Unofficial Leo Kottke Web Site. Kottke Network. Guestbook Entries (Dec.97-Jul.98).

Leo Kottke Guestbook

Entries for December 1997 to July 1998

thank you so much for playing in my community, mr kottke.
my cousin lorraine and i went back to see your cd's before you came out, and? tada! no cd's!, the lady said you didnt bring any. i was so impreesed. this is a mark of success, that you don need to blow your own horn and market yourself.
shawn

scio, or usa
Friday, July 31, 1998 at 19:39:26 (PDT)

Leo, thanks for the incredible performance at the Portland Zoo, July 22. Largest PZoo concert crowd of the Summer!

Compliments to Bruce and friends for this great site! Thank you.

Dan

Portland, OR
Wednesday, July 29, 1998 at 18:05:58 (PDT)

Hi--very, very kOol site. Leo got me through some rilly tough times--he's the best. He's got technisoul! I love 'im.
Ruth J.

Knoxville, TN
Wednesday, July 29, 1998 at 11:26:44 (PDT)

Hi Cousin-
Long time no see or talk. If this unoffical web site can get this message to you .give me a call . you know the number... Talk to you soon!

Mike
Michael J Kottke

San Jose, CA USA
Monday, July 27, 1998 at 16:59:30 (PDT)

I was at the Albany, Oregon Show at Monteith Riverside Park on Thursday (also saw the Wed. show at the Portland Zoo), after Leo's sound check I spoke with him regarding a Voluntary Target album he autographed and a CD picture disc of Leo from Denmark, I had some photo's taken with him. He tried to jump over the "plastic" security fence behind the stage and the fence collapsed. I though he had aggravated an old foot injury. Later that evening Leo hobbled off the stage, and during the show he complained that he had hurt his ankle..... I wasn't surprised when I arrived at the King Cat Theater in Seattle on Saturday, several hours early as usual, met the promoter and he informed Leo had called him and postponed this shoe until Aug. 21. The promoter said he jokingly stated to Leo, you don't play with your feet, do you? He said Leo was not amused by this statement.....
Jim Pavlicek

Everett, WA USA
Monday, July 27, 1998 at 12:50:08 (PDT)

Leo's Saturday 7/25 Seattle show was cancelled because Leo "broke his leg" when a barricade gave way at the Albany, OR show. He was hospitalized and had a cast put on. No other details available, but the King Kat theater staff says the show will be rescheduled later in August.
Rich Olson

Port Angeles, WA
Monday, July 27, 1998 at 08:15:27 (PDT)

I hope that I can more information about Leo here. For instance "Has Leo ever done any music for movie sound tracks??
wayne

Warwick, RI USA
Friday, July 24, 1998 at 14:39:29 (PDT)

like goose farts in a rain storm.
Dave Krause

Chandler, AZ USA
Thursday, July 23, 1998 at 15:02:04 (PDT)

Hi everyone! Just a brief note to make sure the guestbook is working OK. I'm back from vacation next week and later in August I hope to do a major update of the site. I have some new material to archive and would like to add some video clips to the site as well.

Cheers,

Bruce
Bruce Head

Toronto, On Canada
Tuesday, July 21, 1998 at 07:09:41 (PDT)

trying to replace my kottke albums after a burglery, any help appreciated.
Also had a recording of his gig at the dominion london 1982.
be good to chat with others who appreciate good music as well
Barry
Barry

Bournemouth, England
Tuesday, July 21, 1998 at 03:43:09 (PDT)

Absolutely wonderful! this is the best site on the web!

I'm 18 years old and just graduated from high school. When I read Lee's (the Cab Driver) letter I was truly moved. He came as close as anyone to putting into words the way I feel about Leo.
Thank You Lee!!!

I have spent the last few years of high school teaching everyone I came in contact with who Leo Kottke is. I actualy got the school to let me put on a small concert in which I played almost all Kottke originals on my LKSM-12.

Leo is a true Genius that deserves all the fame we can help give him, Also those who haven't yet heard him deserve to be enlightened.

