Robert's Review of Leo Kottke at Cat's Cradle

Roberts Reviews

Robert's Review of Leo Kottke at Cat's Cradle , 10/13/98

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Leo Kottke packed the Cat's Cradle for an evening of amazing music. He is known for his guitar virtuosity - finger picking and playing slide at full speed but it's his tunes that live with multiple rhythms that stop, drive, and bump but still pull you along. There is just enough structure to the songs to hold onto without being bored and just enough flash to make your soul jump to keep up with the songs. Plus live there is an extra touch. Leo Kottke the person comes through as humorous and (while totally weird) - an average Joe.

The Cat's Cradle is an historic music venue that has moved to various places in Chapel Hill over the years. Normally it hosts indy bands but this night was Leo's annual visit to the area. The place was packed with hard metal chairs covering the dance floor. The crowds were a mix of fans from young to old with I'm sure a large presence of guitar players. He is an inspiration to players and non players.

Leo's music contains elements of folk, blues, new age, and ragtime but he transcends boundaries by being an innovator. But you sense that the innovation came naturally. It seems somehow that it was not forced or pushed toward but rather he is pulled along by his muse. Perhaps it is just the acoustic natural sound of one player and the underlying folk familiarity but the music is great. He played a strong version of "Pamela Brown" singing the chorus with deep voice "I guess I owe it all to Pamela Brown". Well thank you Pamela - together Leo and his guitar made the music fun. What a night.

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Comments from viewers

I tried to submit a note about Kottke and got a Java Script error.
Of course I thought he was great.... funny as heck.
frankc4@ix.netcom.com
> Thanks I fixed the javascript error, it should work next time.
> Leo will be back in October to the Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill.
> He is amazing.
> Info at http://www.rasman.com/reviews/ncblue.html
> robert
Thanks for the reply... I will visit again soon. Leo is amazing.
I have seen him live twice now, once with Chet Atkins... that was
a magical show. Leo is so funny between tunes, I think I would pay 
just to listen to him talk. Last time was this April in a small club.
His guitar work is undescribable with plain words, sonic bliss.
frankc4@ix.netcom.com
-----

Leo's musics  great as a guitarist I should know I have been playing  
for three years . I;m learning fretboard and scale theory , and would 
eventually like to get into altered and open tunings. Leo    Leo's 
playing is so unique  I think i'll start with the tuning dadgad
Tyler  () on Wednesday, March 31, 1999 at 17:23:49

-----
Hi Leo Fan's
    Leo's cool cosmic playing came to Perth Australia Nov:12  
    1998. It was awesome. I raced to get to the regal theatre
    from work and made it just in time.Thankx to the support act
    or I would have missed the start of Leo's set.Now I have a
    wonderful memory in the form of the bootleg I made.
                                        Still listening
                                                  Brian :

brian (starwatch@hotmail.com) on Friday, November 20, 1998 at 21:50:38
-----
Hi there.  My name is Travis Martir and I spied your reviews on the 
net.  One I noticed especially was the one on Leo Kottke.  He is an 
incredible musician and I am very interested in seeing him perform.  
The thing is, that I would like to try to get him to perform here on 
my campus I Walla Walla, and I am cluless as how to get a hold of him
or his manager or whomever.  If you have any suggestions of whom to 
contact, it would be greatly appreciated.  My E-mail address is 
marttr@wwc.edu.  Thank you for your time.
Travis
Travis Martir <marttr@wwc.edu> Fri, 30 Oct 1998 00:39:47

You might try to locate his management through his record label
Windam Hill
(877) WH-TUNES
whinfo@windham.com
Also if he has played nearby you can contact the promotor of that show and maybe talk your way into some info.
Good Luck.
Robert
-----
Hey,  Leo fans....I met Leo in Michigan where he played at a place 
called  "The Ark" A very small place.  This place could only seat
about 300, Tops....I was in the front row, about 10 ft away, and about
3 seats to his left...( good view of his left hand )
Im TELLin YOU...!... oh boy.. I was buzzin. this was my first time
seeing him, and to be that close...WOOOOO..! I could see his nose hairs..
the show was blast and to top it off, at the end of the show, he
signed my guitar.  He was the first to sign it. Now I have a total 
of eight signitures.  and eight good stories behind each one.
if you want to know the other seven who signed my guitar, well you'll
just have to e-mail me to find out.
Thanks for reading my input...  dave_hmmmm@hotmail.com
Dave (dave_hmmmm@hotmail.com) on Thursday, August 20, 1998 at 17:40:42
-----
Anybody know if Leo is playing soon in NJ or NY?
Is there a mailing/concert schedule list?
Thanks y'all.

