Leo Kottke - Guitar Music (1981)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

I originally found this album by happy accident when the vinyl was calling out to me from the $1 vinyl bin. I was completely unfamiliar with Kottke and his work so this was one of those chances that ultimately pays off. Got this CD in hopes the sound would be better that a scratchy record and I was right. This is the most fascinating album I've heard since I came across John Surman's work (note: I'm not comparing Surman to Kottke other than the fact that both musicians produce works like I've never heard before). The twelve brief instrumental pieces here, performed by Kottke on Gibson J-45 and Lundberg-Martin 12 string guitars, can be described as a melodic fusion of folk, blues, jazz, and New Age music or, as I would have called it 30 years ago, "NPR music." The playing is crisp and technically spectacular. Great for porch sittin' on a hot afternoon. My only complaint is the 35 minute playing time.

Press of the time:

• Record World: "Once again, Kottke puts his amazing technique and gentle melodic gifts to work"
• CashBox: "His fluid phrasing, shifts in tempo and ability to wring life into every harmonic make this album yet another joy."
• High Fidelity: "a great guitarist who doesn't need to show off"
• Stereo Review: "confident, assured, and at the top of his form as both artist and producer."

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: I don't skip any, but I'm partial to Part Two, Perforated Sleep, Little Shoes, Agile N., and the two covers that end the album, All I Have To Do Is Dream and Sleep Walk, the latter with some fantastic chord substitutions..

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None