Thank You Leo
Thank You Bruce

Josh "The Captain" Buskirk
Josh Buskirk

Palestine, WWV USA
Monday, July 20, 1998 at 19:41:44 (PDT)

Well designed page - very clean. I have been a fan of Leo's since the early 70's. I was introduced to his music by a friend. We caught several shows in Houston and Austin. Leo began one show in Austin with "Hi, my name is Ricky Ricardo!" At another show in Austin, he had a little trouble getting through the first measure of "Medley". He dropped the guitar onto the stage, and said (with a grin) "The best thing I can do at this point is to pick up that guitar and stuff it up my..." Well, you get the idea. I still get chills listening to "The Last Steam Engine Train". Also very fond of "Twilight Time" and "Driving of the Year Nail". Leo - you are the man!!!
Terrence O'Leary

Silverdale, WA USA
Monday, July 20, 1998 at 13:03:58 (PDT)

I have been a guitarist since 1967. I have been a fan of Leo since 1974. I have worked hard at learning Leo's compositions by ear since 1974. I have managed to figure out maybe 50% of Leo's compositions by ear as of 1994. I shook Leo's hand at a concert in Seattle in 1997. I told him that I appreciated very much the pleasure he had given me for close to 20 years at that time. In typical Leo fashion, he apologized to me (wryly).

I hope he knows how much he has given all of us -guitarists and non-guitarists alike.

Would that my voice sounded like goose farts on a muggy day...and that my fingers were so nimble, and that my brain/body/guitar composed such masterpieces...

Steve Rodgers
Tacoma, WA
Steve Rodgers

Tacoma, WA USA
Tuesday, July 07, 1998 at 00:18:14 (PDT)

Yes, that's NORMAL IL.

Cliff

Normal, IL USA
Saturday, July 04, 1998 at 17:29:26 (PDT)

Love Leo's music. Look forward to seeing him in person for first time when he's in Atlanta or anywhere close by. Thanks
Bonnie Vaughn

Atlanta, GA USA
Friday, June 26, 1998 at 13:51:48 (PDT)

hey Kottke Head!
We need to post a photo
of you playing your
"new" Taylor

taylor

Tuesday, June 23, 1998 at 16:05:17 (PDT)

I am thankful to Leo for inspiring my 17-year old son and my 21-year old son -- I am thankful to Leo for providing entertainment to my husband -- and I am thankful to Leo for adding enjoyment to my musical life, as well.

To Lee, the cab driver --- I will not forget our conversation in St. Louis -- I know that Leo's music and philosophy means a lot to you, as well --- I enjoyed your comments in the guestbook -- and I look forward to meeting you again at a future concert!

Carolyn Robinson
Carolyn Robinson

Olathe, KS USA
Tuesday, June 16, 1998 at 19:58:58 (PDT)

Great work, Brian! Your letter shines!
lee smallwood

st. louis, mo usa
Friday, June 12, 1998 at 05:08:39 (PDT)

Well, I'm STILL here in Tulsa, and I STILL haven't seen hide nor hair of any of you. Having successfully killed the Tuesday night cafe business at Barnes and Noble, they've given me the opportunity now to do the same on Saturdays. What a challenge!!! I hope I'm up to it.

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce ... couldn't get a bus tour together? Well, maybe a VW Vanagon caravan can be organized. The hot wings, cheap diet soda and barbecued pigs feet in paper sox are still offered. Give it some SERIOUS thought ...

Remember, Saturday nights, Barnes and Noble, the cafe ... Interstate 44 passes right through Tulsa, Interstate 35 joins I-44 at Oklahoma City, I-40 joins I-35 just south of Oklahoma City ... gee, there are LOTS of ways to get here ... hope to see you all there (well, maybe not all at once, but you get the idea) ... if the barbecued pigs feet in paper sox don't get you here, I just don't know what will ...

David Fitzjarrell

Broken Arrow, OK UofSofA
Thursday, June 11, 1998 at 11:56:41 (PDT)

I just wanted all of you other Leo fans to know that I'm doing my best job of exposing a younger generation to his (Leo's) music. I'm only 17 yrs old but this year at high school I was in charge, (with 2 other guys), of the CD player in the lunch room. That was a tough class -- playing music for an hour and a half.
Anyways, I always tried to sneak Leo's songs in, and people were like "Leo WHO?!!", and I couldn't play too many Leo songs for fear of a riot in the lunch room. (As you probably know, most kids my age prefer that rap bulls--t. And I won't try change their minds -- I'm more of a live and let live kind of person.) However, I was able to broaden some people's musical interest.
As the year went along, people became slowly more accustomed to good music. Some people I didn't even know before would come up to tell me they had purchased a Leo album. And those who didn't could at least pronounce his last name correctly and knew he was an awesome guitar player.
Anyways, now it's summer and I'm saving up for a nicer 12-string, so I can more easily attempt to play bits and pieces of another man's genius work at little coffee shops or book stores around Kansas City.

maybe I'll see you around,
brian robinson

-(By the way, I would kill for tab from GUITAR MUSIC, especially the first 3 parts of Side One Suite.)-
brian robinson

Olathe, KS U.S.
Wednesday, June 10, 1998 at 22:12:02 (PDT)

