Leo Kottke - Live at The Lensic - 7/31/2019 - The Opening

Leo Kottke, legendary 6- and 12-string guitarist, performed a 90-minute solo set at Santa Fe's Lensic Performing Arts Center on 7/31/2019. This segment features his opening.

[@johnwalker1456]

I have listened to this man for 40 years and it never gets old.

[@ManganeseMan]

man he is still srheddin' the strings! great to see him in action.

[@geneedwards5639]

John Walker, same here. I have been listening to him since the mid-seventies. I saw him live three times. Absolutely spellbinding.

[@MrRoundwound]

Me too. I’m 54. It’s been fourth years now. I saw him only once. He was mesmerizing

[@mellowjames1]

Friend of miner, who is totally blind, heard one of his simpler songs on vinyl, and heard he was coming to the U of Hawaii for a show. So we went, about 1974 or 5. Outdoor amphitheater , beautiful night. Leo tells a dumb joke, strums a chord or two, and goes right in to the bass line of "Stealing". Then he starts the melody, and I'm sitting there dumbfounded, and my friend said "Damn. He's good. But who's that guy up there with him?" I had to reply "No one. He's on stage - alone!" I feel sorry for those who never saw him - live in concert.

[@patriciasmith4826]

I was honored to open for Leo Kottke in Reno @ Pioneer Theatre with my dearest friend (recently passed). Leo was the kindest & gentlest man! I wasn’t able to go to dinner as he offered to take us after. My daughter had a tummy ache. Took her to the ER. Turns out she was hungry! L O L not sure if I’ll be able to ever forgive her for missing dinner with this amazing man! ButI might could write a song about it! LEO KOTTKE ~ THANK YOU for the honor and greatest moment of my very simple musical career! You’re amazing musician, and human being. Thank you for being who you are.!🌹

[@souloftheage]

"Greatest American guitarist" Walks in, bows, and places guitar on floor.

[@j.jester7821]

Leo is an American treasure. He just keeps going and going. His playing is incredible and the stories he tells are hilarious.

[@uneedtherapy42]

totally agree... his story about meeting Bob Dylan once is truly laugh out loud funny

[@josephtravers777]

Leo is like a very twisted version of Arlo Guthrie with better chops. :)

[@enduser63]

One of our prophets ,you Americans native American,every skin type creed faith , I should have just said ,A prophet, humanity listen. Love is light.

[@stephh.7314]

I heard his music in the 1970s and had forgotten about him. How wonderful to rediscover him all this time later.

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

Getting a bit bored of all things guitar, and all the sudden, belatedly in life, I discover Leo Kottke. Heard his name for years, but never checked out his music. Loving it.

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Thanks for the love! Send me a mail on goggle chat to the email address on my KZbin channel description. Look forward to reading from you pretty soon!

[@sleeve8651]

Heard you for the first time we when I was just a Teen, trying to learn to play Guitar ! I found out quickly, I could never hope to play like you ! I still pick up the guitar, and have gotten a bit better over all these years ! Found this video and thought surly this wasn't you ! Then I looked in the mirror, and seen the resemblance, in that my Beard, and Hair too, had turned Gray long ago ! So much has happened, over what seemed a blink of an Eye ! When I seen a reply to someone, I thought I would send well wishes, in hopes you might see it ? I was lucky enough to catch you playing years ago, in Champaign, Illinois, at the Virginia Theater, Home of the now famous, " Ebert " festival ! Did get to shake your hand, and told you something like I hoped just a little of your talent would rub off ! I was indeed, " Star Struck ", as having listened to you for many hours from an LP, to standing next to you on stage, was just the best ! Left my guitar in the car, to affraid to ask you to sign it ! But I did have you sign my ticket ! Lol ! Thank you again for all the, many times, whimsical tunes ! GOD BLESS and good Health !

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

@@sleeve8651 wow! That's nice to know that... You'd be better than Leo. After all, I started somewhere as well. An immense thanks to you for being a great fan all. Through. I love you

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

@@sleeve8651 feel very much free to send me a mail on goggle chat to the email address on my KZbin channel description. Looking forward to that too!

