Leo Kotke “Pamela Brown”

Leo Kotke
April 28, 2023, following major rain.
Kessler Theater
Dallas, Texas

[@austinZen8800]

One of the two or three good memories I have of my dad (who had a drug addiction and a short life) was when he took me along to Quadraphonic recording studios in Nashville. He played piano with Leo on his Balance album there and I got to hang out for a couple of days with headphones on listening to the tracks being recorded. It was fantastic, and Leo was very kind and charismatic. Thank you!

[@james5796]

Sorry you suffered Sir

[@blackiris-9132]

Thanks for your memory

[@hoagybob]

Cool story. Thanks for sharing.

[@BertrandLaurenceMusic]

Thank you for sharing. Your dad contributed to a Great record!

[@martifingers]

The way I see it, that is a wonderful memory to treasure. Thanks for sharing it.

[@raymartindale3962]

I’ve loved this song for almost 50 years. Thanks Leo!

[@steverolfeca]

I love Leo’s work in the 70’s, but had no idea that he was still performing. Thank you so much for this video!

[@fcl1998]

Ditto, I saw him in the mid 70s. Glad he's still out there.

[@soyyoroaldo]

Me too! So glad this cycled up on my KZbin stream. Makes my day!

[@CreatorInTrng]

I would sit spellbound listening to his albums. He made a single guitar sound like 2 or 3 guitars at the same time. They were apart of my road trip-youth. Got to dust them off and listen again.....

[@fractuss]

A lot of musicians don't have the luxury of retirement. Kinda the nature of the gig economy.

[@clacclackerson3678]

Same here. I saw him in Sydney more than 40 years ago. Bravo Leo!

[@artswri]

He is a musical treasure. Original, often unconventional, always amusing, consumately music. Thank you mr. Kottke for decades of deeply felt music!!

[@qenutamen127]

I love you, Leo! You have been a part of my life, love, since the early 70s, but I never got a chance to tell you. Been to all of your shows wherever I lived, and bought all of your albums. ❤

[@dennisdrayna9383]

He's still playing and he's still great. His voice has darkened over the past decades, and it adds a terrific richness. His guitar work is still remarkable.

[@martifingers]

And he is still re-inventing the music. A relentlessly creative musician and one of the wittiest people around.

[@dougthompson9596]

“Geese farts on a muggy day “ Love this guy!

[@VickiBowers]

What a delightful surprise to come upon this video! Leo Kottke at the Kessler. He turns 78 on September 11, 2023.

[@ChristopherCudworth]

My late wife loved Leo and we saw him perform several times. Astounding musician.

[@timbermannh]

Mine as well. Watching this brings a smile and a tear (or ten).

[@Baci302]

Leo’s not only a genius guitarist but a very witty and funny entertainer.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

He has been for the 50 years I’ve been listening to him. Saw him 30 times in Minneapolis alone. I once asked him for advice on playing 12 string guitar. He said don’t.

[@andrewbowen6875]

Yes just a naturally funny man

[@woodennickel6148]

@@captainkangaroo4301 Rocks a guitar like a well fed bouncer when he wants to, Lars Hansen.

[@tinfoilhatter]

he's got a real warm voice too, right?

[@captainkangaroo4301]

@@tinfoilhatter yes. Very pleasant

[@SuperTallulah]

I love Leo Kotke. Saw him 2 times in the 1970’s and once in the 80’s. Still funny, still amazing musician and singer and still good looking. Thank you for this video

[@TheAcousticLife]

Leo Kottke is as humble as he is imperfectly perfect. There's just something genuinely magical about listening to him. Thanks for sharing this!

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

I love Leo. He is one of the few guitar players that I would want to see in concert, not just for his virtuoso playing, but for his entertaining and eccentric stage banter. In fact, as much as I enjoy his playing and singing, I enjoy his funny, rambling stories even more!

[@edwardstaszko]

In the 70’s, he was playing at the University in Omaha and he needed an amplifier for his performance. I took him to my parents house to show him what I had. My Mom was sitting at her sewing machine and,after he played a couple of things, she said “You’re pretty good!”. Leo said ‘Thank you. Ma’am”. Later I told her he is one the world’s best guitarists, but I always remember how kind and humble he was. Great guy!