First heard 6 and 12 String Guitar sometime in the early '70's during college years. (I can narrow it down to the correct half of the decade, but the rest is kind of foggy). Thought Leo was an alien. I was still slogging through the Peter Paul & Mary tunes I learned in Jr. High school. Still haven't learned to play one note of one Leo song. Leo didn't inspire me to pick up the guitar, but I've put it down a few times because of him. Well, after a decade of estrangement from the guitar, this thing called a child came along, and began to play guitar in his last year of Jr. High school (they call it Middle school now). So now, I've reacquired this guitar obsession. One of the first things I did was to seek out some Leo records. Never saw him perform. Happy to say I've got tickets for the Avalon Theater in Easton, MD on July 12 and I can't wait. Maybe if I see Leo play, I'll be able to get a clue. Since Michael Hedges died, without me ever hearing him live, I'm not putting off any more opportunities to hear my favorite music. I found out later that Hedges had a regular gig during his Peabody years in Baltimore, which was literally over the hill from my house. And I never knew. Don't let life pass you by. See you in July, Leo.
Dale Gardner

Mt. Airy, MD USA
Tuesday, June 09, 1998 at 18:44:12 (PDT)

I love Leo's music and can't wait to see him in concert again this summer. There is nothing like seeing him live.
Peter Howell

Royal Oak, MD U.S.
Tuesday, June 09, 1998 at 06:48:08 (PDT)

Looking forward to seeing you play at "The Big Top"

James & Virginia
James H. Scarborough

Richland Center, WI US
Tuesday, June 09, 1998 at 05:11:46 (PDT)

I Play 12 string because of Leo, I first heard "My feet are Smiling" In the mid 70s Been a fan ever sunce Met Leo in Jax, Fla while HE was hooking up his own wires before the concert. Absolutly down to Earth Guy
Pete Knippen

J A X , FL
Thursday, June 04, 1998 at 23:39:06 (PDT)

Hi Bruce,
I have just sent you a mesage from me with the wrong email address . This is just to correct it in case anybody wants to contact. Thanks for the page again!! You make us Kootke/12-string maniacs feel right at home. Regards.....
Jonathan Klass

Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thursday, June 04, 1998 at 03:32:32 (PDT)

Your website is fantastic!!! I have been a fan of Leo Kottke since the 70's. I am a 12-string player as well as other instruments, and i find your site full of useful information to musicians and fans alike. I am grateful for the amount of work and enthusiasm that you have put in. If I canbe of any assistance let me know.All my good wishes..
Jonathan Klass

Johannesburg, South Africa
Thursday, June 04, 1998 at 03:24:09 (PDT)

Thanks,Bruce. You know,it occurred to me this evening that the reason i feel so good when having any contact with this site is that it feels like a big, warmhearted family. And that aint bad. Regards, Lee Smallwood
Lee Smallwood

St.Louis, Mo. USA
Tuesday, June 02, 1998 at 22:46:45 (PDT)

To Lee Smallwood:

Thank you for your erudite and moving tribute to Leo (two entries below).
Thank you also for your compliments to myself and to my mother, Carol Head. Strangely, your comment was posted on May 31st, which also happens to be my birthday!
Best regards,
Bruce

Bruce Head

Toronto, On Canada
Monday, June 01, 1998 at 17:46:38 (PDT)

I was wondering what Leo's and private musics veiws on taping went?
Kyle Smith

spokane, wa us of a
Monday, June 01, 1998 at 17:16:50 (PDT)