[@stevefeatherston4977]

Listened to Kottke for years. Got to see him live in Cincinnati May 2022. Even better in person. And the man is absolutely hilarious. Took guitar fingerpicking out to another plane ….

[@mikelair9144]

I love Leo's playing. His stories take a show up a notch!

[@thinwolf4516]

It had to have been about 1972 when my friend Mike brought a vinyl with a guitarist I’d never heard before who played a 12 string guitar in an amazing - truly amazing - style. My guitar at the time was a Harmony arch top that I was trying to play like Doc Watson, but I got hooked the first time I heard Leo. My career as a 12 string player was relatively short lived, I developed a neuropathic disease called fibromyalgia, and my forearms just quit. But I went to hear Leo every chance I had - maybe 12 or 15 concerts over the years, then things happened and the last album I bought had Mona Ray, which I thought had to be the ultimate Leo; I lost my collection in a move and never replaced it, my guitars are packed away because I couldn’t give up that sliver of hope that I might be able to make that marvelous noise - I never held a candle to Leo, but what I did play brought transcendent joy. Then suddenly tonight for some reason I searched for Bozo guitars, and here was Leo, having matured in his mastery and still telling his Spike Jones reminiscence. I think I’ll start a new collection of vinyls, if I can find them, or CDs if I have to. I love that noise, 6 or 12 string, Leo Kottke still makes.

[@thinwolf4516]

I've watched this video a bunch of times without realizing I'd commented, I just noticed and wanted to comment a little more: Oddball makes me laugh with every change, if you listen to Leo, you hear echoes and re-echoes, and every one precipitates a little jab of recognition and then a chuckle. I love it, every time.

[@daisuke4bleach]

I'm glad you posted your thoughts. I enjoyed reading this 😁 Any idea why he plays 6 string here? I just got into Kottke. I figured he only ever played 12 live

[@komododragon4327]

In my opinion, he plays whatever the best instrument that fits what sound, tone, and mood he’s trying to convey. And be it 6, 12, or slide guitar, he has the gift of matching each artfully, cleverly, and beautifully.

[@seanwhitlock2778]

This mans fingers have held sway over my ears & toes for 40 years. Thank God for him!!!

[@JonathanPOyen]

I was turned on to Leo, when I was a 17-year-old, c. 1981, living in Homer Spit, Alaska, working the graveyard shift at Seward Fisheries at the far end of the spit. My roommates were a group of upper 20-year-olds and lower 30-year-olds. Fond memories, now as a 60-year-old. Life is short.

[@hochbob]

A living legend and American treasure.

[@douglasalan5783]

My love of Leo’s music goes back to “6 & 12 String Guitar” on Fahey’s Takoma label. There’s magic in that right hand. He truly sounds like no one else.

[@WilliamBrownGuitar]

Saw him at the Philadelphia Folk Festival shortly after that album came out. Blew me away from almost a quarter mile away.

[@douglasalan5783]

@@WilliamBrownGuitar Speaking of Philly, my first LK show was at the Spectrum in the mid ‘70s! Leo was the opener on a bill with the Mahavishnu Orchestra AND Zappa with the Mothers! What a night!

[@WilliamBrownGuitar]

@@douglasalan5783 Loved the Spectrum. My best memories are as a junior tennis player, I was a ballboy there for the WCT, World Championship Tennis. And, of course, a spectator at the Flyers hockey games.

[@TigerRose246]

First heard Leo in 1987, with my best friend playing his "Greenhouse" album. To this day "In Christ There is No East or West" remains one of my all time favorites. I always remember that evening we spent together.

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

Greenhouse was also the first Leo Kottke album that I heard. I was in high school, and I borrowed the LP from my friend's older brother. I loved the guitar playing, but what really won me over was the vocals, especially the songs Tiny Island and From the Cradle to the Grave. The loneliness in those songs really spoke to me. Many years and dozens of albums later, I still think that Leo Kottke is amazing.

[@The58stupot]

First heard Leo's wonderful playing in the late sixties. Totally unique and an absolute legend in my book.