[@martifingers]

Great story. Reminds me of the documentary where Richard Thompson is approached by a man who asks what sort of music he plays. "Well you could call it folk music". "You mean like Peter, Paul and Mary?" Without missing a beat Thompson replied "Yes, just like them."

[@marvinmartin4692]

We need more of that!

[@777nydia1]

There's no one I know who can improvise so many rhythms and picking licks so artfully as this man. Thanks Leo!

[@Syl-Vee]

Leo's voice is better than ever. As rich and beautiful as his playing. Wonderful banter, too. Thanks for posting!

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

Takes me back to my college days in the 70s. Love Leo Kottke, and didn't realize he was still with us, much less performing. This was a delight. Thanks!

[@stephenspencer4672]

I've seen Leo Kotke in concert more than a dozen times. All in various venues around Seattle. Always a good. His banter between numbers a highlight of his performances.😅

[@freesk8]

I saw him in Bellingham about a decade ago. I still remember his joke: "Ya know the guy who wrote the lyrics for the Star Spangled Banner was a relative of mine? Francis. Francis Kottke." Loved that one! :)

[@tomcoryell]

@@freesk8 Hadn’t heard that one. That’s good!

[@mikes9759]

Saw Leo a bunch of times in the late 60s and beyond. Amazing player REALLY!!!! He could sound like 2 or 3 people playing. Saw him at a small auditorium in the upper Midwest one night and he talked and played for almost 3 hours! He even took a break to use the facilities!! And came back out and played. It was simply amazing!!! I turned a lot of people on to him and they all became big fans!! Man I miss those days!! Take care people!! And cherish it while you can!! It flies by fast!!

[@fredericrike5974]

I first had the pleasure of seeing Kotke when I was in middle school in the '60s- he was in the Tulane Field House- a basketball court- with seating for about 8,000; the two shows both pulled nearly 12 k. One hearing and even a young band nerd knew why. And all these years later, he has still got that magic in his fingers.

[@angusmoffat]

I saw Leo Kottke years ago in Victoria, BC. Probably the greatest guitarist that most people have never heard of. Phenomenal talent. A superb version of Pamela Brown.

[@buckhorncortez]

Let me guess...he's "underrated"...? Right...the ubiquitous backhanded compliment de jour on the Internet. FYI - discovered Leo Kottke in 1969...but, then I've never fit into the singularly invented category of "most people"...

[@drrogerwilkinson330]

He came to Australia a couple of times in the mid-1990s. Like you say, perhaps the greatest guitarist most people have never heard of.

[@chrisjohnston7164]

Saw him in St. Cloud U in the Rathskeller 1969

[@TheNaturalust]

I was once the stage manager for my University music theater. When Leo played the venue he invited me back to his Holiday Inn hotel room and I brought out the party favors and we stayed up all night and half the next day. Good memories, he was great company and yes he brought out the guitar and showed me some riffs I still use with great pride today! Cheers brother!

[@rjb7569]

Ah, yes... the Party Favors! Ahem.

[@TheSpoonwood]

God ...he's so connected ...sublime

[@letiekllib]

I hadn't heard this song for 30? 35 ? years.....Music really does make the world a better place. jps

[@robertharden4092]

Damn I’m old❤ I’m seventy one and thought I was seventeen again.oh yes.

[@mtnman6557]

As the saying goes: "Don't feel like the Lone Ranger;" a # of us 71 yr old folks made it through to today. But man, what a stress filled world it is now; even our democracy is teetering on the edge! Never in a million yrs could we have foreseen this.

[@BuffaloC305]

The night before this Kessler-Dallas show, Leo was at Austin's Paramount Theater (per usual) and he gave his usual "What happened to the Armadillo?" speech, adding or removing a few lines. Back in 1969... when his first album came out with armadillos decorating, all those good Austin times remain fondest memories. One man and his guitars on the Armadillo's stage more renowed for trip-fueled jams or power-blues. Willie and Zappa had been there, Leon Russell, but mostly a Texas-centric list of artists. Few were big-time, back then. And THIS unknown guy with an accent clearly north of the Red River showed up and blew everyone away, show after show. All of us electric & amp folks went home wondering about Strats and Marshalls, Gibsons and the fading Vox lineups. "Why bother? Leo put up more music by himself than any band we'd seen!"

