I was introduced to Leo Kottke, back in High School right after the Armadillo, (6 & 12 string guitar) album came out. I've been a devoted fan ever since. For an entire year back in the early 70's , all I listened to was Leo. Often after a long night (on acid) I would watch the sun rise while listening to, "Let the wind howl". I can't begin to express my love for his incrediable music, I've seen him at least a dozen times, (in Seattle). I once went behind stage, (at Zoo tunes) & introduced myself, he shook my hand and was surprised how soft his hands were. In my opinion Green House is his best album, Louise & Tiny Island are two of his best songs, but hey..... they are all excellent! I suggest a half rack of beer, a cross country trip while playing his first four albums, (back to back) before you know it......... you will be across Montana. I will never get tired of his high energy, ass kick'en flat & finger style guitar. Thanks Leo, you have greatly enhanced the quality of my life.....
Such a unique and enjoyable guitar player and performer. Saw you in concert and enjoy your sense of humor as well as your magnificent guitar playing and singing. God bless from Patrick
I remember Leo at the Great Southern Music Hall in Gainesville, Florida. My son has grown up listening to him. He's prolific. Just like Leo! A man years before his time! One of the person's in my counselingl group knows Leo. I pray, I meet him one day! He's the BOMB! and always has been. He's better in person than on the web. God loves the worlds fastest guitar picker!
There is nothing quite like Leo Kottke's playing. Supposedly he just shut himself in his room for 2 years and learned on his own how to make nice sounds come out of it. No books, no teachers, without much of an idea of the fundamentals. So kind of like the animals in Australia, his style developed in isolation and is like nothing else.
he grew up playing the trombone though. so he at least had some background in music and theory and whatnot. granted, how a mortal human (that's debatable) can turn "some background in music and theory and whatnot" into the likes of this is beyond me. cheers
I had the very good fortunate of seeing Mr. Kottke live at the Fox Theater in Atlanta - it was a show that I'll remember forever! He is soooo talented, he's funny and he's just an all-around good guy!
I saw Leo at the Sellersville Theater in PA for $45. He still has his wonderful dry humor and has mastered his skills far beyond his younger days. He has been making the same annual appearances in PA and NY. College stations in Philly don't play his music as much. Though his hair has turned silver, He still plays with the fire and vigor with creative interludes like the first time I saw him in Philly. His pioneering style is copied by many but only Leo Kottke is the Picasso of the 12 string!
This was amazing! I, of course, had heard of Leo Kottke from my dad. But after hearing a few Kottke songs, this guys is easily one of the most talented guitarists in history. Beautiful medley!
Leo is a unique talent, there will never be "another Leo Kottke"...his blend of virtuosity with an oddball sense of humour and lightheartedness is his own. But it's true, it seems that not a lot of people work on their fingerpicking skills seriously. You might like my tune "Virgo", it was inspired by Leo (though I won't pretend I can stand shoulder to shoulder with him in terms of talent).
I learned about Leo Kottke from my husband's Uncle James Smith. Love Acustic guitar! Especially like Arms of Mary & Ring Ring. Also Corinna ,Corinna which was a song my Dad loved. You're the best!
Judging by his face I'd say this is a rather early recording, so I checked and it turns out that it was recorded in the early eighties, long before they had cell phones hee hee
+pughums Yeah, this has to be from the 70s. I was just poking fun at how different it is to go to a show now at days. People need to live in the moment more and not let stupid digital toys suck up all of your attention. Live music is about the connection between the artist and the crowd. You don't get a connection when everyone is staring at their damn phones!
My high school guidance counselor had this playing on his computer once and it blew my fucking mind. The glissandos sounded like somebody speeding up and slowing down a record! I've been hooked on Leo ever since.
you are my childhood idol. your music will always speak to my soul.... thanks to my Dad. the Universe speaks through your talent Leo. thank you for being the conduit.
