Customer Reviews

Leo Kottke

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd call this Leo's "Romantic Period," because he really shows the creative potential of the 12-string: much like he's painting colors and tones with the notes he's plucking in order to create a landscape-of-sound theme for each song. It's an enigmatic collection--no two songs quite repeat, and thankfully, nothing spoiling this by rehashing previously released material.
The energy is very high in his agility; minor chord combinations that enhance effortlessly rather than challenge the ear, and a lush assistance by others on keyboards, woodwinds, and even strings. Cheers to the drummer for giving such melodic textures and interpretations from the kit; my first thought is Kenny Buttrey.

Song-wise, there's something for everyone, and maybe the highlight is the cinematic "Range," or even the appropriate, European-like "Maroon," with a harp and accordion alongside Leo's classical touch. It's followed just as easily by the elasticity of "Waltz," showcasing Leo's unique touch with a slide. I can't quite tag the vibraphone-like sounds on "Death By Reputation," but it works just fine. Ditto for the poetic-like interpretation (with flute) of "The White Ape" (following as usual the Kottke pattern of strange titles.) Naturally, there is plenty of the good ol' kick-up-your-heels action ("Buckaroo," "Hayseed Suede," "Airproofing," and the chugging engine of "Up Tempo"). It all comes back home for another quiet farewell with "Shadowland" and a sunset-in-the-desert orchestra supporting his undulating slide and quivering vibes.

Bravo, Leo. This should be framed and hung on a wall for its conceptual artistry and the tunes played on speakers as a backdrop.

I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I have this on vinyl and only after buying it on CD did I like it! What's that about? A bad pressing??
This is straight up a fantastic album. When I first started playing the guitar I think I wore out my copies of "Mudlark", "Greenhouse" and "Dreams and all that stuff". This album continues in that same fine tradition.
This is record is so good that if you bother to go find it, "Hayseed Suede" is sampled on a Madvillain song! If the hip hoppers are digging this deep, it's gotta be good. get it and learn how it's done by the Fernand Leger of fingerstyle guitar.

I was so happy to find this on Amazon today. I have the album on Vinyl and have searched periodically over the years to see if it were on CD. Finally! If you like Leo Kottke, this has to be considered must-listen. I'm one-clicking it as soon as I finish this review.