[@JeffMTX]

A good friend and I saw Leo at the Paramount about 18 years ago :)

[@johnfirth6541]

i got to see him at the Paramount in 1982! I was just passing thru Austin and heard on the radio he was playing that night, so immediately got my ticket. What a great night!

[@JeffMTX]

@@johnfirth6541 WOW!! 1983 or so was the first I knew of him, on PBS. And that chicken story. I was hooked!

[@johnfirth6541]

@@JeffMTX I started learning guitar in college in 78. by 80-81 I had learned of John Fahey and Leo Kottke and had started to learn their style. So it was great to actually see Kottke back then. Its very fun to play Pamela Brown, with slide like he did on his album. 😊

[@audreybutcher7918]

I saw Leo in 1985 in Australia. I was 41 weeks pregnant but I just had to see him. My labour started during the show but I wouldn’t leave til the end. My daughter was born the next morning. 😂. Thanks Leo.

[@slappyortega2449]

BTW... none of this happened.

[@dunebillyofswanbeach4294]

@@slappyortega2449Do you feel better for saying that?

[@slappyortega2449]

@@dunebillyofswanbeach4294 A little bit. What really gives me a lift is you fretting about it.

[@PhilSmith-fd9qk]

H​@@dunebillyofswanbeach4294

[@dunebillyofswanbeach4294]

@@slappyortega2449 You confuse fret with surprise towards your baseless assumption.

[@Sheilena1]

Heard Leo First time with „Dreams and all that stuff“ in 1974 and still love his incredible guitar playing. Unfortunately never got the chance to see him here in Germany.

[@jonimaricruz1692]

I love how he constantly noodles around while chatting with the audience, as if the music in him always needs to come out. I’ve loved him for literally decades. Take care Leo , best wishes! ✌️🫶

[@r-pieces]

I have been following Kotke for many years, since his SCSU (MN) days. A genius guitar player.

[@The93ssfd]

You could at the very least spell his name correctly.

[@darrellreed2589]

My God, what memories. I am 72 and was a huge Leo fan. Always a treat when he sang....even if he said it was like geese farts on a muggy day. Thanks for posting this!

[@mtnman6557]

Long time fan; still listen to the Greenhouse & Ice Water albums on a regular basis. Songs: You Tell Me Why & Cradle To The Grave sure are fitting for these current times in America. "Keep on trucking" Leo; thanks for the music!

[@jasondorris6408]

Tiny island

[@mtnman6557]

@@jasondorris6408 Yeah, Tiny Island is another song off Greenhouse that fits w/ this upside-down world we now find ourselves in. Good call!

[@Magnetron33]

Greenhouse is one of my all time favorite albums. I bought it new and never got tired of it. I have seen him 4 or 5 times. I really like Beantime and Louise

[@mtnman6557]

@@Magnetron33 Lucky! Years ago, I had 2 chances to see him in concert, but something came up both times. Just a FYI: since you're a fan of Leo's music, have you heard any of Chris Smither's stuff? Last year, I was introduced to his music on a NPR station. Chris is another great acoustic guitar player; can't believe I had never heard of him before last yr. *More From The Levee is 1 of his best albums.

[@Magnetron33]

@@mtnman6557 Was introduced to Leo via 6&12 string guitar around 69 or 70. Thanks for the tip on Chris Smithers, I will check it out.

[@danieldennison6248]

You can’t go wrong with a Tom T. Hall song. This one’s been pretty good to Leo. Classic!

[@brettallenthomas]

I heard Leo's album "Armadillo" back in about 1978, I was 10, and it was the first time i really "heard" an acoustic guitar being played as a solo instrument... still love it to this day..

[@jaddae7099]

What a treat to see him still kicking it... always like his guitar style

[@ellecampbell5067]

So nice to hear Leo again! I haven't heard him play in many years. He's still got it!

[@terrykobleck6529]

Wow am I glad this came up on my feed. Haven’t heard him in ages. A national treasure on the guitar.