[@timothylawrence707]

My first introduction Leo Kottke was back around 1973 when I was a seventeen years old junior in high school. I was going to a concert at C.W. Post College on Long Island to see The Mahavishnu Orchestra and The Mothers of Invention (how's that for an eclectic billing?). A classmate told me to pay close attention to the opening act, Leo Kottke. My response was "Leo who?!" but let me tell you, my musical life was forever changed when I saw him for the first time. Instead of being strictly an electric guitar afficianado, I found myself being drawn further and further into acoustic finger-style playing and open tunings. I completed the circle by embracing acoustic flat-picking when exposed (again, through a friend) to Doc Watson and then Tony Rice.

[@jwc3o2]

good story! i saw that Mahavishnu/Mothers tour in Toronto when i was 14 & there they were preceded by The Good Brothers; i wonder if it was standard for that tour to have a third, acoustically-oriented opener? i had no clue who any of them were at the time (remember when concerts were cheap enough that it was an option to attend something you didn't have some idea of in advance?) & Zappa came to eventually dominate my musical life but, apart from that, Kottke's "When Shrimps Learned To Whistle" was an early ear-opener for me. now, on top of the music, i'm even more sold on his random stage commentaries, an absolutely uniquely tweaked narrative ability there! particularly glad to hear him talk about Spike Jones, another personal favourite.

[@richardcline3281]

I have loved his guitar playing ever since I first heard "6 And 12 String Guitar" in 1974. The next record I listened to was "Greenhouse" followed by "My Feet Are Smiling". By that time I had seen him play at The Troubadour and Royce Hall at UCLA. He has always been my favorite acoustic finger style guitarist. It's great that he is still playing in 2019 and sounding so good.

[@leighrobison9388]

Ever since my feet are smiling I have loved this manand his music!

[@riverratrvr9225]

No one else has moved me quite *like this man through the years. He really opened my eyes to a new way at looking at things... amazing.

[@sharethebest1]

I love this mans music and voice. His musical story telling is soulful pleasure.

[@jimclarke1108]

Great guitarist, but Tommy Emmanuel has my vote

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@jimclarke1108 Maybe if tommy would stop all the tapping and just play the guitar.

[@edwardday2690]

rimmersbryggeri I agree. Both are brilliant guitarists but Leo is more enjoyable to watch. Plus Leo is a much better composer.

[@jimroberto1344]

The first time I heard Leo was April 1973 at Vassar College Chapel in Poughkeepsie- I have been a fan ever since!! He is a fantastic musician!

[@ArtTripper]

Saw him twice at VC when I was a student there.

[@petervanderarend7635]

Yes, Leo Kotter always brings a smile to my life and the self-deprecating humor is the best.

[@bobknox8533]

Leo finally looks kinda how I imagined the first time I heard him speak. (Decades ago.) No one should be blessed with such a voice at a young age.

[@steviemacky4310]

Wow Leo becomes more Leo with time, excellent, thank you

[@michelgrimes5283]

Saw him 2 weeks ago, he was incredible. Always is, never disappointed in the 10 or so times I've seen him.

[@pobodyisnerfect]

Been familiar with Leo Kottke for many years but only now (late in the game) am I really experiencing a greater volume of his music and discovering what an amazingly talented performer he is. What a legend.

[@otterman7441]

Goodness - age not taking anything away from this incredible guitarist. Been listening to him since 1969. The bonus is his wry Midwest humor along with the stories he tells. Doesn't get any better! Ah, if reincarnation were real, I would come back as Leo so I could finally give my guitars a run for their money.

[@jonbeckleymorrisblues]

I discovered the magic of Leo 11:36 Kottke 45 years ago, and at 68, and a life time in music still believe he is like no one else I've ever heard.😊

[@davidpirkola1547]

First saw him at MSU in the early 70's when My Feet Are Smiling came out, and will never forget how great he was at that show. Good health to you Leo, there's no one like you!

[@martindanburen1994]

THose were amazing albums. The best parts were reading the sleeve notes and trying to imagine the reality of his stories. lol. It's really amazing how his style draws your full attention.

[@keithochsner5165]

MSU, as in Mankato?

[@hansrutzigen754]

No one else on the guitar sounds like Leo Kottke.