Ah, Leo. It's good to see your little baby face again! Don't you love the way he plays guitar with his whole body? (Check out the footwork!) And that sweet smile. I still have a guitar string that I swiped when he played The Quiet Knight in Chicago in the 70s...and yikes, still have the crush, too. Funny, you always expected the voice to match the baby face, then he opened his mouth and out came the deepest growl. See you in Bethesda next week, Leo!
When I saw him in concert the stage had a stool and two guitars, one a six, one a twelve. I knew I was in for a treat and man did he deliver! I've seen lots of concerts-The Who, Zeppelin, Simon & Garfunkel, Moody Blues, Elvis, keep on going. No one compares to what this man can do!
I first heard Leo on a jukebox back in St.Louis,and fell in love with "Pamela Brown". I saw him live back in the 80's in Ky., it was great. I've introduced him to new fans through RUclips; what a great music site!
absolutely great! I just saw him in San Francisco 1/27/07, 11th time in 4 yrs, fantastic show, but I'd see him soon, he's over 60 and who knows how much longer he'll be on the road.
No human on the face of this earth has ever graced a guitar on any level close to this guy. Page on a 12ver is a God to me, but this Man is other level. Other. Level.
I just had the chance to see him live a couple of days ago... He may not be as peppy as he was in this video, but he was still incredible... and funny as hell. Definitely my favorite guitarist of all time.
Leo played once or twice at the folk music club I ran at the corner of Union & Laguna in San Francisco called The Drinking Gourd (anybody out there remember this club?) in '74-75 and he blew me away. He was by far the talented guitar player I had ever listened to live, I'm glad he's still playing.
Leo has been entertaining audiences for the last 30+ years with his great playing and quirky sense of humor. Go see him live if you can. If you like his slide techniques, also check out Ry Cooder and David Lindley. It's always fun to see masters use their talents.
I'll hand you that one on a silver platter, Recursive...:) Deep down, what I am getting at, while watching Leo play, is how he plays with total precision, yet with abandon! Absolutely amazing!
Genius, as usual. Was this the same year that the B-45 was stolen? What a shame! Excellent quality, great performance. I can't get enough of these videos!
@tanker4909 I remember listening to my dad play his albums when I was a child, I'm 40 now, a professional guitarist, and I'm grateful for the diverse musical background I can draw from.
I've never found this particular medley on any of his albums but the three songs are called part two, june, and train and the gate "Part Two" is on the album "Guitar music" june is on "Clone" and "Train and the Gate" is on "Instumentals: The...Chrysalis" hope this helps people looking for these songs, sometimes there tough to find
I've seen him in concert several times. One time someone shouted out a request for "Everybody Lies." He sheepishly admitted that, in concert, he only plays songs and tunes that he can remember. During that same show, he told a hilarious story about the word "if."
It could even more easily be done if some youtube employee made a page where that could be done online. The version I uploaded was perfectly synced, it is the youtube converter that has problems with a lot of codecs. Although nowadays this seems to have been improved quite a bit, but as you can see I uploaded this video over 6 years ago.....tempus fugit.....
I have loved Leo K. since I was a teen. Not saying how long ago that is...haha. I played guitar and he was my hero then. Some of his older stuff is fantastic. Look up "bean time" for a rocker or "louise" if your more sentimental.
He's almost incomprehensibly good. I think he's part of a different species that's actually born with a guitar as an appendage. Such a unique style, too.
One of the greatest overlooked entertainers of our time
His control is beyond belief
I was introduced to Leo Kottke, back in High School right after the Armadillo, (6 & 12 string guitar) album came out. I've been a devoted fan ever since. For an entire year back in the early 70's , all I listened to was Leo. Often after a long night (on acid) I would watch the sun rise while listening to, "Let the wind howl".
I can't begin to express my love for his incrediable music, I've seen him at least a dozen times, (in Seattle). I once went behind stage, (at Zoo tunes) & introduced myself, he shook my hand and was surprised how soft his hands were.
In my opinion Green House is his best album, Louise & Tiny Island are two of his best songs, but hey..... they are all excellent!
