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

[@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.!🌹

[@deanrowan2457]

Kids with tummy aches. Yep, I know them. Great work, patriciasmith4826! You deserve the war story!

[@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

[@ConstanceCamus]

All the elements are crazy happy to be part of this… The wood, strings, air, every part of his soul and body.

[@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.

[@souloftheage]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@hochbob]

A living legend and American treasure.

[@The58stupot]

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

[@thecoolerTK421]

Nobody will will ever play like him again

[@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.

[@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.

[@steviemacky4310]

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

[@petervanderarend7635]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@leighrobison9388]

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

[@Ben-yy7io]

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

[@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.

[@michelgrimes5283]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@ArtCast24]

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

[@leftypick4854]

This kid is amazing.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@larrymedi9856]

Perfection is rare but Mr Kottke has given us the opportunity to to listen to, admire and enjoy this talent of excellence and we are all better for the experience.

[@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

[@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?

[@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.😊

[@simply_psi]

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

[@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.

[@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! :)

[@RogerPerkins1939]

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

[@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.

[@hansrutzigen754]

No one else on the guitar sounds like Leo Kottke.

[@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.

[@Portrayalpress]

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

[@ulfnowotny01]

Brilliant! Thank you so much!

[@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!

[@peppik]

My hero! Good to see him doing well.

[@egaeca1]

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

[@garylewis4398]

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

[@trickrun]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

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

[@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.

[@mikelair9144]

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

[@maevebrain]

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

[@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

[@pruneforeign6281]

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

[@ALSomthin]

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

[@ibahasbin1979]

Thanks for posting Andy - enjoyed your seat - it was nice 😀 love me some Leo Kottke anytime for sure!

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidpatrick1813]

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

[@vitosantangelo1]

2:15 William Powell 5:30 Odd Ball 7:50 Julie's House ...audio quality is very good - commercial interruption 🤔 #LeoKottke #Live

[@chrisfay8538]

🙌🏻

[@randykinsley5721]

Saw him at the Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana in the late seventies. Sat 20 feet away. Mesmerising.

[@jdrigot]

Love, love, love, love his playing!

[@Larry_left_a_comment]

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

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

❤

[@ntxmt]

This guy is the Master.

[@7884golfguru]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@marsharupe8112]

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

[@wadesouza6402]

I have loved Leo Kottke since Ice Water album came out in the mid 70s when I was in high school in Hawaii. Louise, Pamela Brown, Sleepwalk, Arms of Mary, on and on. As a guitarist I had never heard anyone play this way and he opened a door to a whole new style I still cant play well. But, I love it. I have never seen him in concert. He has slipped into town on occasion but usually it is not well publicized and in one occasion I was traveling on business. We dont get lots of concerts in my area anymore especially not of the small artist or Americana variety. I have a list of artists I want to see and may travel to do so now that I am retired. I would even think of trading houses for a while with someone in one of those cities that gets lots of these kinds of artists...like Austin or Asheville (well not there right now). I need to do this as my heroes are all even older than me...

[@hayesmz]

Beautiful! Thanks.

[@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.

[@daverenick5830]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@melindamanthey2757]

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

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Yes! Yes Thank you, Melinda

[@KITLEVEY]

The living genius of spontaneity !

[@magicdave93]

I first discovered Leo back in the seventies when like meany others on here I baught 6 & 12 string guitar and I was hooked. I think his main influence was Chet Atkins which can see in this right hand technique. Thanks for posting this fantastic video. 👌

[@tomheinze6676]

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

[@davecarrett9602]

Luvit. Thank you so much for this. Always learning from Leo

[@GiuseppeDongo]

Dave Carrett I think this may be the only time out of the myriad comments I’ve seen where you have written another sentence after your distinguishing “luvit”! This one must have really got you going! Kottke, Fahey, and Basho, you and I are a carbon copy. Cheers!

[@devidewefal]

One of our best!!

[@rogerbro]

Wonderful playing so elegant and musical.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@spiritimmortal8531]

Leo’s voice is ❤.

[@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.

[@daveowens]

Thank you for capturing this!

[@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

[@weigelji1]

Thanks Andy. I missed Leo in Flagstaff this past summer due to excessive snowfall. Couldn't get through. I remember years ago Leo likened his voice to "a buffalo fart on a humid day." I still love it.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.