There's a short list of people who have truly reinvented guitar playing. They forge their own path and style which is totally their own. Leo is one of them.
Dad introduced me to Leo with the cassette "My Fathers Face". I wore it out, flipping it over and over. His singing is like a warm pair of wool socks on a fall evening, and it's so "normal" that I just feel like my dad is singing some funny and deep poetry to me, calming and inspiring. Mike Gordon could not be a better and strange compliment to his style of writing and playing. He will always be welcome in my ears when I need him most.
This is an impossibly fabulous production in every detail: musically, technically (the audio coordination and blend), camera work, editing, the visual shtick...everything. Everyone connected with it deserves a big gasp of appreciation!
One thing I really love when these guys play together: Mike gets really percussive and staccato with his bass playing which allows him to play so many great counterpoint lines without intruding. This video is awesome! Love is real
I have been listening to (and attempting to play) Leo Kottke songs for nearly 40 years. Listening is a great deal easier. He is a unique artist in every way, and one of the most bizarrely funny people you could ever meet. I hope he lives forever.
Credits to Mike for dragging Leo once more into recording, arranging nice bass additionals and telepathing with Jon for nice rythmic drum additionals. Great intimate set.
Saw Leo play at the Orpheum in Omaha, early 80's. He played by himself, but I spent the first 20 minutes trying to figure out where his backup band was. Just him and those magic fingers! Musical bliss.
We were waiting for the show to start. This kind of scruffy looking guy came out on stage. I expected him to announce the band. He went to the microphone but, instead of speaking, he shook his head, turned and picked up a 6-string and the band began to play. WOW!
Can it really be almost 50 years I have had your music somewhere in my subconscious mind, ready to spring forth at any inappropriate moment? Thanks for a lovely mini concert to add to my earworm collection.
Leo has been a big influence on my life. Been a big fan of his for fifty years now. It seems at many low points in my life, he would come out with another album & cheer me up again. If you are reading this, Leo, thanks again!🎶
I started listening to John Fahey in the mid 60's, Leo has taken and developed this style of playing. He's an incredible musician along with Mike Gordon. He should write a book on his philosophy.
Flat Top is definitely one of my favorite acoustic pieces of all time... The wit, humor and cleverness of it- and all it covers in two minutes is mind blowing
I've loved Leo Kottke since I saw him play in Memphis in, probably, 1979 or 1980. He never disappoints, and the quirky humor and deadpan have been delightful grace notes to his mastery of all those strings. Ever and always a fan, and Mike Gordon was a fabulous co-conspirator on Clone, one of my all time favorite albums. What a gift these talented artists have given to me, my ears, my mind, and my heart! Thank you!!
The happiness & mirth Kottke has brought me over the decades... I tear up seeing him grow older knowing... well, the inevitable really. Thank you Leo. (Perth, W.Aust.)
Really great to see Leo getting creative again. I wasn't expecting to hear of a new album. One of the few bonuses from lockdown, I guess, and his playing is as fresh and exciting as it always was.
What a calm, smoky, assured pace this guy's playing has. Long time player, first time player. This type of relaxed precision is extremely difficult to do while staying in the pocket. New fan here!
I was introduced to Leo Kottke's playing and very distinctive singing and speaking style quite a while ago. I had the pleasure of seeing him play twice.
I was playing metal guitar in the 80's. Someone played me Leo's debut album. I was obsessed. You can hear my resulting album...Michael Yolch - CLOSURE. THANK YOU for the decades of inspiration, Leo! :D
I love this so much. Leo was the first concert I ever saw. I was a kid and saw him in Sandpoint ID (early 90s). Have seen him many times since, and have seen Phish many many times. It’s like a match made in my dreams.
Leo Kottke is remarkable because he transforms old folk songs into modern and idiosyncratic rhythms. He has also done this with popular songs. The musical result is always exciting and interesting. - Thank you Mr. Kottke.
First saw him on The Midnight Special in the summer of '73, back when I was 14. I thought I would find that clip on YT. He also played the Merv Griffin Show twice, and neither clip has surfaced. I was pleasantly surprised he was still nimble at 75.
I would always wonder just how many guitar players were playing when I heard Leo Kottke (just one), and now, with Mike Gordon joining in, it sounds like a whole room full of stringed instruments being played. Thanks again to NPR Tiny Desk - Always tastefully the best of the best.