[@donwyates]

I remember the first time hearing Kottke - a girl i had a crush on put 6 & 12 String on her record player for me to listen to. I was hooked. I'd never heard anyone play a guitar like he did. I couldn't believe it was just one guy. I went to see him in concert many times, and was always blown away by his performances.

[@peterhodes6708]

Thanks for posting, Although I,m only 6 months younger than Leo, sadly I only discovered him during lockdown 3 years ago. Since then I,ve been desperately playing catch-up!! Love you Leo!😃😃

[@asfaloth9695]

it is very nice to see Leo on stage he used to come to germany a lot and i had the great luck to see him live twice today i still like to listen to 'balance' and 'burnt lips' from vinyl he is one of the best !!

[@Knight14649]

Leo once said he really doesn’t like to sing, because “ my voice sounds like goose farts on a muggy day”… I glad to hear him still making music . I saw him live back in 1972

[@BerrysJSRD]

He gets better every year. Amazing.

[@CraftyFloridian]

Leo and I were in High School together for a couple of years. He and I would laugh and cut up in Music. Loved his sense of humor, always got us in trouble...Nice to see he continued his music which he loved so much. Take care old man...LOL Billie Mills

[@randyminnick5031]

It just doesn't get any better. No one else is like Kotke. Thank you for sharing!

[@user-nb5hx6ej7r]

Vaseline machine gun inspired me to playing slide and open tunings thanks Leo

[@DanPurdy1]

I hadn’t heard him sing and play his wonderful song since some time in the 70’s. A guitar master, usually with a twelve string. A great songwriter and a fine singer. I am so glad to have found him. I will be singing this for hours.

[@jonwilliams23]

Saw him perform a couple of times in the 70’s in Iowa City, Iowa. Pure magic.

[@number1cabdriveriniowacity736]

Where? I feel like I saw him at Hancher? But back then there were a few more live venues.

[@g.stephens263]

I've been listening to Kottke's music for over 50 years! Thanks be that he has no arthritis! The best 6 and 12 string player EVER!! My other favorite acoustic player...Richard Thompson.

[@susanmary4752]

what this man can do with an acoustic guitar is pure bliss!

[@guyrose6602]

Still kickin' huh? That is great! Still with this humor I can't define but just love. Such a shame he is not coming anywhere around these parts.

[@dobbins4323]

Leo Kottke has been a premiere picker since forever and he’s still my favorite.

[@stevenewtube]

What a voice!! Love it

[@jamesstuartbrice420]

I remember hearing him at the old Scholar Cafe on Cedar Ave. It was just a block from where I lived as a student. After a year of playing there he only played once a year in Minneapolis at the Guthrie Theater. That was when he started. He took the spotlight off other performers in the Twin Cities, such as Dave Ray. But I especially miss how young he was then. He looks a bit old now. If only we could turn the clock back.

[@wjniemi]

Good memories of the TC music scene in the late 70s. There was nobody else doing anything like this, it was unique and every guitarist wanted to be able to play like this.

[@nathandodge665]

TC?

[@wjniemi]

@@nathandodge665 Twin Cities... apologies for the jargon.

[@mikelord9860]

Glad you mentioned Twin Cities music scene, - Prince goes without saying - also producing great players like Peter Lang, Pat Donohue and Phil Heywood; and of course Michael Johnson was based out of the TC. I'm sure there are many others.

[@wjniemi]

@@mikelord9860 That's where I got my feet on the ground in the business. I was there for about 12 years slogging it out in the night club circuit with bands that never got a day off. It was a great place to be and there were some great musicians. Some of them got some national fame, a few got pretty good regional traction, for whatever that was worth. I got 15,000 hours of stage time, a roof over my head and heat bills paid, and a tiny bit of notice. In retrospect, it was just about perfect.

[@davidmccarty6445]

Best player I've ever heard 🎉🎉🎉

[@williamc.hensel130]

There are two 'T's in Kottke, and he's been T-riffic for at least the 50 years since I first heard him, courtesy of a lovely redhead I met in the cast of a play at Ball State, named Kathy Brown - Leo sang 'Pamela Brown' at the concert in Indy back then, on 12-string. The voice and humor and Pamela have aged very well! Here's hoping that's true for Kathy B as well.