vicki (vickilederman@hotmail.com) on Friday, July 17, 1998 at 23:47:08
-----
I'm a long-term fan of Leo Kottke, having become aware of him when I was in 
college.  He came to my very small college (Blackburn College, Carlinville, 
IL)to play, and afterwards, most of my friends and I piled into the only car
anyone had, and followed the poor guy out to the Glades Restaurant, pooled 
our money, and bought him a drink.  He was very gracious and came over to 
talk to all of us.  To be the superb musician he is AND a nice guy?  It's 
almost too much! Would love to locate on CD the old Kottke that I have 
moldering in my basement on LP's.  A goal in life!  Am listening to 
"Standing in my Shoes" as I type. What a mellow contented CD. Sigh...

Kathy Bealmear (bealmear@hsonline.net) on Friday, May 15, 1998 at 22:04:58

By all accounts Leo does seem to be a real human being; a nice guy not just 
a performance. Many people have written here about their meetings with him 
and whether they just met him or worked with him they all have maintain a 
great affection for him. It's great to have him create music of such great 
intricacy yet still retain the simplicity and humor of life. Actually maybe 
that's what makes the music so great - he just plays his own self.

There are a lot of Leo CDs out there, good listening.
robert@rasman.com
-----
I have been a guitar player for 25 years and still play at least an hour a 
day.  My first exposure to Leo Kottke was in the early 70's.  I remember 
wondering how a single guitar player could make so much music?  Today, even 
after having learned several Kottke guitar pieces I'm amazed at his mastery 
and dominance of guitar music. In my opinion to really appreciate this 
master musician one only needs to attempt a duplication of a Kottke guitar 
piece, the experience will make you a better musician and also a humbler 
one.

Michael M. Beseres (Beseres@emily.com) on Monday, May 4, 1998 at 16:19:35
-----
I am a great big fan of Leo, in fact we were listening to him today at work. 
Nothing really compares, but check out Adrian Legg somtime I think you'll 
like it.

David C. Niziol (Nizioldc.@nacadem.sunyerie.edu) on Wednesday, April 29, 1998 at 18:31:00
-----
I first saw and heard Leo in 1968, I think.  And again in about 1980.  
And again in 1997.  The first two times I heard him, he'd sit on 
that stool, get his rhythm going, have his legs and that guitar 
and that stool rocking and just have the whole audience rocking along.
As someone above noted, he doesn't seem to feel really relaxed 
until when he gets into his playing.
His style has moved from less rhythmic to more eclectic perhaps, 
but what a trip!
Eight Miles High, Bicycle, Hear the Wind Howl, the immortal Louise, and on 
and on. 
There's something compellingly vulnerable in his performance, 
something that makes it seem like he's somehow just like one of us amateurs, 
like he enjoys it so much that he's willing to play with minor flubs 
and explore new ground right in front of us, to show how glorious it 
can be.
Keep going, Leo.
There was another Leo-type site some months ago, where folks were discussing 
his techniques, how to (try to) play like him - and there were
concert schedules, too.  Maybe that site's gone, but keep looking.

Steve Rothe (Kenyakid@aol.com) on Tuesday, April 21, 1998 at 15:49:52
-----
Wonderful concert in Haarlem, the Netherlands,february 1998. Gave me the 
incentive to pick up the guitar again. Got a Martin DA 28 and love playing 
every day. Who has got the tab music of "Mona Ray"?

jacques (hvo@powerstar.nl) on Saturday, April 18, 1998 at 13:25:13
-----
I started listening to Leo Kottke back in 1978. I thought he was
fantastic then and still do now. I saw a live performance in Milford,
N.H. in, I think it was 1991. I moved to North Carolina in 1992 and
Leo has played down here twice at the Rialto Theatre. Both times I
had other commitments and couldn't see him. I'm hoping he will be 
coming back this way soon. I'm looking for tour dates and it doesn't
appear he is. Hopefully he will some day. His show was the best 
concert that I have ever been to. Nice crowd, very ggod time. Inspired
me to want to pick up the guitar. Still haven't had
time yet.