Saw Leo at R. Fine Arts Auditorium in Fargo, ND in 80’s! One of best concerts ever! Leo is a generational talent.....Thanks for treating me Jim Anderson👍🏼
Kottke's guitar work has always been superb.........but I wish someone would be able to compile a book of all the wonderfully witty things Leo has said over the years to audiences, or possibly just to himself---the audience merely bystanding hanger-ons. That's a book I'd buy.
wow that was lovely just beautiful. wow; its been too long I remember the first time they tour together. wow that was lovely. amazing. ..... lots of running. lots of running.
I identified his style as "coffeehouse jazz-folk" just before he mentioned the "millions of antecedents in the 50s and 60s;" so, yeah. It's music to my ears. 😏 And heart. 🎶❤
So this just popped up on my youtube feed. My Feet Are Smiling and I Hear the Wind Howl with this. I last saw Leo Kottke sometime in the last 26 years at a theater in Harrisonburg, VA. I am glad to hear he is still at it, and has collaborated with Phish band members too. I also decided to hit "subscribe" since I have listened to other NPR TDCs and well, this one told me to put them on the play list. Thanks.
Among the most positive things music gives me, I think it's the peace of mind that gives me the courage to live right away. It is a great blessing for me to gain the courage to live through your music. Even though it is an unnamed busker, I have another big dream today listening to your music. Always be healthy and let us listen to good music for a long time. Thank you.
In 1972 I bought Leo's album Greenhouse at a second hand music shop and I was flabbergasted by his technique and after all these years I'm surprised again!
A bass player myself, I first became aware of Mike Gordon via his Rising Low documentary. If you haven't seen it, well, what are you waiting for?!? Great stuff guys, thanks for the share!
I've heard some say that Leo is a touch off center. The question remains, off center of what? First heard Leo in the very early 70's. He's been one of the most inventive players for a long time. I wish he'd pick up a slide again!
I met Leo about thirteen years ago when I was picking up artists at the SF airport for tix, for a local venue. He said: "they told me you're a lawyer, why are you doing this?" I told him, because I am tired of having the same conversations with people all day long and I wanted to have the opportunity to talk to people who are nothing like me and my world. He said, I can really understand that. Then we talked about our kids love of skateboarding. Leo is really cool.
Great video. Amazing work by Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman to add to Leo's solo style, basslines and all, without subtracting. Fascinating to see Leo play a light small bodied guitar too - after making his name on bigger heavier instruments. Imagine try to synchronise "I am Random" via an internet connection! Fantastic.
Heard and saw Leo over 40 years ago in Lund, Sweden. He came on stage before Procol Harum, I believe. Admit that what I remember from that concert is Leo and his virtuosity on 6 and 12 string guitar. Not that the bass player and drummer in this video are bad, neither! Thank you, all!
Hello. I saw him open for Procol Harum in 1974 in Chicago . Fantastic evening of music. Just him and 3 or 4 guitars. Then again in 77 or 78 , again solo . Best Wishes
"...voice like geese farts on a foggy day." Leo about himself, I think from an album back when there was room for words there. In concert in Salt Lake City, 70s, he said, "There's plenty to do in Minnesota, just not many people to do it." If good humor is ice, Leo is dry ice. A giant of an artist. Thanks NPR.
Wow! The Only One is a cool song. Wasn't expecting that. Saw these guys together in New Haven probably 15 years ago. Don't remember it being like this. Really good!
![Oscar Maydon x Fuerza Regida - Tu Boda [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_ymicn0_GYc/mqdefault.jpg)
There's a short list of people who have truly reinvented guitar playing. They forge their own path and style which is totally their own. Leo is one of them.
Absolutely! I was lucky to see him in 1981 at a small club in DC (The Bayou)
Amen.
is he in standard tuning here
Just heard him in Boulder at Chautauqua. Must be 6 or 7 times I’ve seen him since the 70s
Amen….one of my fave Leo videos is when he’s playing with Chet and I think Doc Watson. All geniuses and all enjoying themselves. Shalom
Dad introduced me to Leo with the cassette "My Fathers Face". I wore it out, flipping it over and over. His singing is like a warm pair of wool socks on a fall evening, and it's so "normal" that I just feel like my dad is singing some funny and deep poetry to me, calming and inspiring. Mike Gordon could not be a better and strange compliment to his style of writing and playing. He will always be welcome in my ears when I need him most.
Leo Kottke is the GOAT
Concur
God of all things?
There's no such thing as a definitive greatest of all time.