[@joeboudreault2226]

Leo was the first great acoustic player I heard years ago. Love his resonant, melodic style and humor. I keep going back to his two albums done with Mike Gordon, especially "Clone" - incredible acapella duets which I've never heard elsewhere! "The Collins Missile" and "Car Carrier Blues" are pure ear candy. Thanks for this update. 77 and still going, eh, Leo?!

[@dhulbert855]

Thanks for posting these rpm4565! It's good to glimpse what Leo's up to lately. He's in my guitar pantheon and I've seen him (live) more times over the many years than I've seen anybody else by a longshot!

[@nonacrane491]

Have seen him in Washington state at small and larger venues,,,,Seattle, Olympia,,,great musician!

[@marvinmartin4692]

Seen him twice, great story teller! Besides an incredible musician!

[@AMS51000]

Thanks to Leo Kottke, one of the first songs I learned to play that wasn't pure cowboy chords.

[@davidgladstone6588]

I saw him when I was 19 and he was 26!;] I bought my first Leo album, summer of 69, I played it so much it warped!!;]

[@ianhayden2547]

6 and 12 string guitar is one of my favourite albums! In 30 years I've managed to suss out 2 of the songs! Brilliant, baffling and a great bloke into the bargain!

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

thats awesome fisherman is probably first one anyone gets off that album still workin on it myself!

[@MrEdchristin]

I saw him at St Norbert College in Depere WI in 1971, amazing he is still performing

[@mikegleim5241]

I can't thank you enough for posting this! Was just wondering whether he's still performing. He has 2 of my favorite all time top 10 live performances. He may trot out all the old chestnuts and stories, but manages to make each performance very personal and his playing is always goosebumps 💓💓

[@dartdom]

Thanks for posting. I had a Pamela Brown in my life. This song always made the memory of her sweeter and all that easier to endure. Ah, the stories I could tell of the adventures I had after her, and the true love I know now in my old age. Thanks, Leo, once again. Nice to know that one of these days you might be in my town.

[@nakamakai5553]

I've seen LOTS of music venues, but none can top the two fantastic occasions on which I was privileged to attend LK. As funny as ever, as engaging with his audience as ever, as prolific as ever, and endlessly talented. If you are lucky enough to score tix, you will be thrilled. Bliss for the audience on 6- and 12-strings, I'll be going back for more.

[@tomhoefling]

Saw him perform this live at the Music Hall in Omaha back in the Seventies. I won the tickets from a radio station. Had no idea who he was. Boy, did I get an education that night!

[@julieberkowitz2750]

The way he shaves his personality is art in itself

[@frankmuller2602]

Leo ist einer der besten Gitarristen aller Zeiten.

[@rileysdad1923]

I'm blown away by this video. It sounds like his voice has actually become an asset in the 30-40 years since I last heard him.

[@craigschultz9266]

Saw Leo in K.C. in the 70s felt I was fortunate to get to go see Him!!!peace

[@tomkoops207]

Best version ever heard! Thank you Leo Kotke! I wish you the best!

[@joelemmetdoyle3639]

The only guitar player I know who made a career out of tuning his instrument and telling jokes. Love it.

[@stephenwalton8507]

"It's like hanging a door" he said after spending about 3 minutes tuning his 12 string in complete silence. The audience cracked up completely. That was back in the 80s. I've seen him a few times over the decades, but that moment is one I'll never forget.

[@billytrack]

@@stephenwalton8507 It is hard to tune a 12 string in front of a crowd

[@farshimelt]

@@billytrack Or even in your bedroom, home alone.

[@bryangarnet3553]

phenomenal guitar player

[@fingerpickersmith1]

Finally got to see him last year. One of my three guitar heroes.

[@alanmacvean2053]

So nice to see Leo again and to evoke all those amazing memories of his awesome talents ...and a great song too !

[@eyarbroughzone]

Loved this musician for a long, long time.