I suggest a half rack of beer, a cross country trip while playing his first four albums, (back to back) before you know it......... you will be across Montana.
I will never get tired of his high energy, ass kick'en flat & finger style guitar.
Thanks Leo, you have greatly enhanced the quality of my life.....
Good call. I've driving around the Mendips (Somerset, England) listening to Leo in the hot sun today. Sounds great.
Andy, Jesus Is The Way and The Truth and The Life. Get to know Him....read The Holy Bible! 🙂
His slide work is still so mindblowing it doesn't matter. Then or now the dude is a master.
Listen to everything you can by Leo Kottke. Amazing
Such a unique and enjoyable guitar player and performer. Saw you in concert and enjoy your sense of humor as well as your magnificent guitar playing and singing. God bless from Patrick
Oh my god. This is so unbelievably beautiful.
I remember Leo at the Great Southern Music Hall in Gainesville, Florida. My son has grown up listening to him. He's prolific. Just like Leo! A man years before his time! One of the person's in my counselingl group knows Leo. I pray, I meet him one day! He's the BOMB! and always has been. He's better in person than on the web.
God loves the worlds fastest guitar picker!
I've seen this video so many times but each time I enjoy it more.
MAGIC... have loved Leo, his humor, brilliant "other world" music since the '70's when I was first transported.
Yes, Merry, there is a God! Me too.
Me three (does this tell our ages somewhat?)!
This type of talent is still out there and strong. The masses don't seem to like it like they used to. Guess they've gone stupid.
There is nothing quite like Leo Kottke's playing. Supposedly he just shut himself in his room for 2 years and learned on his own how to make nice sounds come out of it. No books, no teachers, without much of an idea of the fundamentals. So kind of like the animals in Australia, his style developed in isolation and is like nothing else.
he grew up playing the trombone though. so he at least had some background in music and theory and whatnot. granted, how a mortal human (that's debatable) can turn "some background in music and theory and whatnot" into the likes of this is beyond me. cheers
I did pretty much the same thing... I heard Clapton did the same thing..
Quality black metal is done in isolation as well
I had the very good fortunate of seeing Mr. Kottke live at the Fox Theater in Atlanta - it was a show that I'll remember forever! He is soooo talented, he's funny and he's just an all-around good guy!
I saw Leo at the Sellersville Theater in PA for $45. He still has his wonderful dry humor and has mastered his skills far beyond his younger days. He has been making the same annual appearances in PA and NY. College stations in Philly don't play his music as much. Though his hair has turned silver, He still plays with the fire and vigor with creative interludes like the first time I saw him in Philly. His pioneering style is copied by many but only Leo Kottke is the Picasso of the 12 string!
You can really tell he feels the music. A real guitar hero.
So wholesome . So talented. So wonderful
This was amazing! I, of course, had heard of Leo Kottke from my dad. But after hearing a few Kottke songs, this guys is easily one of the most talented guitarists in history. Beautiful medley!
It really is something. I can't think of anyone who plays even remotely like he does.
Leo is a unique talent, there will never be "another Leo Kottke"...his blend of virtuosity with an oddball sense of humour and lightheartedness is his own. But it's true, it seems that not a lot of people work on their fingerpicking skills seriously. You might like my tune "Virgo", it was inspired by Leo (though I won't pretend I can stand shoulder to shoulder with him in terms of talent).
fantastic ! great ! wonderfull ! dear lord
I learned about Leo Kottke from my husband's Uncle James Smith. Love Acustic guitar! Especially like Arms of Mary & Ring Ring. Also Corinna ,Corinna which was a song my Dad loved. You're the best!
Raise three hands if you can play guitar as well as Leo Kottke!
I must know what your name means
Thanks Leo. Amazing. Can't wait to see him in October in Portland 😊
Amazing guitar playing. No one was distracted by their cell phones for this performance!