How Leo never won a Grammy is unbelievable to me.
He should at least get a lifetime achievement award for his stylistic contributions.
Phish too. It’s crazy.
Yet. Hasn't won one yet.
John Lennon never won the Nobel Peace Prize...so much for awards.
Leo never won a Grammy because the people who do the nominations do not understand genius, they only understand what is "most" marketable!
leo Kottke is the rare musician who continues to evolve and still sounds like Leo Kottke.......constantly reinventing himself.....
Leo Kottke is truly in a class by himself. I found out about him in the early 1970's and I have been amazed ever since.
Tiny Desk has always hosted my favourite artists. But never in a million years would I expect Leo Kottke to be on here.
Incredible.
I've seen Leo work his magic on a 12 string three times in a 10 year span.
I'm so happy I found this. He never gets old.
In this clip he’s on 6 string which I found very unusual . Never seen any clip with him on 6 string beside this.
0:00 - *Flat Top* (2:08)
3:25 - *The Only One* (6:13)
7:46 - *Sheets* (11:27)
12:04 - *I Am Random*
This is an impossibly fabulous production in every detail: musically, technically (the audio coordination and blend), camera work, editing, the visual shtick...everything. Everyone connected with it deserves a big gasp of appreciation!
Now that's the kind of comment I like, instead of complaints about artists not getting Grammies and so on. Cheers Fishel!
One thing I really love when these guys play together: Mike gets really percussive and staccato with his bass playing which allows him to play so many great counterpoint lines without intruding. This video is awesome! Love is real
Great comment. Nailed it
I have been listening to (and attempting to play) Leo Kottke songs for nearly 40 years. Listening is a great deal easier. He is a unique artist in every way, and one of the most bizarrely funny people you could ever meet. I hope he lives forever.
Credits to Mike for dragging Leo once more into recording, arranging nice bass additionals and telepathing with Jon for nice rythmic drum additionals. Great intimate set.
Leo Kottke - love you, dude. Thank you for the music, always. Gordon - ditto. Also, thank you for connecting so many more to Leo.
Saw Leo play at the Orpheum in Omaha, early 80's. He played by himself, but I spent the first 20 minutes trying to figure out where his backup band was. Just him and those magic fingers! Musical bliss.
We were waiting for the show to start. This kind of scruffy looking guy came out on stage. I expected him to announce the band. He went to the microphone but, instead of speaking, he shook his head, turned and picked up a 6-string and the band began to play. WOW!
Kottke overcame a career threatening injury. Inspiring.
Very glad I had the chance to see Leo live 4 or 5 times back in the day.
Back in the day? For a minute I though you meant he’d died. Thankfully this video shows he’s still alive and picking!
Can it really be almost 50 years I have had your music somewhere in my subconscious mind, ready to spring forth at any inappropriate moment? Thanks for a lovely mini concert to add to my earworm collection.
Hey🌹, how you doing today?
Leo is such a natural that he’s thinking about his “to do” list while he is strumming away in his typical complex manner of playing.
Leo has been a big influence on my life.
Been a big fan of his for fifty years now.
It seems at many low points in my life, he would come out with another album & cheer me up again. If you are reading this, Leo, thanks again!🎶
Came across a Leo Kottke vinyl album at my mom's antique store in Lyons, CO and played it when I got home the other day. Been hooked ever since!
Two remarkably talented musicians here. Such a clean and pure sound
Leo and Mike are creatively and personality-wise perfect compliments in every way. No wonder their music is so uniquely beautiful.
I started listening to John Fahey in the mid 60's, Leo has taken and developed this style of playing. He's an incredible musician along with Mike Gordon. He should write a book on his philosophy.
Flat Top is definitely one of my favorite acoustic pieces of all time... The wit, humor and cleverness of it- and all it covers in two minutes is mind blowing
Beautiful. What talent. beautiful music. Thank you NPR!!
NO ONE sounds like Leo Kottke- a true master!
This guys my guitar hero. Love Leo!
I've loved Leo Kottke since I saw him play in Memphis in, probably, 1979 or 1980. He never disappoints, and the quirky humor and deadpan have been delightful grace notes to his mastery of all those strings. Ever and always a fan, and Mike Gordon was a fabulous co-conspirator on Clone, one of my all time favorite albums. What a gift these talented artists have given to me, my ears, my mind, and my heart! Thank you!!
Hats off gentlemen !
This is brilliant! I saw Mr. Kotke play this at a small club in Philly in the 70s, and the memory is indelible.