[@Dennis-pq3rc]

Im from minn. We are so proud of leo. Great guy and swesome guitarist

[@garyhobbins4746]

I greatly enjoyed the highly spiritual and charismatic Leo with Leon Redbone about fifteen years ago at the Grand Theater in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I was spellbound watching his eclectic act. When we observe a creative genius like Leo we think to ourselves, "How does this guy think of this stuff?" There is a little Leo Kotke in all of us. Thank you, Leo!

[@johnwgarrett1]

Had a great time hanging out with Leo at the Zephyr in SLC about 30 years ago. He's a real treasure. If he's lost 75% of what he had then, he's still 100 times the musician I could ever hope to be.

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Love it!

[@claytonheydukejr1136]

He was always fabulous. Never heard him sing before. He looks great!

[@donfauth364]

Great guitar licks! Been that way for years

[@robertashton8069]

Still the Wizard, Leo!

[@TYB439]

I saw Leo once. A great entertainer with great stories. I remember the one about scuba diving with a friend, (? in Australia). Having to take off his tank and push it through a small hole,, swimming behind, following his friend through that small gap - It's called TRUST. :-) Thanks Leo!

[@Carolyn-wf6ij]

Love you Leo forever starting with Circle Round the Sun! I am so excited that I will see you again this April!❤

[@Carolyn-wf6ij]

Easter and the Sargasso Sea. Musical Bliss.

[@dthebassman7999]

I first learned about Leo Kottke while I was in college, in an acoustic music class in 1975. In 1977 he came to Seattle and played at The Paramount Northwest. The acoustics in that theatre were always perfect. He had recently released Chewing Pine and Leo Kottke. He was fantastic, it was just him, his Bozo 12 string and one other 6 string guitar.

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

I see you mentioned his Bozo 12-string also.

[@loftbuckleyrc]

Love this guy. Most performers I have seen have left me disappointed, could have just listened to them at home, since all they did was sing their hits and leave. Not this guy, he CONNECTS with you. I saw him in Juneau, Alaska in the 70s. I want to see him once more.

[@wendelynmusic]

I've seen him live 4 times. Twice in phoenix in the 70's, once in Seattle in the 90's and once in Port Townsend in I think 2001 I think or thereabouts. he is always fabulous and very funny. Not sure which is better, the funny stories or his wonderful music.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I am glad that Leo is still out there, entertaining audiences.

[@tomdevaney2]

one of life's favorites fer me.. awesome

[@jamesjewell3515]

This song turned out to be the story of my life...

[@posteraddict]

I have been a Leo fan ever since the Armadillo album days. I play fingerstyle and when I saw him live opening for John Prine, i almost became physically ill with astonishment. Fast forward a few years: I opened for Leo in Cotati, CA. Super nice guy and his audience was so enthusiastic and polite for this profusely sweating opening act. Got an enthusiastic pat on the back from the man himself. He was very quiet and laid back for such a masterful raconteur.

[@thomasbossie2174]

What a show that was I bet! Seen Leo in the 70tys a few times but then my nephew got a job with O Boy records and turn me on to Prine. Was able to meet John a few times and seen several shows. My nephew also was asst producer of Johns album Missing Years.

[@posteraddict]

@@thomasbossie2174 : It was an early date with my first wife. She watched me turn pale and start to perspire heavily while watching Kottke. "You OK?", she asked. I turned to her and mumbled, "This guy is so f**king good it's freaking me out!" Had never heard of Prine but when he played "Sam Stone"..."..there's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes"...I became a fan for life. "Dear Abby" sealed the deal.

[@MikeJones-nu4sd]

Saw Leo at the Boars Head restaurant in Northern Virginia a couple of years after Chewing Pine came out in the mid 1970s. He was fabulous! We wanted to see him again but never made it, unfortunately.

[@KenVerheecke]

Fantastic!!!

[@higgs923]

Thank you very much for this.

[@dennischef2155]

Seeing him tonight at Wildey Theatre in Edwarsville, IL. Have not seen him in way too many years.

[@mezzeta]

What a talent

[@denniseidson548]

Way to go, Leo. Kudos dude. Hats off to someone so visibly open and real and original. Come back to Tulsa one mo' time.

[@ChuckDeFuque]

First saw him at Proctor's theater in Troy, NY April 19, 1974. I was blo0wn away then and every time I saw him since.