Judging by his face I'd say this is a rather early recording, so I checked and it turns out that it was recorded in the early eighties, long before they had cell phones hee hee
+pughums Yeah, this has to be from the 70s. I was just poking fun at how different it is to go to a show now at days. People need to live in the moment more and not let stupid digital toys suck up all of your attention. Live music is about the connection between the artist and the crowd. You don't get a connection when everyone is staring at their damn phones!
I think it was from before cell phones were around.
ok boomer
My high school guidance counselor had this playing on his computer once and it blew my fucking mind. The glissandos sounded like somebody speeding up and slowing down a record! I've been hooked on Leo ever since.
Freaking awesome!!
Just saw this for the first time and it's freaking amazing,
So many melody lines going that I don't know WHAT is going on anymore!!
thats a twelve string guitar for ya man
Derek Costen Yep. Anyone with a 12-string can do that.....not.
He looks so young in this video. It has been fun growing up with Leo. He just gets better and better! Thank you, Leo!!
Seriously, that transition around 2:49 is perfection.
+BlackHoleBrew42 very
2:52 Wow, amazing, what was that haunting note? It doesn't sound like a sound that could ever come from a guitar.
you are my childhood idol. your music will always speak to my soul.... thanks to my Dad. the Universe speaks through your talent Leo. thank you for being the conduit.
Have loved this song for years now !!
Ah, Leo. It's good to see your little baby face again! Don't you love the way he plays guitar with his whole body? (Check out the footwork!) And that sweet smile. I still have a guitar string that I swiped when he played The Quiet Knight in Chicago in the 70s...and yikes, still have the crush, too. Funny, you always expected the voice to match the baby face, then he opened his mouth and out came the deepest growl. See you in Bethesda next week, Leo!
The greatest...awesome clip, thanks -
This has been stuck in my brain for the last week now, it has so many nuances
When I saw him in concert the stage had a stool and two guitars, one a six, one a twelve. I knew I was in for a treat and man did he deliver! I've seen lots of concerts-The Who, Zeppelin, Simon & Garfunkel, Moody Blues, Elvis, keep on going. No one compares to what this man can do!
Wow...Leo...you are...amazing...wow...I have your first Takoma album on vinyl...and "My Feet Are Smiling" on vinyl. You are a MAN. Jeff
I first heard Leo on a jukebox back in St.Louis,and fell in love with "Pamela Brown". I saw him live back in the 80's in Ky., it was great. I've introduced him to new fans through RUclips; what a great music site!
Holy Cow! This is extraterrestial!
delightfull - thanks for sharing - i can listen to this every day - thanks Leo!
One of my fav vids of Kottke. Nice crisp accuracy. He was starting to get the hang of it
absolutely great! I just saw him in San Francisco 1/27/07, 11th time in 4 yrs, fantastic show, but I'd see him soon, he's over 60 and who knows how much longer he'll be on the road.
That guitar is alive.
It's singing.
Leo Kottke is amazing. He still tours. Just saw him last month. Leo Kottke tabs can be found at Stropes Editions.
and still one of the Best!
No human on the face of this earth has ever graced a guitar on any level close to this guy. Page on a 12ver is a God to me, but this Man is other level. Other. Level.
I just had the chance to see him live a couple of days ago... He may not be as peppy as he was in this video, but he was still incredible... and funny as hell. Definitely my favorite guitarist of all time.
Just ran across a "top 25" finger-picker's list, and Leo wasn't on it -- not even honorable mention. Makes you wonder about people.
It merely reinforces my lack of concern for the opinions of others.
Blasphemy
What list would that be. It's ass backwards
I use to listen t this for hours!
Don't know if this inspires me to play, or just to give up in awe of him!
Stunning stuff
Leo played once or twice at the folk music club I ran at the corner of Union & Laguna in San Francisco called The Drinking Gourd (anybody out there remember this club?) in '74-75 and he blew me away. He was by far the talented guitar player I had ever listened to live, I'm glad he's still playing.
Train and the gate is one of my favorite kottke tunes, simply amazing!