[@Ben-yy7io]

So happy hes still alive. Such an inspiration to guitar players

[@disqusmacabre6246]

Leo just keeps getting better and better. Leo shows us what is possible and then stops to say 'But wait' ,'Lookat it again from this direction. Kotteke is a fine wine that can't be bottled. I first saw him nearly 50 years ago. Please come back to Stone City, IA Leo. You started a tradition here that lives on to this day at The General Store. We'd really like to spend just one more evening with you and your music. You will always be welcome and ot would lift our hearts.

[@leftypick4854]

This kid is amazing.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I’ve had the good fortune to see Leo many times over the past 45 years. Living in the Twin Cities he plays here regularly. I saw him play with his Tacoma Records cohorts Rick Ruskin, Peter Lang (who also lives in the Twin Cities), the Segovia of surf Toulouse Engelhardt and of course their mentor the great John Fahey.

[@egaeca1]

When I first heard him I thought he was playing backwards like playing songs backwards. He's a genius.

[@rhedosaur]

I've had the pleasure of seeing him three different times. i never drive anywhere without his music...

[@plathrop7737]

Me too! Seen him 3 times, VT and MA

[@RogerPerkins1939]

Watched August 1, 2019. Became aware of Leo during the 30 years we lived in Minnesota 1975 to 2005. Unique talent.

[@pilchard2000]

Been listening to Leo for 35 / 40 years ,magnificent , i actually can't think of anybody else that has such a skill set , may you play forever leo.Thank you.

[@docbobster]

Saw him with Michael Hedges. Magic.

[@ldmiller51]

Was that at the Warner theater in D.C. - Unbelievable show

[@PwShelton]

That would have been something to see.

[@thecoolerTK421]

Nobody will will ever play like him again

[@richardseegman803]

Without question, the greatest guitar player who ever lived. I regret I never saw him live. But his first album 6 and 12 string guitar is a masterpiece. I loved that record when I was about 15. Still do.

[@pruneforeign6281]

Makes me feel happy again in those weird times. An inspiration for sure !

[@peppik]

My hero! Good to see him doing well.

[@Magnetron33]

Started in about 70 with 6&12 and moved on with Greenhouse. I love that album! I have seen Leo about 4 times over 45 years. Thank you Leo!

[@kingrobert1st]

Yup.

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

Thanking you for making Leo's music still available. Saw him many years ago I'm still in awe of him love his guitar playing his voice and his personality take good care and God bless from Patrick

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Thanks so much for the love and support, Monica ❤️ It really does appear you are a huge fan, right? Do so well to send me a mail on goggle chat to the email address on my KZbin channel description. Look forward to reading from you pretty soon!

[@chaimuri3623]

Used to listen to Leo Kottke in 1968 or so over at the Scholar on the West Bank & loved his sound from the first time I heard it. Tried as I might I couldn't play like that. His singing was really good also. I recall (accurately?) some Dylan tunes & Kottke singing "Hey Joe" which he mentioned was written by a guy named Barbeque Bob who I'd never heard of. Years later my wife & I saw him play in Salem Oregon & he briefly stopped playing and walked off stage to help someone who was having trouble walking. I'd always liked him but that sealed the deal for me. His genuine kindness was even beyond his guitar (& singing). One of the guys that owned or ran the Scholar put out a record (500 copies?) & someone stole it along with my other records (old Eric Von Shmidt, etc.) while I was sleeping in my apt. above Savran's bookstore. I woke up, chased them but was too slow. I have always wished that record could have been saved. The guy who made it (Dennis) moved to San Francisco in the very early 70's & I heard he died there so didn't pursue the matter.

[@thirdson2441]

I've been fortunate enough to see Leo three times at the state theater in Kalamazoo Michigan. I have a signed copy of 6 and 12 string guitar!

[@GayleMI]

I saw Chick Corea there with a later version of RTF (Joe Farrell made it worthwhile). While shopping at a record store in town, found Cal Hand's 'Wylie Butler' which Leo produced & appeared on. I think my copy got lost. Wish someone would upload it, very hard to find, no CD version. Some great playing.

[@garylewis4398]

i was first introduced to Leo when I was in college in the early 70's. Haven't stopped listening since!

