Leo Kottke - Live at the Lensic - 7/31-2019 - The Close
Vložit
- čas přidán 1. 08. 2019
- 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 closing song.
I'd like to share a story about this song. I had the distinct honor of working for Leo in the early to mid 70's, as what he called his "henchman", a road manager really or just a glorified "roadie", but I hated that term. At one performance, I was back at the sound control board where he liked me to be but I really didn't know much about the controls and besides, I had profound high-end deafness that would be diagnosed a number of years later. Leo starts playing this song and as he was singing the line about "...ring, around your pretty finger...", a couple just below me looked at each other as she held up her ring, and then they joined foreheads. I don't know if Leo ever forgave me for telling him about this "incident". It's funny to hear him talk about the "reprehensible bubble gum stuff". I really relish the memories of those days!
Watching him live is like having a friend in your living room, a guy who seems like a sloppy guitar player, till he brings it together. Funny and fantastic.
I don't know... Just, whenever I hear Leo play, I think "THIS is the greatest guitarist who ever lived". And it's not the technique, but the style, and the groove, and a sense of fun he brings. There's really nothing like it.
Yes!
In the 70's, Kottke was directly responsible for my first speeding ticket. I defy anyone to listen to Vaseline Machine Gun while driving and not trying to fly!
There is nothing like being at his concert. I was so lucky to see him in 1972. It was over in a minute or it seemed that way. Just a kid on a bar stool telling warm nonsensical stories and then the magic guitar sounds. As everyone was leaving, there was a common expression of some unknown emotion on most every ones face. Bewilderment , gratitude and fascination. And people were all smiley, saying to each other, "That was really something" and it was.
Leo Kottke is directly responsible for my first speeding ticket. Listening to my car cassette player (yes, I'm that old) I was oblivious to a small town speed limit. I tried to explain to the officer that I was listening to "Vaseline Machine Gun". I thought it was a good excuse, but the officer was unimpressed.
How about suing Leo? After all, he is responsible, and since he does have a sense of humor I wouldn't be surpised if he paid for it ...
Ihear you. That tune is simply incompatible with sensible driving.
BUT did you insist he sit down and listen to it? Big mistake.
That is too funny! I got my first ticket while listening to Regards for Chuck Pink with my foam headphones on. I actually went before a judge to argue that I could hear what was going on around me even with the headphones. Turns out it was/is illegal to drive with headphones on, even if you can hear what is going on around you. Oh well. I got a great memory out of it.
They often are my friend; they often are.
Leo, Mr. K, is a god. The vocals ("geese farts on a muggy day"), the incredible, nonpareil picking. What a sound. What a gift. God bless you for all the pleasure you've brought so many of us all these many years.
There are few musicians that have been a part of my life as long as Leo has. 1974 is when I bought My Feet Are Smiling. And, here I am 45 years later, and he's still giving me joy and making me smile.
I started in 1972 when a friend bought Mudlark. Love him!
He just got better with age, didn't he ??? He is the most wonderful entertainer and musician !!! Have loved him since the early 70s also !
Me too
I've been a fan of his since I first saw him at the Scholar coffee house in Minneapolis in 1967. He was a prestige act even then-the regular performers had a 50 cent cover whereas his was a full dollar! Possibly the most congenial performer I have ever seen.
Yes, I’ve always loved that whole Tacoma Records crew. John Fahey, Leo, Peter Lang, RicK Ruskin and the Segovia of Surf, Toulouse Engelhardt.
Listening to Kottke since1977, one of a kind
I can very honestly say I'd pay top dollar to watch Leo tune a twelve-string...
My late partner and I saw Kottke twice in Perth in Western Australia in the 80s and 90s. I managed to film one show. Simply the best.
I was there too. He shared a story about going to Rottnest Island?
I love his percussive right hand tachnique and his unflappable stage presence.
What a pro.
Never forget my brother gave me "Burnt Lips" for my birthday. 40 years later I'm still listening.
If there is someone more talented and entertaining... Than Leo Kottke... They haven't been born, yet.
Leo's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring on 12-string is what got me into music 46 years ago. Thank you Leo.