Bruce, After checking out the Guestbook some half dozen times the last 9 months,today i finally noticed the word 'son' in the entry of 12/31/97.
It hit me from the side, you know__ just a glancing blow. But it caught me just right and for the next few minutes or so it was really "read 'em and weep". Although recent e-mail exchanges have been inspiring me to 'sign' the Guestbook, it was this moving experience that did the trick. Well, i never thought my first letter to the site would start like this. To Tyler Kennedy and Carolyn Robinson, long overdue greetings!! Looking forward to seeing you folks along with Joe Carpenter et al on oct. 24th at the Sheldon in St Louis! David Perilman points out that we perhaps should be thankful that Leo is not adored by the mass audience__ and i wholeheartedly endorse that thought. At the same time, we who know, by direct experience,that Leo is a national treasure can (and should) do something about this strange (to us) circumstance. Through his writing and performing, through his recordings, and through enabling us to sample "leo's view of the world", Leo has, and is, leaving his unique and indelible stamp on the scene. And we who love him (words not too strong for most of his fans) have a great gift for all our friends. Turn them on to this incredible site! Forward it to them! Tell them about this guy! Give your favorite CDs as gifts! Tell them about upcoming concerts! Take them!! Well, you get the idea. Eventually, a critical mass will occur, followed by the inevitable explosion (granted, a quiet one) and Leo will have the wonderful and deserved results of that. But, you know what? No matter how much acknowledgment and recognition he receives; regardless of the material success and icon status he achieves; despite the many ego-traps that such sucess and status offer, our relationship with Leo will never be significantly altered.
Rest easy. Leo will never become a 'superstar' as we understand the term.
There are three main reasons for this, all equally important and all having their origin in Leo. i.e.,
in Leo, the artist (leaving aside his other considerable roles in life). First of all, Leo's work appeals to our 'higher self' or 'better nature'. Given the headstart and stranglehold that sex (the irresponsible kind, of course), violence and other elements of human drama have on most of us, it's a small miracle that his upbeat music, lyrics and attitude, his intellect and depth of perception, and his clear and un-apologetic accounts of his brushes with (and observations of) a sometimes alien reality have touched so many of us so deeply. Secondly, Leo is one of those truly rare and fortunate beings who has discovered 'who (and what) he really is.' With Leo,'what you see is what you get.' He is authentic. Siddhartha had nothing on Leo. The high degree of mastery of his instrument is also the degree to which he has mastered the game of life, exorcizing the demon of Fear which comes in so many guises and too often persuades us that there are reasons to not love and not share ourselves fully with others. Leo is an 'enlightened being'(though he might well deny it) and 'would not sell out for fame & fortune'(david perilman). He knows the cost and would never pay it. And while that endears him all the more to us,it brings us to____ The third reason Leo will remain accessible to his fans, quiet exposions notwithstanding, is that the 'Superstar-making' Media have no abiding interest in such a man.Such a man is occasionally written up in the 'Features' section as a curiosity; as an artist who goes his own way without much concern with commercial success. However, since with such a man there is no drama to report, no scandal, no violence, no hordes of mindless, frenzied teenyboppers creating a media event, such a man will never be a 'superstar'---except to those who have had their lives enriched by such a man. While i've promoted Leo shamelessly with thousands of my customers and friends over the years, what a joy it is to send this out to so many who appreciate him as much as i do. Thanks again, Bruce. p.s. Obviously, this letter had been simmering for a long while but i had no clue that it would boil over when it began so innocently so long ago. And, lastly, thanks to Carol Head, partly for inspiring me to write, but mostly for having Bruce. lee
the cabdriver
lee smallwood

St. Louis, Mo. USA
Sunday, May 31, 1998 at 07:17:25 (PDT)

At last, I got to see and hear Leo Kottke for the first time. Heard friends eulogise for ever. Leo cancelled his planned trip to Dublin last year. Caught him this time in Whelan's, Camden Street.

Packed house, standing room only. I'm now hunting doen any or all of his CD that I can find. Great show, great musician,great anecdotes.
Carol Burton

Dublin, Ireland
Saturday, May 30, 1998 at 05:57:11 (PDT)

Rember Charleston, summer , 1974, he played at the Guillard Auditorium. I'm trying to find a ticket, program, flyer, poster, anything close for a spouses 25th anniver.
present. It was a first date.
Most people I ask say Leo Who?
Love the music and would love some help.
Thanks guys!
Gwyn Toole

Augusta, GA USA
Friday, May 29, 1998 at 12:38:00 (PDT)

Greetings. I'm an amateur guitarist who enjoys Leo's music.
Greg Theisen

Denver, co
Friday, May 22, 1998 at 21:29:24 (PDT)

Been hooked on Leo since 1972.
Robbie Floyd

Tucker, GA USA
Friday, May 22, 1998 at 20:00:53 (PDT)

Perhaps I posted the information in the 'classified' area in error, but friends of mine who were going to attend the June 6 concert at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL had to cancel, so I have 2 extra tickets.
Interested parties please e-mail me. Thanks.

The 'geezer' chapter.
Darrell Moore

Rock Island, IL USA
Friday, May 22, 1998 at 12:36:39 (PDT)

I am amazed at the machine that is Leo's mind and fingers. And yet, he is remarkably personable. I heard Chris Proctor's new CD and he is a wonderful guitarist and yet....
Leo is like Bach. Precision is beauty.
peter MacLarren

brockton, ma usa
Thursday, May 21, 1998 at 16:37:59 (PDT)

If anyone is interested, I have completed a few TABs that have not been loaded on this site yet, including: When Shrimps Learn to Whistle; Skinflint(updated from Dean Gaudet's version); Hear the Wind Howl; Can't Quite Put it into Words; San Antonio Rose/America the Beautiful Medley; and Snorkel! (not yet officially recorded by LK). I'll be happy to e-mail them to anyone who's interested. Comments/critique are welcome!
Hank "Hoink" Alinger