[@TheDavidfallon]

I want to find the 26 who gave this the thumbs down and put a clarinet through their heads.

[@mannibimmel09]

drastic but legitimate...

[@TheDavidfallon]

@@gatoryak7332 Always look for context. Watch the video. Leo talks about watching a comedy band as a kid and a performer runs across the stage with a "clarinet through his head." (Obviously a comedy prop). My comment was an ironic riposte to exactly the sort of things people do say.

[@TheDavidfallon]

@@gatoryak7332 No need.

[@TheDavidfallon]

See the famous clarinet through the head here. www.oldradio.org/2012/12/december-14-happy-birthday-spike-jones.html

[@farklefuster6876]

I was thinking about somewhere else

[@ALSomthin]

This some amazing stuff here that I could only dream of playing right now.

[@dennyshonda]

Damn. I've watched Leo and myself get old. Still don't know how to play my guitar.

[@yugrusretep]

Yes indeed I am with you on that one!

[@mims503]

It happens! But be in the joy of his music and youll stay young!😉

[@stephh.7314]

Me too. Mastered 3 chords and then gave up as it didn't sound like Leo Kottke at all.

[@garydion3488]

Thanks very much for posting this. I've spent a good portion of my life listening to Leo Kottke and attending his concerts whenever I can. He and Jorma Kaukonen, surrounded by others, are at the center of my love for music.

[@maevebrain]

The Kottke’s sound can’t be duplicated & we love it that way😊

[@KarenEakin]

I first saw. Leo in concert in Honolulu, HI in February 1978. It was the most incredible display of musical virtuosity i had ever seen. He has a most unusual style that makes him sound like several instruments being played at thee. same time.

[@charlescort9117]

This man encouraged me so much by once in Huntsville, Al between songs, he just played the A chord. He said, "All this other stuff is just so I can hear this". Thank you Leo Kottke, thank you. Although I still can't play the guitar very well, I sure do enjoy trying, and I love that A chord too!

[@Portrayalpress]

WOW! Like fine wine - Kottke just keeps on keeping on. Bravo!

[@ntxmt]

This guy is the Master.

[@newnoggin2]

Totally unique! No other guitarist sounds anything like Leo.

[@briant9130]

I've seen him many many times and have had the immense privilege of arriving hours early and waiting out front so I could watch him play from 5 feet away, first table, dead center, up against the stage. As a guitar player that's night I'll never forget.

[@poigmhahon]

I remember as a kid (18-19yo) listening to Leo Kottke at the public library in Newport OR 1981?...his music was always peaceful and wholesome

[@trickrun]

Have seen him many a time....fabulous, Leo, keep it up...good to see you back playing...stay healthy!

[@simply_psi]

Awesome peformance from tha acoustic master, thanks for posting Andy. I love his voice, he should sing more.

[@louisspeer1255]

I've loved his playing ever since I was first introduced to his music in 1985. And his monologues and anecdotes are simply wonderful. So humble, so great. Probably not a song included in this introduction, but I think "Louise" is one of his greatest ever. So filled with empathy and so poignant. Championing the downtrodden, neglected and disabused. Still brings tears to my eyes, 35 years after first hearing it. Do you guys have the status we bestow upon remarkable, older people here in Australia: "National Living Treasure?" If so, or even if you don't, I want to vote for Leo Kottke for "National Living Treasure." Or even better, how does this sound, "Leo Kottke for President!" He'd get everyone sorted out, chuckling along on our way to healing and becoming decent! :)

[@Larry_left_a_comment]

You have to love the guitar stand he uses at the beginning here.

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

❤

[@maryrosekent8223]

I think my first Leo Kottke concert was some time in the late 1970s-I’ve been to six concerts, all in San Francisco. One was at Slim’s, four were at Great American Music Hall, and the other locale escapes my sad excuse for a memory. For one of the GAMH concerts my pre-teen nephew came up on the train from San Jose, and we went together-it was utterly fantastic.

[@marsharupe8112]

This was one amazing show. Age has not dimmed his talent -- or his wit.

[@georgeovitt5443]

Was out of town and sorry I missed the incomparable Leo Kottke. It's his playfulness combined with absolute technical mastery that is extraordinary.