What a beautiful man, making beautiful music and clearly still young at heart, stay a long time please Leo..
My thoughts zigactly
I first saw Leo at the Scholar Coffeehouse on the West Bank just over the Mississippi River from the University of Minnesota campus. The year was 1965. He was great then, and better now!
What a legend! 1972. My brother dragged me over to his car saying "You have to hear this guy!" As we burned a joint, Leo filled that car with _When Shrimp Learn to Whistle_ and my mind was blown. Only seen him 3 times in concert, and should schedule another with this legend...before we both reach our expiration date. Stay strong Leo!
Two seats reserved Mount Vernon Wa for 6-23-22. YES!
I was at this concert. Great story teller, amazing guitar player. First saw him in Chicago in 1970, cannot tell you how many copies of Armadillo I've owned, people hear it and then the album or CD disappears.
12 string guitars sing but Leo cajoles and caresses them into an orchestra! The beauty of it never fails to bring a tear. Like many here, ''6 and 12 String Guitar'' got me into Leo and the 12 string for which I give thanks every time I listen - especially after an absence...
I was lucky enough to get a few guitar lessons from Leo back in the (late?) '60s when my regular coach (Dave "Snaker" Ray) broke his wrist in a motorcycle accident. A GREAT player and teacher. Love him ever since.
GOOD GOD MAN youre a lucky son of a gun
Well I am 73 and I have followed his music since the 70s way back to six and twelve string guitar. Went to a concert here in Australia years ago and it remains an absolute highlight. The “flatulent duck” sings on...I have a drawer full of Kottke cds. He is a maestro on 12 string. Eccentric unique captivating style.
A national treasure. That phrase gets said a lot, but in regard to Leo it is a true statement.
Leo is a spell weaver ... his 12 string might be his master of magical realism ... I fell under his musical breath of life many years ago ... he makes one smile as he plays his heart...
Many years ago I was up in Austin, TX for a week of training class pertaining to what I did for a living. Driving down Congress Ave. after coming off 6th St. one night early in the week I noticed a bill posted in a restored theatre music venue window for Leo & a headlining band I now can't remember the name of. Leo was the opener (???). Drove on over to an HEB store on N. Lamar & bought a ticket at the service desk for way up in the balcony, almost on the very back row. Arrived that night & sat down way up there. I could see the stool & mike & I could hear. Leo walked out & transfixed the audience and me. He didn't play long (enough), but played typically & wonderfully. I was so lucky to have been driving by that earlier night & noticed the posting. He finished & left. The headliner came out. They were good, but I left. Sorry, but I don't remember their name. I also don't remember the training class content I was up there for. I do remember my few minutes with Leo. Thank you Leo.
Maybe Uncle Walt's Band? Depending on what year -
You remembered the important thing!
I was surfing on a Saturday night years ago and landed on Austin City Limits. Leo was half way through the 30 minutes.....I had never heard of him before.....I was floored....I've been a fan ever since
As a teenager, I listened and listened and listened to Leo Kottke, especially his 6&12 String Guitars album, yes, the "Armadillo" album on Takoma Records. He played delightfully at a breakneck pace or with a mystic slow slide... In the early 80's he took lessons with Joe Pass and played more softly but his compositions were always brilliant, thoughtful, or challenging. And he has kept going, and nobody sounds like him. That familiar odd sense of humor is here, too.
I saw Leo in concert at Victoria theater in Vancouver BC. After the show I walked back stage and Leo walked into the hallway. I was teaching myself Last Steam Engine bu couldn't find the high E. He grabbed his Bojo a showed me the right chord, then proceeded to play the whole song for me. A fan since 1971.
I had looked for a true guitarist for many years, then the woman who would become my wife introduced me to the Armadillo album and I was hooked for life. I love his droll stories and tuning monologues. I think I've seen him 9 times and each time it's been terrific Keep tuning, storytelling and amazing us with your skill, Leo! Love your work......
My hero during teenage years, later in university and finally when I became a professional musician: Leo's music and guitar-playing influenced my whole life! So many memories ... thank you Leo!
This is the first time I have heard this song...been a looong time fan of Leo. Literally crying.it is so damn great....