The happiness & mirth Kottke has brought me over the decades... I tear up seeing him grow older knowing... well, the inevitable really. Thank you Leo. (Perth, W.Aust.)
Really great to see Leo getting creative again. I wasn't expecting to hear of a new album. One of the few bonuses from lockdown, I guess, and his playing is as fresh and exciting as it always was.
Three master musicians!
It’s a treat to listen to you and, thank you!
Well this is freaking delightful. The sound is incredible and the visual play is so fun and another reason why these guys are so special.
What a calm, smoky, assured pace this guy's playing has. Long time player, first time player. This type of relaxed precision is extremely difficult to do while staying in the pocket. New fan here!
Near 50yrs since FIRST LEO! Looking forward to Sept concert in Indiana!¡¡!!
NOT goin to See Leo in Blgtn😭🤐
Sad
Hello sandy!
How are you doing?
It's nice meeting you here!
I was introduced to Leo Kottke's playing and very distinctive singing and speaking style quite a while ago. I had the pleasure of seeing him play twice.
Awersome!!!! Thanks Leo!!
How are you doing Calderas ? I just wanna say a very big thank you for your massive support and love
Hello Andrea
How are you doing?
It's nice meeting you here!
I was playing metal guitar in the 80's. Someone played me Leo's debut album. I was obsessed. You can hear my resulting album...Michael Yolch - CLOSURE. THANK YOU for the decades of inspiration, Leo! :D
Leo was my original inspiration to learn guitar. Saw him solo live in Forest Grove Oregon, 1971’sh. Seen him live about 5 times. Always entertaining!
At Pacific University gym?
Wow wow wow. Love this pair individually and as a team!!!!!
Love, love, love Leo since My Feet Are Smiling! ❤️
Goose farts on a muggy day.
That music...gorgeous!
I love this so much. Leo was the first concert I ever saw. I was a kid and saw him in Sandpoint ID (early 90s). Have seen him many times since, and have seen Phish many many times. It’s like a match made in my dreams.
Leo Kottke is remarkable because he transforms old folk songs into modern and idiosyncratic rhythms. He has also done this with popular songs. The musical result is always exciting and interesting. - Thank you Mr. Kottke.
leo the GOAT - as funny and musical as ever.. love this guy
Leo has got to be one of my favorite artists in the world
More of this ❤
Been listening to Leo Kottke since I was a kid (via my dad). Incredible to see him here on NPR's Tiny Desk home concerts.
First saw him on The Midnight Special in the summer of '73, back when I was 14. I thought I would find that clip on YT. He also played the Merv Griffin Show twice, and neither clip has surfaced. I was pleasantly surprised he was still nimble at 75.
This is one of the coolest things I've seen! Love the Kottke/Gordon/Fishman combo. awesomeness!
Wonderful set. Thanks.
Nice Treat. I’m only just learning about Leo. I’m immediately drawn in.
I would always wonder just how many guitar players were playing when I heard Leo Kottke (just one), and now, with Mike Gordon joining in, it sounds like a whole room full of stringed instruments being played. Thanks again to NPR Tiny Desk - Always tastefully the best of the best.
Saw Leo at R. Fine Arts Auditorium in Fargo, ND in 80’s! One of best concerts ever! Leo is a generational talent.....Thanks for treating me Jim Anderson👍🏼
The sound on this is exceptional. Great to have these two back together. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in this.
Kottke's guitar work has always been superb.........but I wish someone would be able to compile a book of all the wonderfully witty things Leo has said over the years to audiences, or possibly just to himself---the audience merely bystanding hanger-ons.
That's a book I'd buy.
wow that was lovely just beautiful. wow; its been too long I remember the first time they tour together. wow that was lovely. amazing. ..... lots of running. lots of running.
Trey looks so old here. Things have really caught up with him.
Isn't this just simply beautiful
And the guitar playing is exceptional
Love these guys!!!! Thanks for featuring them, Tiny desk! 💫
I identified his style as "coffeehouse jazz-folk" just before he mentioned the "millions of antecedents in the 50s and 60s;" so, yeah.
It's music to my ears. 😏 And heart. 🎶❤
Was honored to see Leo in 1974, at Aquinas college in Grand Rapids, Mi., just Leo and 3 guitars...it was magical!