Leo has been entertaining audiences for the last 30+ years with his great playing and quirky sense of humor. Go see him live if you can. If you like his slide techniques, also check out Ry Cooder and David Lindley. It's always fun to see masters use their talents.
I'll hand you that one on a silver platter, Recursive...:) Deep down, what I am getting at, while watching Leo play, is how he plays with total precision, yet with abandon! Absolutely amazing!
thank god for leo kottke...this is pure genious
Leo can outplay most of the best in the world. Amazing guitar player.
Mesmerizing......classic Leo Kottke.
Unreal. Just pick your jaw up off the floor. One of the most amazing guitar pieces ever.
by far the most talented guitarist i've ever heard
Love these videos!! Thanks!!
Saw Leo in Tweed Heads NSW OZ a few years ago. Mind blowing work.
I've been searching for a new 'all time favorite artist' for a long time now. Seems the search is over
You'll never be disappointed with Leo - never!
A guitar Master for sure!
nobody can run with leo kottke
that was amazing.
This guy is phenomenal!! I just learned about him a few weeks ago after my parents saw him life, he is spectacular.
Look at dems feet ABOUNCIN' .
Saw him play at Uni in Sussex in the 1970's.Shook his hand, beautiful man. Inspired me to pick up a guitar and play.
Kottke live is an experience...I saw him twice in the 70's
Dude can rock it.
too right.. the work hes done with Mike Gordon has also helped to expose him to a younger audience. Absolute Master..
I saw this guy play solo for two hours at the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction,Colorado. It was mesmerizing.
I've been going to see him since the 70's. He's still great!
Genius, as usual. Was this the same year that the B-45 was stolen? What a shame!
Excellent quality, great performance. I can't get enough of these videos!
Leo is one of a kind.
Killin' it. So good.
simply amazing
what a wonderful and sincere man, and my god can he play that 12 string like no other......genius
@tanker4909 I remember listening to my dad play his albums when I was a child, I'm 40 now, a professional guitarist, and I'm grateful for the diverse musical background I can draw from.
he is a genuine artist
Twelve strings guitar. Te escuchamos desde Py, South America desde los años 70´s
Awesome, thanks ENB
sounding this clean using a slide on a 12 string is very hard, this is great
love this! Great, Leo!
Definently deserves to be in my "favourite" list.
Epicnamebro sent me here, great stuff!
I've never found this particular medley on any of his albums but the three songs are called part two, june, and train and the gate
"Part Two" is on the album "Guitar music"
june is on "Clone"
and "Train and the Gate" is on
"Instumentals: The...Chrysalis"
hope this helps people looking for these songs, sometimes there tough to find
Great song and a great performer!!
Joyfuly mesmerising.
Great little number
Love his playing!! Agree with you, tanker4909! Would love to see him live.
I used to go see Leo in Chicago on Lincoln Ave.- at a joint real close to the Biograph. He's a wonder for sure.
I've seen him in concert several times. One time someone shouted out a request for "Everybody Lies."
He sheepishly admitted that, in concert, he only plays songs and tunes that he can remember.
During that same show, he told a hilarious story about the word "if."
cool, very skillful
It could even more easily be done if some youtube employee made a page where that could be done online. The version I uploaded was perfectly synced, it is the youtube converter that has problems with a lot of codecs. Although nowadays this seems to have been improved quite a bit, but as you can see I uploaded this video over 6 years ago.....tempus fugit.....
man what a great song
I have loved Leo K. since I was a teen. Not saying how long ago that is...haha. I played guitar and he was my hero then. Some of his older stuff is fantastic. Look up "bean time" for a rocker or "louise" if your more sentimental.
That's mental! The guy's a freakin' machine! ;-)
One of a kind😉
In the era of big inefficient light bulbs...there was great music.
He's almost incomprehensibly good. I think he's part of a different species that's actually born with a guitar as an appendage. Such a unique style, too.
Long live Leo....