[@joycemykulak3959]

In the early 80’s Leo sat in my dining room and played my Lyle guitar….i did not know he was famous at that time and suggested he go on Johnny Carson….beautiful music…

[@HankleburyTV]

All these years, and he still looks like he's having a great time.

[@fredflintstone8048]

Julies house is one of my favorite Kottke songs. It was nice to hear him play it again.

[@fredflintstone8048]

Mine too.

[@daverenick5830]

Since I first heard 'Watermelon' in 1970 I haven't stopped listening to this acoustic guitar genius.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I just discovered Leo via a recommendation. I am always up to hearing a guitar genius.

[@moliere3]

Saw Leo in Ann Arbor, MI in the late 70's while in college at UofM. Nice to see him age so gracefully. A treasure.

[@adrianstone1110]

Interviewed Leo in the mid 80s for community radio in Darwin NT Aus. So I was obviously 'highly rated'. Turned into him interviewing me, first person that ever made me feel important as a community broadcaster. I am sure he remembers me lol. Then I saw him play (and joke). Absolute Legend

[@ulfnowotny01]

Brilliant! Thank you so much!

[@KITLEVEY]

The living genius of spontaneity !

[@davidpatrick1813]

Thank You Leo for keeping playing ... I met Tommy Emanuel and hope someday to meet you too... when you come to southern Oregon ...

[@melindamanthey2757]

Entertaining as always, and one helluva guitar player. We have something in common.. we remember Spike Jones. !

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Yes! Yes Thank you, Melinda

[@sandybourdeau9300]

I had discovered John Fahey’s music in the mid 1970 and friend suggested I listen to Leo Kottkke and I’ve been listening ever since. I’m so excited he will be playing in Knoxville in May

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Thank you! Where are you supporting me from?

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Thank you!

[@sandybourdeau9300]

Knoxville TN

[@jonathanmoran8932]

I hope he has an electric album in the vault for when he dies so we hear it and wonder, what if.... thank you Mr. K for your inspiration.

[@dwainkitchel1316]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqfXgn-ug7igY6s

[@tomheinze6676]

Saw him in 1976 at the Southeast Music Hall. Seeing him again at the Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, on November 6. Can't Wait!

[@keschmalz]

Saw him at The Warehouse in New Orleans opening for Joy Of Cooking 1971=never let him out of my sight and mind for more than a minute-love me some Leo Kottke

[@spiritimmortal8531]

Leo’s voice is ❤.

[@228Brendon]

IMHO, one of the best and most underrated players of all time

[@cinemar]

Leo Kottke is not underrated. Not everyone needs as many fans as Lady Blah Blah.

[@j.jester7821]

Under appreciated maybe. But I Never heard anyone deride Leos playing.

[@cinemar]

@@j.jester7821 People just love using the term 'underrated' for anyone who doesn't have the same size fan base as Lady Gaga.

[@melindamanthey2757]

By whom.. or whoms ? Or they that are simply unaware of his existence. God guy, fine player, and well known to those who matter.

[@thinkerly1]

Not under-rated. Listen to other guitarists. Critics, and those Top Whatever lists, are worthless. As a lifetime wannabee guitarist, Mr. Kottke is to me a master.

[@jdrigot]

Love, love, love, love his playing!

[@7884golfguru]

Still going strong haven’t seen Leo for a while thanks for the post

[@donwyates]

I remember hearing him for the first time, it was the early 70s (in high school), when I was "all about" Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, etc. One night a girl I hoped would become my girlfriend played 6 & 12 String, and I was forever blown away. The girl didn't become my girlfriend, but Kottke became a fixture in my "playlist". I've seen him multiple times, mostly in Dallas & Ft. Worth, once in Portland. I see he's appearing at the same theatre (Aladdin) in Oct. - wish I could be there!

[@GayleMI]

Yeah, saw him once at the Caravan. Before the show, while folks were still milling about, I looked up from my table and saw Leo sitting on the steps, stage left, in the dark, just doing whatever it is Leo does to prepare. I felt like I was intruding. Great show, of course. I must've worked.

[@riverratrvr9225]

Awesome story!