So this just popped up on my youtube feed. My Feet Are Smiling and I Hear the Wind Howl with this. I last saw Leo Kottke sometime in the last 26 years at a theater in Harrisonburg, VA. I am glad to hear he is still at it, and has collaborated with Phish band members too. I also decided to hit "subscribe" since I have listened to other NPR TDCs and well, this one told me to put them on the play list. Thanks.
Among the most positive things music gives me, I think it's the peace of mind that gives me the courage to live right away. It is a great blessing for me to gain the courage to live through your music. Even though it is an unnamed busker, I have another big dream today listening to your music. Always be healthy and let us listen to good music for a long time. Thank you.
In 1972 I bought Leo's album Greenhouse at a second hand music shop and I was flabbergasted by his technique and after all these years I'm surprised again!
Still have my vinyl if it, as well as 6 and 12 String Guitar (the Armadillo album). Still two of the best all time albums in any genre.
Fantastic, thanks to everyone involved.
Sounds fantastic you guys
These guys. Wonderful.
Thank you so much for this post.
Leo has always been one of my favorites.
So glad to see him alive and well.
You two made my day. Really lovely to be able to hear and SEE something new from the 2 of you.
Absolutely marvellous . I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you for the performance.
This guys is my guitar hero, thank you nor for having him
A bass player myself, I first became aware of Mike Gordon via his Rising Low documentary. If you haven't seen it, well, what are you waiting for?!? Great stuff guys, thanks for the share!
Funny... that's how I learned about Joey Arkenstat, lol
@@RraMakutsi Yes indeed hahah
Mike G is the man!
Gorgeous sounding Muiderman guitar you have there, Leo!
I've heard some say that Leo is a touch off center. The question remains, off center of what?
First heard Leo in the very early 70's. He's been one of the most inventive players for a long time.
I wish he'd pick up a slide again!
I met Leo about thirteen years ago when I was picking up artists at the SF airport for tix, for a local venue. He said: "they told me you're a lawyer, why are you doing this?" I told him, because I am tired of having the same conversations with people all day long and I wanted to have the opportunity to talk to people who are nothing like me and my world. He said, I can really understand that. Then we talked about our kids love of skateboarding. Leo is really cool.
Great video. Amazing work by Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman to add to Leo's solo style, basslines and all, without subtracting. Fascinating to see Leo play a light small bodied guitar too - after making his name on bigger heavier instruments.
Imagine try to synchronise "I am Random" via an internet connection! Fantastic.
LOVE these two together.
I can say enough how much I enjoy The Tiny Desk Concert series!
An old mate of mine described Leo as Mr plasticine fingers. I think it was an understatement. Loved every second of this thanks so much.
I was not expecting the voice! I am impressed....
Beautiful.
This is freaking amazing
Heard and saw Leo over 40 years ago in Lund, Sweden. He came on stage before Procol Harum, I believe. Admit that what I remember from that concert is Leo and his virtuosity on 6 and 12 string guitar.
Not that the bass player and drummer in this video are bad, neither! Thank you, all!
Hello. I saw him open for Procol Harum in 1974 in Chicago . Fantastic evening of music. Just him and 3 or 4 guitars. Then again in 77 or 78 , again solo . Best Wishes
Leo Kottke has been as constant in my life as red wine and goose farts on a warm day.
Haha Karsten, I think its "muggy" day but like you Leo has been with me over 40 years, can't imagine life without him lol
"...voice like geese farts on a foggy day." Leo about himself, I think from an album back when there was room for words there. In concert in Salt Lake City, 70s, he said, "There's plenty to do in Minnesota, just not many people to do it." If good humor is ice, Leo is dry ice. A giant of an artist. Thanks NPR.
That quote is on his Greenhouse album. “In the sense that my guitars were once trees, this album is a greenhouse.”
YES!! Thank you...
I would love to see this man play live, maybe somewhere in the South.
Weird. My two favourite guitarists are Leo Kottke and David Gilmour.
They now look like each other.
Love to watch them jam :)
Wow! The Only One is a cool song. Wasn't expecting that. Saw these guys together in New Haven probably 15 years ago. Don't remember it being like this. Really good!
marvelous...great
Fish making a stir fry down there.
Goood god mike is such an incredible bassist.
hey leo ,, thank you for this concert .. and mates .. most excellent !
the cricket in the phone ,.. we'll let it go this time, 'cause it's you ,,
Amazing
Amazing. Cheers from Brazil
I love this kind of music.
Nicely played..my ears and feet loved it.
So good!!
I really like that split coil humbucker paper pickup