Columbia, MD USA
Wednesday, May 20, 1998 at 20:30:16 (PDT)

Composer/Performer of original, fingerstyle, acoustic guitar music... been compared to Leo Kottke and the like... from Birmingham, AL will be in Nashville May 21 at The Radio Cafe, 8:00PM if anyone is interested. Thanks. John Danley
John Danley

Birmingham, AL USA
Wednesday, May 20, 1998 at 18:25:38 (PDT)

He's playing at the Barbican (in London) tonight - and I'm gonna be there!!! It was short notice - but I've dropped everything, of course!
Richard Sheppard

Sudbury, Suffolk UK
Wednesday, May 20, 1998 at 01:20:19 (PDT)

The first tim I saw Leo was in 1972 at the Kennedy Center. The openers were Bryan Bowers (a fingerpicking autoharpist) and the late Steve Goodman{the beginning of a rewarding relationship}. Anyway, Leo jogged onstage (huge stage, { we were second row, center}) grabbed his guitar, said, "HI, I'm Peggy Lee", and went into "Hear the Wind Howl", instrumental. The speakers were about 20 feet behind the first row. I could have hit him with a short lob shot. I have never seen anyone address the guitar with such emotion.

Hopson Murfee

ellijay, GA US
Saturday, May 16, 1998 at 19:12:20 (PDT)

hello all! i'll say one quick thing (other than i'm glad i found this site!) when i decided to take guitar lessons a couple of years ago, the teachers i talked to would all ask me, "so what kind of music do you want to play?" and i said, "i want to play like Leo Kottke..." out of six people only one, the last, responded with an answer different than, "Leo who???"
this guy responded only with a laugh, and said, "that's a good one...when you find someone to teach you to play like Leo let me know...i'd like to take lessons."
oh yes, the point of all this is: i'm dumbfounded the Leo isn't as well known as i would expect him to be---and even more overwhelmed when i go to a packed Variety Playhouse (when Leo blesses atlanta with his magic) and find so many people who have loved that magic for so much longer than me.
sorry to ramble folks! feel free to drop me a line--id love to find tab for Great Big Boy, Ive got Driver from an Acoustic Guitar issue but thats it.
Enjoy yourselves!
rm
Robin Martin

Marietta, GA usa
Tuesday, May 12, 1998 at 19:06:43 (PDT)

Great website. Have been a fan (like most)
since the early seventies (now there's a future
I wouldn't want to go back to!). I have to
sneak any new Kottke CD's into the house since
I "have too many already" according to someone
in my house.
Saw Leo in concert last year at the Backstage
in Ballard (near Seattle) -- looks
like I'll have to go to Portland to see him
this year. Thanks for the post whoever it was
that said the zoo amphitheatre is a good venue.
I found a great book with transcriptions and
tablature and even a half-speed cassette for
several of Leo's songs. I can now play "Jesu,
Joy of Man's Desiring" in my own halting manner
so one of my life's goals has been met!
Paul Anderson

Kent, WA
Tuesday, May 12, 1998 at 17:23:43 (PDT)

Further to Frank Esposito's comment
below....
Keep on Keeping on

Frank Esposito

is that like:
Keep on keeping on, like a bird that flew...
Tangled up in blue....
Bob Dylan

And, are you the Frank Esposito?
woody's chick, a bob fan

Tuesday, May 12, 1998 at 17:15:25 (PDT)

Im a great fan of Leo since the early 70s - heard him ever since, though becoming a classical guiarist! Now coming back to play Leos tunes, as well as those of the lovely David Wilcox, too, after buying the first steel-string again after 20 years.
Go on, Leo, I will see you in Osnabrueck, Germany, in a few days. Tallyhoo!

Michael-Peter Traiser

Gernsheim, Germany
Monday, May 11, 1998 at 15:43:31 (PDT)

I have been listening to Leo for 25 years. My brother introduced me to him by playing "Ice Water". I have been hooked ever since. Leo has inspired me with my own 12 string guitar playing (way back when) and to this day, I can only paint to his music!! I' looking for his 12 String Blues CD - no luck! Can anyone help?
Joan Carlson

Neptune, NJ USA
Monday, May 11, 1998 at 10:35:34 (PDT)

Saw Leo recently at the Ky Theater in Lexington (couldn't get tickets to the show at Canal Street). Hard to believe its possible but he just keeps getting better and better!
Steve Fishwick

Hamilton, oh usa
Saturday, May 09, 1998 at 18:13:35 (PDT)

Are there any tabs available for across the street
Marty Alfiero

Fleetwood, Pa USA
Friday, May 08, 1998 at 18:07:20 (PDT)

