Customer Reviews

Live in Europe

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I own very album Leo Kottke has ever released (including the long out-of-print Circle 'Round the Sun). I first bought this on vinyl as an import when it was released in 1980. For my money, no one plays guitar like Kottke. Most of these songs are from Kottke's Chrysalis albums. And since Chrysalis has deleted their entire Kottke catalog except Essential Leo Kottke, this is the only way to hear some of these Kottke gems. Highlights include the seven-minute-plus "Open Country Joy: Theme and Adhesions." This CD rerelease also adds two bonus cuts: the instrumental "Range" and Kottke's lovely version of the Tom T. Hall chestnut "Pamela Brown," which first appeared on the Capitol album Ice Water. This album was recorded while Kottke was in Europe touring in support of Procol Harum. Even if you already own the studio versions of these songs, this will make a nice addition to your collection. RECOMMENDED

This pretty much rounded out my complete collection of Leo's recordings. Playing to this European audience, I can only guess by the audience's responses that it was a bit of a subdued atmosphere. His playing was spot on as usual, but there was no typical monologue which is so characteristic of his live performances here in the USA. I would recommend this to anyone who admires his talents as much as I do.

The CD was listed used but came in very good shape, happy with that. As far as the content I was also happy with sound quality. What I miss is the applause from the audience and Leo telling stories. After reading the notes it appears they went to great lenghts to cut out as much of the audience as possible. Strange for a live album, but I guess the producer had his idea of what live means. Maybe to showcase the artist performance but for Leo Kottke what happens around the music just as entertaining. I recommend his other live albums especially "Live" and his DVD documentary "Home and Away" for his live performance experience. "My Feet are Smiling" is also live.