This guy is amazing. Can't believe that much sound can come from one man-one instrument .
Can't wait to see Leo tonight at the Lyric Theater in Lexington, KY, TONIGHT! I have been following Leo since 1971. Leo strong! What a guitar player on 6 +12!
Enjoy the show!
i love that you're never sure if he's still tuning or he's actually started the tune.
Fantastic!! I saw him opening for Keb Mo in San Diego a number of years ago. Keb was incredible, but Leo was phenomenal!!!!! Apart from his brilliant guitar playing, I was equally impressed with his entertainment skills. His storytelling and dry sense of humor really won the crowd over (as if the playing didn't). An American treasure for sure!!!
Must've been a great show.
@@kcdurkin8498 It was tremendous!!
God I love this man who can sound like two players at once. He is fun to see live and has such a clever sense of humor.
he has a song..i forget which one..but it sounds like are FOUR people playing at once...LIVE!! and one line is a bass line....sheesh!
@@aceofbassmoore7093 True, there are a few songs like that.
@@Gently469 if i can find it i will send you the title and which album it's on.
Been lovin' Leo for half a century. The sound quality is just great. Andy; thanks for putting this out there for us all.
He is one of a few artists who are better live than on their recordings. Keep up the great work Leo!
Absolutely incredible artist. Will always love Leo's genius.
i guess I am quite off topic but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released series online?
@Alan Cameron i use flixzone. You can find it on google :)
@Christian Gibson definitely, been using FlixZone for months myself =)
@Christian Gibson thanks, signed up and it seems to work :) I appreciate it !
@Alan Cameron happy to help xD
Rings, a song from decades ago, wonderful words. Beautiful arrangement....
Goodness me! You often expect musicians to lose some of their ability as they get older but no so here. This is just a joy and, as always with Leo, his good-natured charm adds so much. Thank you.
a truly amazing artist !!! and a truly amazing person !!! zen billings in canada
Ahhh...Leo! First heard his LP “Six and Twelve String Guitar” in 1972 and was blown away! His playing is powerful and unique. Was finally able to see him perform live in Telluride, Colorado around 10 years ago. Wonderful musician.
I saw Leo in Toronto probably 2006. He played in St. Paul's Church. It was a religious experience.
Still so enjoyable! The first time I saw Leo I actually kept looking around on stage to see who was also playing with him to make all of those sounds. God bless and take care from Patrick
A dam musicbox is what....
Hello how are you doing!
It's nice meeting you here!
Leo has always been my guitar role model. I love his back pedal thumb pick and bass singing. He is a master guitarist and an American prodigy. So proud of him!
I met Leo in Redondo Beach ..I was early and saw him walking around and so on..I think he was sort of curious about me. Anyway..after the show he was gracious and autographed a couple of my "calling cards". I only have a scan of his autograph..as the originals were destroyed in Hurricane Camille. What an amazing guitarist!
Why do I never tire of hearing Leo play this song? Oh, that’s right, because it just plan great!
klinej54 I never tire of his talking between the musical frames.
@@SuperHeliboy It's as if it's all one piece - his talking and his playing, just expressing his soul
12/25/2021. I first saw Leo at Foster Auditorium on the campus of Alabama about 1973, 74. At the end of the show a guy in front of me said, “Man, I wish I had a guitar like that,” and his date looked back at him and replied, “Yeah. Like that would help.” Felt sorry for the guy. LoL!
Been following Leo since the 70s. I still remember driving for hours to see him open for a "big-name" performer at Saratoga. I was tickled to see that I was not the only one who left after his set.
Such a fabulous musician and entertainer, each time I watch a video of his concerts he touch me with his wit humour and great stories
Oh Leo, how self deprecating you can be? You are our hero man. The king of fingerstyle guitar. Where have you take that thumb otherwise banging away. Perfectly composed lines, oozing-criss-crossing polyphony.
Stay well champ.
Leo, from the 70s to now is amazing. ( I saw him in a line up in San Jose with Jesse Colin Young, Gordon Lightfoot - and I was a life time fan!
Sounds like an amazing show!