Bill Shanahan (shanahan@mindspring.com) on Friday, March 20, 1998 at 19:42:53
-----
Leo Kottke-a constant in my life. I can only imagine the excitement
of seeing him in a live performance again. I am hoping to get this new
opportunity on the 26th and 27th of March in Sante Fe and Albequrque.
I am in anticipation of these events as I will have the opportunity
to cherish these moments until I get to see him again.
After the bombing in my hometown, I put on the Kottke tapes, LPs and
CD's and just let it all go by. This has fused for many of us that
are his loyal fans in Oklahoma City. I only wish he would come here
again...it has been too..long. 
May He live forever, Peter King Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Peter King (mikeking@telepath.com) on Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 00:32:26
-----
I am a great fan of Leo's and have always found him to be quite accessible 
at small venues. I have met and spoken with him many times after a show. 
You can call Morris Bleisener Associates for concert dates at 303-329-9292. 
They are his present management.

Brian Kane (bkane@cybernex.net) on Friday, March 13, 1998 at 10:50:45
-----
I have a very old and much listened to recording of Leo Kottke performing 
live in Frankfurt around 1975. He incorporated Jesu joy of man's desiring 
into this concert. Is it available on disc?

Ian Saynor (ian.saynor@cableinet.co.uk) on Monday, March 2, 1998 at 16:58:45

Last year I got an import CD of Leo Live in Europe on BGO records 
(1979-1980 tour I believe). Includes The train and the gate, Open Country
 Joy: Theme and Adhesions, Airproofing, Tell Mary, Wheels, Up Tempo, 
Palms Blvd., Shawowland, Eggtooth & Pamela Brown & Range. Catalog number 
bgocd265

Beat Goes On records
PO Box 22 Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP286XO, England
Good Luck.
robert
-----
Leo Kottke fans -- please help!  This should be an easy one.  I’m trying 
desperately to find lyrics to the “lost verse” of Louise.  I’ve been told 
that he does one that most who cover the tune don’t use.  I’ve committed to 
my first Open Mike Night, in March, and have my heart set on doing this 
song in it’s entirety.  Can anyone tell me what CD “Louise” is on....or 
better yet, fill me in on the verse that talks about how “.....the ladies 
liked Louise....”, or something like that.  You can contact me at 
rjmandeville@rocketmail.com.  Thanks RJ

Rebecca (rjmandeville@rocketmail.com) on Thursday, February 5, 1998 at 12:25:05
-----
I dont remember the year or where it was. But this I do remember. I 
heard this album wailing and asked who it was. I was told its Leo 
Kottke. I looked at the album and saw the song was June Bug. It changed 
My guitar playing and my feel for music. that I believe was about 1974 
or75 In1979 I had plans on seeing Leo in N. Y. City but the night he 
played my wife had other ideas like giving birth. Im still waiting for 
that moment My albums have been replaced with C. D.s But my love for 
his music can not.  
        
Kevin Gleason (kgleason@warwick.net) on Friday, January 30, 1998 at 23:32:25
-----
Leo:  Your performance at the Panida Theater last night was grand.  
It was great for my wife and myself as well as, I'm sure, for the rest of 
the audience.  You are very well liked by us and our small town in North
Idaho.  Being from Minneapolis and attending St. Cloud State College, I 
have known of you for a long time.  You are truely timeless and that is 
what a classic is.  If you ever come back to our part of the country, you 
are always welcome.  We will take care of the accommodations and dinner.

Frank Cafferty (fsc30@nidlink.com) on Saturday, January 17, 1998
-----
God's changed His name...from Clapton to Kottke!!!

