We saw Leo kottke play last nite-review

[sharkydude50]

Leo Kottke played a 1.5 hour set @ City Limits in Delray Beach last night before a very mixed (age-wise) group of about 150 people. 3 AGF'ers (Beach Bob, Jawbone & myself) were treated to some of Leo's best tunes, as well as a really nice venue to see a show in. He played his 2 Taylor's and actually sang more than I have seen him do in 3 concerts over the last 5 years. He sounded and looked great! Did "Julie's House", "Corina", and "Ring, Ring".

Much to my delight- he told us that he still gets a great charge out of playing "Vasceline Machine Gun", which he also said was the first song he wrote & recorded. His version tonight was great BTW.

I was surprised to see that he used a full black Kyser capo, and not a cut capo. He also played as much, if not more, 6 string than the 12. That was fine, as they both sounded great. City Limits has a very nice sound system, which was also a +. He talked at length about his times with John Fayhey.

If (or better when) you go to see Leo- please don't cheer him with a schrill whistle. It seems that 30+ years of touring (plus age, and a couple of ear injuries) have taken their toll on Leo's hearing. He was visably pained when people did that.

All I can say is that you will have a blast seeing & hearing a performer who I consider an American treasure. This was a great way for me to kick-off my 50th birthday week!!!!

[Taylorplayer]

I was surprised to see that he used a full black Kyser capo, and not a cut capo. He also played as much, if not more, 6 string than the 12.

I'm wondering if the hand / arm injuries he had have caused him to play more on the 6 than 12 strings? Maybe less tension against (on) his hands?

[birkenweg42]

Happy 50th, Sharkey. I got 5 more years until I'm there.
Glad you liked the Leo Kottke concert. I am a big fan of his music and personality. You are right: He truely is an American Icon.
I also like the fact that he is playing a lot of his older stuff. I am a little too young to have been a fan in his heydays in the 70's and missed out when some of his best music came out. I feel like I get to catch up now.

[beach bob]

All I can say is that you will have a blast seeing & hearing a performer who I consider an American treasure.

+1 on that!!! A great show by a truly unique and gifted guy. And a nice warmup to Sunday's picking at Casa du Dennis ;)

[stratokatsu]

Go ahead... rub it in...

When you guys get here Sunday, I'm going to spoke your beer... wait... that won't work... Lemme get back to you on that... :hmm:

[ctgibson]

I love Leo Kotke. I remember buying that album "Ice Water" when I was a teenager and being enthralled by his sound.

Years ago they had a very cheap concert series in NYC's Central Park at the roller skating rink. You'd wait around all afternoon, and run to a seat when they opened the gates (I think it cost about $5 for a ticket). I saw Leo Kotke in about 1974 or '75 opening up for someone else - maybe Dave Mason or Souther, Hillman and Furay (boy was that band doomed - they were all giving each other black looks on stage). I was absolutely mesmerized by Kotke's playing. He had that huuuge sound and deep voice. Still love to hear his stuff.

[spkline]

I've enjoyed listening to Leo for years. The last time I heard him play was at the Lobrero Theater in Santa Barbara, CA. He put on a good show then, as well.

[AgingPicker]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
I first heard Leo back in '74 or so, like ctgibson was saying, and I've listened ever since.
We've heard him up here near Chicago at the Woodstock Opera House (300+ capacity, I think) every September for maybe the last 10 years, and really enjoy it.
He had a rough set last year, but this year he was back in top form.
Love to hear Vaseline, too.

[Stuart]

I've been a Leo fan for many years. I saw him play live for the first time last summer. It was absolutely sublime (sigh). The only bad part was that he was warm-up for Judy Collins and he only played for about 35 minutes. As I recall, he played:

- Livin in the Country
- Julie's House
- I Yell at Traffic
- The Room at the Top of the Stairs
- Rings
- William Powell

. . . plus a few others that I was not familiar with.

[MCanup]

I saw Leo twice last year. First time, he opened for Lyle Lovett and did a short set. The second time Loudon Wainwright III opened and Leo played a much longer and varied set - not to mention that Loudon played an excellent set. Leo seemed pretty split on 12 and 6 string playing time, and a couple of times started something then decided to switch to the other guitar for the tune. When he talked to the audience (he tells amazing stories) he'd be just doodling away on his guitar, never skipped a word or missed a note, playing stuff I only dream about as if it were nothing. The guy is a monster, and I mean that in the most awe-filled way. Can't wait to see him again.