I've got you all beat. Spring 1969, Vaseline Machine Gun was used as on a commercial, Top-40 KLIV, San Jose. I quickly called and asked the guy, "Who are those two guys on the commercial playing rhythm and slide?" He comes back, "His name is Leo Codkey."
Huh?
That song musta launched a million guitar players...
I first heard Leo Kottke at the Scholar Coffee House in 1969. What a great performer! His Live at the Scholar album is fantastic!
I went to the U of Minn. 66-71. I saw Leo at the Scholar several times and at local concerts. Always amazing.
I have a collection of almost 400 CD's that I put all on a thumb drive for my car...and what do I listen to the most? My assortment of Leo Kotke's! I've seen him twice live, in Vermont and NH a few (well, more than a few) years in the past-and have never seen a more attention, respectful audience of all ages listening to him! Would gladly go see him any time if he's in our area again. Even his original recordings from his youth...wow...finding them on CZcams is worth waiting for! A master of the 12 string, and a virtuoso of a performer!
I feel fortunate to have been listening to him since I was a teenager, and even luckier to have seen him perform several times. His musicianship and ability to entertain never get old to me and I hope I will be able to see him again.
Ahhh ,... 'The Master' ... Those patterns he plays permeate my brain and when I die (happy), they will be found all engraved on the inside of my skull ..
Another living Legend, I have seen him play with Chet Atkins and Doc Watson....do yourself a favour ....Go see him while you can
Easier said than done - I'd love to, but I live in Germany ...
Just such beautiful music and a wonderful, and much needed, lift to the spirit. Thank you
I never had heard about this legendary artist..wow such a great artist
I'm just a hack guitarist and my hands started hurting when I was 50. Here's this guy in his late 70s ripping away at the thing, smooth as can be never missing a note. He's so personable and funny that it can be overlooked how much work has gone into this. He bumped me with his guitar back in the 80s when he was coming in the back door for a show in Rochester and I was trying to get to the men's room in a narrow hallway. Or course he smiled and apologized as I was desperately trying to get out of his way so he could get to the stage. Thanked him in parking lot after show for doing my request (everybody lies) as he was stowing his guitars in the trunk of the rental, driving himself back to the hotel, then on to the next gig. A class act
I was there with my friend Dickie. What an incredible night. He's such a good story teller he wouldn't even need to play and if be entertained.
been my all time favorite for 30 yrs.
I saw him at St. Cloud State College back in the day. His music and heart haunt me still.
Saw him at TCAN in Natick MA last year. What a great musician. That right hand technique blows my mind
OMG! This id one of my favorite songs of his, ever since I first heard it in the early 80s. Thank you !
He is a legend, beautiful !
I've seen Leo two or three times live. Milwaukee around 1985/86. I even have a string he broke in his concert at UWM in 1986.
His combination of amazing talent, and self-deprecating humor, are wonderful. For one of his first albums, he described his singing voice as sounding like "geese farts on a cloudy day". Such amazing talent, with the ability to not take it too seriously.
...muggy day...
@@dnablood2 even more apt...
I remember when I was in high school going to the Coffee House Extempore to feel just like the big collage kids ( 7 corners area - U of MN). For 50 cents I saw Leo for a set. He just dropped in unannounced. How cool. The album, "My Feet Are Smiling" was recorded at the original Guthrie. You could tell he was really amped up. Perhaps because he was playing at a home town audience at the Guthrie. Those were the fastest versions of Busted Bicycle and Here the Wind Howl I ever heard!
Amazing guitarist. Love this guy!
My brother gave me the Armadillo album in 1971, and I was hooked. In 1972 in Philadelphia, there was a concert by the Mahavishnu Orchestra with Leo opening. I went to see Leo, I didn't care about "that other act." I was so wrapped up in his music and guitar style that I went out to Escondido, California in 1977 just to meet his guitar maker at the time, the legendary Božo Podunavac, and had Božo build me around ten guitars over the years, all different. They sound great, but I'll never play like Leo Kottke, and it has taken me 50 years to come to terms with that fact.
Discovered Leo in 1971. . fortunate to see him 3 times. What a great story teller, sense of humor & fabulous 12 guitar player!!