[@robertwest542]

Saw Leo while in the audience at the Merv Griffen Show. First time that I heard him play, Pamela Brown, a song written by Tom T Hall. Fit well with Leo's earthiness. On this same show Debbie Boon premiered, You Light up my Life. Merv ended the show acknowledging the guests. When he came to Leo and said, The Best.

[@jimmyc5498]

Got “My Feet are Smiling”, saw him around 77 Hofstra Univ LI, still have the vinyl, he’s still killin it and we’re lucky to have him.

[@jaydrfish]

Thanks for years of beautiful guitar work. Leo. The only one of yours i can come close to playing is Pamela Brown, but i never tire of listening to your genius musicianship!

[@johnmoran3754]

Was into Leo back in the 70's. Went to one concert old Tower Theater in Philly. Leon Redbone opened.

[@kingblee1]

struck immediately by how much Leo now looks, like his mentor John Fahey @ virtually the same stage in their careers

[@devidewefal]

One of our best!!

[@greese007]

I was a devotee of John Fahey in the ‘60s, when he popularized the concept of solo guitar instrumentalists. When I first heard Kottke, I recognized some of the same rhythms and riffs, and I was immediately hooked. Then I learned that Kottke got his start playing on Fahey’s record label, and that they had recorded albums together. Kottke went on to become a much more fluid player, but Fahey still owns the concept of primitive guitar solos.

[@davidfreel1451]

Yeah sure. The world was created in the sixties. Check out a thousand years of written records of music for guitar and lute and

[@greese007]

David Freel So what’s the point? Should solo musicians just hang it up, then?

[@lousimpson3070]

He was my first concert in 71/72 at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Ca

[@bogray49]

First time I heard Leo live was at the Denver Auditorium. Must have been around 1975. Pretty big room. Pretty big state. Just him, the chair he was sitting on along with his guitar and this amp that didn't look like all that much. Bear in mind that I was very used to double stack amplifiers. Anyway, he plugged in and started playing and I think I started bleeding from the ears. Man was that loud! Really good, but reallllly loud. Never forget that one.

[@g6rden]

Saw him two nights ago. Great show!

[@stevenhobbs2183]

First heard Leo when I was involved in bringing him to St. Cloud State College in 1970. He was terrified of us weird kids, but performed the most amazing concert of my life. I enjoyed him more then more then CSN&Y, Fleetwood Mac, etc. He was so intimate and intense.

[@requinremembers]

Haven't seen Leo in a long time, wow he's aged but haven't we all. Still has those expressive eyebrows, wit, voice, and charm. Saw him many times in the 90s. Traveled all around to see him, and always got an autograph at each show, and usually a hug! He got to know us (me and my then-husband) and it was nice to be remembered and acknowledged. So glad he's still going strong. :) 9/24/20.

[@jamescostello6529]

Portland OR in '74. " I don't sing much because I have a voice like geese farts on a muggy day." That's OK Leo, you keep on loving those strings!

[@pereraddison932]

... it's sometime 1974 in a flat somewhere in sth Yarra and someone walks in with a copy of 6&12 and puts it on our record player, and out from the speakers comes this rather comical sound; it had to be funny because Leo was playing Bozo guitars at that point in time; but yes, it was strangely comical sounding music, but there was absolutely nothing at all funny about the tricky Travis picking style of delivery we were hearing. And ever since then, 43yrs ago, I've wanted to be him, or rather, play like he does. And I can, sort of. It just took a few decades, and a few hundred hours of close listening, and even many more hours of stumbling staccato strumming to get there. I'm still trying to figure out some of the tunings. But I can now do a rough rendition of the fisherman, a song that Leo dedicated to his grandmother, that he wrote, way away back then. Thank you, so very much, Mr Kottke. I can honestly say, that your music has had a truly transformative influence on me...

[@karinberryman7970]

I remember encountering Leo's albums in Allans in Collins St during my lunch time browses. The covers revealed nothing of how he sounded. Later I joined friends and went to a concert hall in Victoria Pde when he performed and discovered his magic. He really takes us to another place!

[@rogerbro]

Wonderful playing so elegant and musical.