My best friend dropped a record onto a turntable in 1972 and my ears were buzzing from the gyrations that I heard from a multi-level guitar. What on earth? Not exactly--it was Leo playing "Busten Bicycle."
And the rest is 25+ years of shear delight.
I can even sing in that low baritone. Leo
makes my home buzz!
Mitchell Lopate

Matawan, NJ USA
Thursday, May 07, 1998 at 14:32:20 (PDT)

Keep on Keeping on
Frank Esposito

SI , NY USA
Thursday, May 07, 1998 at 13:07:50 (PDT)

In answer to a couple of recent postings here;

For Lars Ohlson; Kottke is still playing the Taylor
LKSM 12 string....he seems to move around on
the 6 string tho...between an Olsen, Taylor and
even some Australian handmade. Sorry, can't
remember the name. As for Sweden gigs...take a look
at the concert schedule on this webpage. Looks
like the closest to you is Germany or Italy. Kinda
long commute, eh? :-(

For Jason Leeds post of May 4: Enjoy the show
Jason, but you can hang up scoring a pick....
he doesn't use them!

Joe Carpenter

Nashville, Tn USA
Wednesday, May 06, 1998 at 15:03:19 (PDT)

In the late 70:s and early 80:s Leo came to Sweden almost every year. Since then we haven't seen him. Does anybody know a) If he is going to sweden, and when b) What guitars is he playing?

Nice to here from somebody in one way or the other.

Bye 4 now,
Lars Ohlson
Lars Ohlson

Nyk�ping, Sweden
Wednesday, May 06, 1998 at 12:42:15 (PDT)

Sorry about not being around to chat on #leokottke,
but I gotta work!!!!! Long hours, late nights, fast
food (if we are what we eat, I'm fast, cheap and easy)
... I just haven't had time to log in and meet
all of you wonderful Kottke fans who want to chat.

I know of one who has been checking the channel off
and on, and I hope many more of you do likewise. Remember,
the channel is #leokottke, and if I'm not there come on in
anyway ... someone else just might follow you in to chat!

Happy chatting!!!!!
David Fitzjarrell

Tulsa, OK UofSofA
Tuesday, May 05, 1998 at 10:09:35 (PDT)

hi, my name is jason. i am 27 years old and have
been listening to leo since i was six. to me, he is everything that makes music what it is. can you believe i've never seen him live? well i am so stoked to report that i made the third reservation to see leo at the coach house aug. 1st. i can't wait! i so hope that i can meet him or just say hello and maybe score a pick which i would gold plate and hang over my mantle for all to see! i also can't wait to meet other fans as my peer group is more into the gen-x scene. i play acoustic myself and have an instrumental that is inspired by leo. see ya at the show. i'll be the guy in front with a tear of joy in the eye!
jason leeds

Sherman Oaks, ca usa
Monday, May 04, 1998 at 14:08:17 (PDT)

I saw Leo in the fall of 97, probably at least the 10th time in 20 years. Leo has been much the same, sort of ageless. Now it seemed there was just a little bit of the middle age in his general impression on me. Not that it matters. I'd like to take my kids to see him in about 5-10 years. I really enjoy Leo's philosophy, the off the wall side!Oh, the music is good too.
esa jarvi

St.Louis, MO
Friday, May 01, 1998 at 07:59:57 (PDT)

I've been a great fan of Leo's music as well as a practitioner of it for years. I figured it was finally time to find other similar admirers. Saw Leo in Northampton MA on the 15th and talked to him after the show at his dressing room door. Terrific!

roger tudor

MA USA
Thursday, April 30, 1998 at 11:42:25 (PDT)

I've been a great fan of Leo's music as well as a practitioner of it for years. I figured it was finally time to find other similar admirers

roger tudor

MA USA
Thursday, April 30, 1998 at 11:36:08 (PDT)

Top job, Woody! Don't ever stop ...
Phil Andrews

Bradford, West Yorkshire UK
Wednesday, April 29, 1998 at 10:51:45 (PDT)

I first heard leo over 25 years ago. I loved his work then. I saw Leo perform at the Nok School in Newburyport Massachusetts a couple of Fridays ago. The audience was about 250 people. He was excellent. I went out and purchased his latest CD "Standing in my shoes". There is no one in the world like him. He is truely a world class guitarist!
Paul

Lawrence, MA USA
Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 18:32:40 (PDT)

It's embarrassing to be such an avid fan at my age. Is there an AARP sub-chapter? The man is truly unique. My wife & I hope to attend as many of Leo's concert venues as we can get to.

