cunningham. Bilbao 00:00h, an album of unusual scope and vision, is the latest result of these collaborations.

Kepa Junkera and Phil Cunningham

Junkera’s music is a fascinating blend of tradition and contemporary elements. The harmony, mix of rhythms, melodies, and use of language are all things that make this self-taught young musician one of the most important exponents of the trikitixa, the most international of Basque instruments, as well as one of the most vibrant musicians on the world music scene today.

Infernuko Hauspoa (1988)

Kepa, Zabaleta eta Motriku (Elkar ELK-152, 1987)

Triki Up, with Kepa, Zabaleta &Imanol (Elkar ELK-241, 1990)Trikitixa zoom (1991)

Trans Europe Diatonique (Y225026, 1993)

Kalejira al-buk (Elkar Triki KD-386, 1994)

Lau eskutara, with Júlio Pereira (Elkar Triki KD-428, 1995)

Leonen Orroak, with Ibon Koteron (Elkar Triki KD-449, 1996)

Bilbao 00:00 h (Europe: Resistencia, 1998/USA: Alula Records, 1999)

Maren (EMI, 2001)

K (EMI, 2003)

Atlhetic Bihotzez (Balea, 2004)

Hiri (Elkar, 2006)