Dan Phipps (phipps@schoollink.net) on Saturday, December 27, 1997 at 22:27:15
-----
I was attempting to find some information about the incredible Leo Kottke
and when I might be able to catch a live performance.  I have been
intrigued by him for years but haven't been able to see a live performance.
 I was unable to access the site that appeared might have tour information.
 I live in Bend, Oregon and was wondering if you could tell me when and
where Leo might be playing near me, as well as any site adress that may
help me find this information.  Thank you so much!

Adam Coppock (acoppock@transport.comMon) 8 Dec 1997 21:27:43 -0800
-----
 did your guitar get ripped off? if so when and where?

KBarry threegs@gate.net November 28, 1997 at 23:51:47
-----
I have been listening to Leo Kottke ever since he came  out. I 
have met him on two seprate occasions in Florida where I live. 
On one occasion we played guitar togethor. I was just sending out 
this e-mail to let Leo know that he has alot of loyal FANS!

Barry threegs@gate.net November 28, 1997 at 23:27:15
-----
Leo was part of a Boston area radio station sponsored free concert 
at City Hall Plaza. Despite having already heard a wonderful night 
of music, the highlight of the evening for me was the hourlong set 
of headliner Leo Kottke. It was my honor to have picked Leo up at 
his hotel for the soundcheck earlier in the evening, and neither 
the soundcheck nor the actual performance disappointed. The man 
travels light, carrying only two guitar cases which held a six and 
a twelve string guitar. Kottke casually took the stage and proceded 
to amaze the crowd with demonstrations of the fingerpicking style 
many have tried to imitate. The set combined old and new songs, 
instrumentals and some with vocal renditions, and he displayed the 
easy style of storytelling and banter for which he is known, 
leading to much laughter from the appreciative crowd. I had asked
him on the ride over to City Hall if he had spent the day relaxing 
in his room, to which he thoughtfully replied , "I never truly 
relax until I walk onto a stage and start to play..." That evening 
he demonstrated the ease of style and the remarkable talent that, 
despite never having had any bit hit recordings, have led him to 
be known as a musical legend for decades.

Kathy Wilson k1wilwink@argo.net November 16, 1997 at 21:41:04
-----
just a quick note to say that I too find Leo's live performances 
awe-inspiring. I met him and talked with him after a show in 
Pittsburgh in 1992 where he signed one of my guitars. He has 
inspired my playing greatly over the past 13 years and hopefully 
someday I will open a show or two for him. My playing style is 
becoming increasingly controlled, delicate and brutal when need 
be. He is truly a treaure and I would recommend ANYONE of any 
fan of any style of music make it a point to see him. Especially 
to any style of guitarist I say that your entire life can be 
changed by seeing this man play "live". That may sound extreme 
but I am living proof that it is the truth! At any rate, go see 
the man and I pray that just once he and I are on the same stage!

michael yolch myolch@amsite.com November 12, 1997 at 12:54:55
-----
Hello,

Would you know if Leo has a Web site?

Thanks,
    Richard Sullivan rbs4@gte.net
-----
I went in to HMV on Yonge street in Toronto, the city I live in 
and I heard an awesome song coming through the P.A. system  I 
found out it was Leo Kottke's song and from then on I started 
listening. I only heard about 6 or 7 songs from Leo and I could 
honestly say my favourite, SO FAR, is "Eight Miles High."

David Sardina srdd0000@humberc.on.ca October 2, 1997 at 11:21:00
-----
I heard about Leo Kotkke from my father actually and while I 
cannot imagine going to many concerts with him, this would be one 
I would go to with him.  If you any information concerning his 
future appearances I would love to hear from you.  I think that 
your review is very good.