Happy geezering!!
Darrell Moore

Rock Island, IL U.S.A.
Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 10:36:22 (PDT)

I've been a follower of Leo's since 1970 & would love to swap info
Hopson Murfee

Ellijay, GA US
Monday, April 27, 1998 at 12:46:38 (PDT)

Great www site. Was lucky enough to
catch Leo for the first time in concert last
summer at the Portland Zoo. A great venue for a Kottke concert, for some reason that I can't describe, but it really worked. Was really glad to see that he would make it back again this year! In the snort fort, the snort fort, the snort fort ...
Alan Yeakley

Portland, OR USA
Sunday, April 26, 1998 at 21:47:48 (PDT)

I can't get off this site! Whoever was looking for Sonora's Death row didn't leave an E-mail. I can help you out a little - it's a fairly easy piece - you probably just need the intro & bridge and can improvise the rest. Hasn't anyone done "Eight Miles High" ? Will trade chords for Beatles "Yellow Submarine" for accurate transcription!!!

Bruce Smith

Mpls, MN USA
Monday, April 20, 1998 at 19:19:30 (PDT)

Nice Page. I'm looking for Kottke bootlegs. I will trade big.
Matt

Lexington, KY US
Monday, April 20, 1998 at 15:48:00 (PDT)

THIS IS A GREAT WEBSITE! I just got on the info highway and should be doing investment research, but his is much more fun.

I grew up in Mpls and used to see Leo at the Scholar for 50 cents and in the Gopher Hole for FREE! I am as one friend describes, another perfectly good guitarist ruined by Leo Kottke. I even own a sixties vintage B-45-12. You need tools to change the strings and it is impossible to play, but on the plus side it sure is ugly. Also have two mint copies of the Oblivion album (fully bled). Need I say more?

I am interested, of course, in Kottke tab and can contribute some of my own as soon as I figure out a way to use Word Perfect. I see a lot of tunes I already "know" on your sight. With a little more work I think I could provide "Peg Leg", which the rocker mags apparently think is in G tuning (that's why their rockers I guess)

Also saw a transcription of the live version of "Stealing", which I hope to finish before the Minnesota fishing opener. The two bridge sections are nowhere close to accurate (I don't mean to critcize), more about which at a later date.

Again, kudos for the great site!

Bruce Smith
Mpls, MN
(Leoland)
Bruce Smith

Mpls, MN USA
Sunday, April 19, 1998 at 08:39:13 (PDT)

Looking at your tour schedule is saddening-it
seems Leo's not coming around this year to my
neck of the woods. I guess I really shouldn't
be greedy since I got a double dose, last year. His performances at the Mt. Baker Theatre and Port Angeles High School were
absolutely remarkable and memorable. Being a
player myself I usually go with intent to
study his playing style, but I always just sit back and immerse my soul with the tone
texture that emminates from this man through
steel and wood- God It Feels Good!! Thanks
Bruce for this Wonderful Site - a bit of heaven on earth. Roger

Roger Stuberg

FederalWay, WA USA
Saturday, April 18, 1998 at 14:58:07 (PDT)

I've been a HUGE fan since "ARMADILLO" ('71 or so). I saw Leo twice in Indianapolis in the mid '70's, but we moved to the Florida panhandle in '83, and he almost never ventures into "bubbaland". I saw Richard Gilewitz in Pensacola a few years ago, but that's kinda like eating a Krystal when you really wanted a White Castle (no offense, Richard, you're still awfully good). Keep pickin', Leo, and keep listnin', Y'all.
Bob Endicott

Niceville, FL USA
Saturday, April 18, 1998 at 10:55:19 (PDT)

My friends and I caught Leo's show at the Towne Crier Cafe on 4/12/98 and I have to say that it was one if the best shows I have seen in quite a while. My friends were seeing Leo for the first time and they loved it also. Keep pumping the great music out Leo and we hope you come back to our area real soon. Great version of Corrina,Corrina that night !!!!
Daryl Landers

Bethel, CT us
Tuesday, April 14, 1998 at 13:45:34 (PDT)

Reference to Alex Wight's guestbook posting
of 3/23/98 looking for "Orange Room" info/tab,
keep your eye on this website's tab pages....
tab is in process! Just fyi, some tips on playing
it: Standard tuning. Intro is 5th fret barre,
alternating bass on 5th & 6th strings. Part 1
is G chord decending down to F (still need to
work on this part). Part 2 is simply D/F#, G,
A....again alternating the bass on 5th & 6th.
Part 2 ends by sliding the A chord (1st position)
down to G# & a quick slide up to the 5th fret
barre....start over again! Realize this is
just a rough draft now...will complete &
post to site.
Joe Carpenter

Nashville, Tn USA
Thursday, April 09, 1998 at 07:29:24 (PDT)

test
test

test,
Tuesday, April 07, 1998 at 11:53:09 (PDT)

Hey, guys, for those of you who actually
want to chat on the old IRC, I have a channel
available on dalnet -- #leokottke. Just log
on and come on in; anyone who wishes to chat is
welcome.