I KNOW the frustration of tuning a 12 strg by hand/ear!! My Tachamine is not any easier than Leo's beautiful instrument. Good post & LOVE it that his stroke in '18 hasn't taken away his talent!! My first time to see him live was the Ozark Music Festival July 19-21, 1974 in Sedalia, MO. Even w/ the HOT temps of 100-108' he didn't complain about his strings being hot or his guitar being in the sun for his time on stage. God's gift to music lovers everywhere is Leo!!
Yes ma'am, and that high G will sure make ya sweat, crankin it up. It's like you have to keep in mind how much the NECK is bending and compensate!
Thanks for the videos. I just wish you had the whole set. I love every video I can find of this man. Will see him perform in Novermber.
This is awesome. Great!
Absolutely great. I never tire of hearing Leo play. Always amazed at the precision and speed. Some may think a guy like Leo Kotke is simply blessed with exceptional talent, but it's easy to see, at least for me, that he has worked and worked to become as great as he is. It's not talent; it's determination, strength, imagination and a great ear put to work on his talent.
I've seen him several times since "6- and 12-String Guitar" captured me in '70, but the show in Dallas with Michael Hedges was beyond incredible. Leo is that old, comfortable pull-over sweater you've had since the 70s that smells like memories. The one you where shoot the wife a dirty look ever time she tries to throw it out, and it makes you smile to put it on. My wife knows what it means when she hears "Leo's comin' to town again!".
His voice has never changed his play too ! Thank you
I think his playing has changed, in a good way: more nuanced.
Truly wonderful!
Glad you came awound...
Never been one for meeting celebs cos it means nothing to me...But leo is special very very Special....a man with a real god given talent..
Ken Norman, same here, m6 feet are smiling!! And here I am too...love this man.
Beautiful man
I have been a fan of Leo Kottke since I was a lass in the 1980s.
been hooked on leo from early seventies 6 and 12 string album or as some call the armidillo album,have seen him in concert several times,so good and so funny also!
Saw Leo with Michael Hedges in Baton Rouge in the 80s. he may remember me. I bought a c120 cassette from radio shack. I wanted to record the concert. The tape squeaked. and Leo kept looking at me. Crazy memories. LOL
I love the way he's tuning.
Another guitar legend
I've been a follower for one hell of a long time,saw him back in 73 or 74 at a small venue in Cincinnati, one of the best shows I've ever seen, but Leo never lied, his voice still sounds like GEESE FARTS ON A MUGGY DAY---- Bahahahahahaha bahahahahahaha! 🤗🤗🤗
the 1000th suscriber. Just because. Love Leo.
Makes me smile!
Saw him first in 1976 at the Southeast Music Hall. Seeing him again November 6 at the Variety Playhouse, Atlanta. Can't Wait!
Please double check your dates and locations because certainly the world is full of people keeping tabs on your concert experiences.
We were at that show in Madison. too! Had been staying at The Wilderness Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, and visiting a friend in Tomahawk. This was the flying home stint in Madison. :)
This guy is a blast live!
I bet he is. I haven't had the pleasure.
I started listening to Leo in the 70's. I saw him live in Fargo in 1992 and in Portland ME around 2004. His hands and fingers are as young as ever...a genius!
Started listening to Leo in the late 70's and saw him too at the Fargo Theatre in 92. He's only gotten better. What a treasure!
A real American Treasure !!!!
Wonderful wonderful Leo.
He's adorable
I just love him
Knocks me out.
I first lived Leo in 1972/3? @ IU Auditorium... Played for OVER 3HRS... (Snow, holding up Loggins & Messina) GREAT FIRST!
Hello sandy
How are you doing?
It's nice meeting you here!
Got you on a few decades old licorice discs, Minstrel. You're amazing.
First heard Leo in the early 70s, wow, still love it, him, Fahey, Lang, the whole sound, brilliant!
If Leo Kottke could't play guitar and just went out and told his quirky stories, he'd be one of the best entertainers alive. The songs are icing on the cake.
Dammit, ya turns your back for 30 or so years and the damn guy gets old on ya! Good thing he can still play!
It's Leo Kottke's world; we just live in it. Clearly the guitar was invented purely for him, and we're grateful.