Sincerely,
Eli Gregory () on Wednesday, October 15, 1997 at 02:18:07
-----
Robert,

Just read your review of Leo Kottke, one of my all-time favorite
gutarists.  First became aware of Kottke way back in '73 or '74 
when he did a very brief appearance early one morning on NBC's 
Today Show with a very young Jane Pauley interviewing.  He played 
two pieces ("bottleneck" slide style) that absolutely blew me away,
causing me to literally run for a tape to record off the air 
(still have to this day).  Saw Leo appear in Virginia Beach again 
in the late '70's.  Absolutely mesmirizing!  Caught him after all  
these years yet once again last night at the Virginia Beach Art 
Show for FREE.  Absolutely awesome.  The man just gets better and 
better with age.  Same simple approach - the 12 string and 6 
string guitars, slide and a mic.  Sheer magic.  A Kottke
concert every 10 years or so just isn't enough for the
Kottke-insatiable. Long live Leo!!
wchurch <wchurch@pop.erols.com>Sun, 15 Jun 1997 09:22:49
-----
Your review of Leo Kottke's performance was great!  I saw Leo 
play last week on Friday, April 25 1997 in St. Louis, at the 
Sheldon Theatre.  I am 19 years old and went with my dad.  My 
father is a big Leo Kottke fan, and he got me started on him.  
He had been wanting to see Leo for 25 yers now, and he finally 
got the chance.  Leo's performance was unbelieveable!  He played 
with two acoustics, a 12 and 6 string.  His style is so great 
that it sounds like there is another person playing with him.  
I was very greatful to see this concert, and I now have friends 
of mine who enjoy listening to his music.

Bill Zobrist Jr. (bzobrist@a1.mckendree.edu) May 1, 1997 at 23:06:55
-----
more on leo kottke, how about his twelve string?  What has he 
done reciently on albums that use this?
reed wilmerding (beluga@icdc.com) on Thursday, October 3, 1996 at 20:43:14
-----
 The only mention of Kottke on the web near as I can tell. I 
thought your comment about the mixed age groups at the concert 
was interesting.  I've been listening to (and trying to play like)
Leo for 20+ years and I'm delighted to think that perhaps a new 
generation has started listening to him.

Ron Sutcliffe (jurixsys@alaska.net) September 23, 1996 at 00:50:56

Ron, thanks for your comments on Leo Kottke's review in Robert's 
Review. It's not easy to find Leo information on the net but try 
"http://www.private-music.com/" Private Music is his label and 
they sometimes have pages for Leo including tour dates. Other 
links are available at "http://www.rasman.com/links.html"

I believe his music has deep enough roots to be timeless.
robert
-----
Where can I get more info on Kottke and other folk type
musicians?  Our search function only brings me to here.
Elizabeth M. Bella (ebella@selway.umt.edu) on Sunday, September 22, 1996 at 21:08:59
-----
How can I get concert/performance schedules for Leo Kotkke. I 
would love to see him whenever he is near VA. Gotta' run for now, 
will be in touch again soon!!!
Keep it up. 
Scott (Redman71@aol.com) on Monday, September 16, 1996 at 13:52:21
-----
I'm a long ago road manager of Leo's and I queried the Web Crawler 
to see if Leo has gotten into computers yet. He hasn',t but there 
are hundreds of referrences to him. A nice tribute to the old man 
(I think he should be around 50 now, huh?)

Interesting review considering that when I worked for him we 
played mostly college campus venues. It would be interesting to 
see the age range of his current audience.

BH 
Bill Hood (wchphoto@aol.com)August 8, 1996 at 00:06:33
-----
I searched for Leo Kottke and yours was the only thing that came 
up. We are great fans and attend his concerts whenever he is in 
New Hampshire. Haven't seen him this year though...do you happen 
to know a concert schedule?

Sue Foster Thursday, August 8, 1996 at 11:48:36

------
I came here looking for info on Leo Kottke.  This was the only 
place on the "net" that I could find any and I read your review 
with interest.  I am 44 and have just picked up an accoustic 
guitar and have "begun" to learn.  I find Leo's music inspiring 
and am looking for info. on him.

Thanks for your review.  I would be interested in any other 
places on or off the net that I can learn more about him or any 
other accoustic players you think are of note.

Regards

Kevin BerginJuly 6, 1996 at 22:17:08

I don't remember any other Leo Kottke sites offhand, but I have 
a few blues and music links on http://www.rasman.com/links.html 
that you might try. Another accoustic player from the 60/70's 
that you might like is John Fahey - a little strange but I believe h
is company first recorded Leo. Check out the Takoma records if 
you can - the mainstream label recordings are not worth it.

I'll let you know if I find anything else on the web.

-----

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