If you don't know how to do this, then check out
the mIRC homepage:

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6000

Here you can download mIRC, and learn about it,
so you can connect and start chatting in the channels.

Remember, the channel name is #leokottke.

See you there!!!
David Fitzjarrell

Tulsa, OK UofSofA
Wednesday, March 25, 1998 at 07:59:43 (PST)

I must see you play in person. To meet Leo would be the greatest thrill of my life! I have been listening to your music for about 20 years.
Paul Sorice

East Northport, NY USA
Tuesday, March 24, 1998 at 15:40:53 (PST)

Thanks for all the hard work in creating and maintaining the great resource.
Gregg and Jackie Cochran

San Rafael, CA USA
Monday, March 23, 1998 at 15:34:39 (PST)

WOW! What a terrific programming achievement
this site is! I love the audio/video clips.
Kudos to the designer and host of this place!
If anyone could give advice on playing "Orange
Room", I would be forever in your debt. I just
figured out my second-favorite Leo tune, "Last
Steam Engine Train" and am trying to move on
to "Orange Room" my all-time favorite. OH, also
if anyone has any idea how to get that Austin
City Limits of Leo Playing Orange Room, I would
be tickled some weird color. Again, hats off
to this great site and a venerable artist.
Alex Wight

S.L.C., UT USA
Monday, March 23, 1998 at 02:51:55 (PST)

This website is almost as good as Leo's
recordings! It takes a real fan to create
such a detailed site as this, and the rest
of us are very grateful to you for it, Bruce.
I'm planning to attend the show in Dallas
in November. Hope to see you all out there!

Ricardo Aparicio

Victoria, TX
Thursday, March 19, 1998 at 22:07:58 (PST)

I was never star-struck until I found out I
could watch Leo perform live in Manchester,
New Hampshire! I'll never forget it and I am
counting the days until I can see him again!
Sara Lombardi

west hartford/bennington, CT/VT usa
Thursday, March 19, 1998 at 16:38:00 (PST)

just figured out "rings" from home and away, god he must've went nuts when he finally developed that...it's so #@&*ed addictive to play.....great fun.
ashley hazelwood

london, uk
Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 03:32:31 (PST)

picked up "L.K.LIVE" on CD at a pawn shop for $1.it was the perfect thickness to even up that short leg on my kitchen table.thanx for the quality CD,Leo!
john h.

pumpkin center, al usa
Sunday, March 15, 1998 at 22:16:38 (PST)

Love the site. Huge Kottke Fan. Huge!
Jeff Sampson

Downers Grove, IL USA
Friday, March 13, 1998 at 22:19:11 (PST)

Leo Kottke is the most talented and awe
inspiring acoustic guitarist of the century.
He rates at the very top of the list. My music
collection consists of all of his albums, along
with all of william ackermans. Thank you Leo,
for a weatlth of music.
jayne weichert

Houston, Tx USA
Thursday, March 12, 1998 at 08:09:15 (PST)

Hi all,

actually Leo Kottke was the reason why I started to play the guitar. :) When I first saw him here in Germany at The "Rockpalast Rocknacht" playing "Eight Miles High", I just sat there listend with both open mouth, eyes and ears. Soon I had most of his records, took every chance to go to his concerts when he was in town. And practiced, practiced, practiced. This was when I was 18.
Until today (I am 40 now) Leo Kottke still amazes me with his style.
God bless you all!!!!!!!
Roman Korf-Karschny

Duesseldorf, Germany
Thursday, March 12, 1998 at 05:50:57 (PST)

Really looking forward to the tour stops coming back to So. Cal.
Bruce Brown

San Diego, CA usa
Tuesday, March 10, 1998 at 12:37:20 (PST)

i'm amazed to find a leo site-it's great!
marmiller

chugiak, ak usa
Tuesday, March 10, 1998 at 11:59:44 (PST)

I keep going back to the music of Leo as a reiminder that h
there is still quality out there.
Steve Lawson

Ravenna, OH USA
Tuesday, March 10, 1998 at 07:28:17 (PST)

Started listening to Leo back when his album
Greenhouse was out on LP. Been listening and
loving it ever since !
Wells P. Martin

Stamford, CT USA
Monday, March 09, 1998 at 16:22:56 (PST)

Just surfing, but ordered my LKSM-12 this weekend! Just had to tell someone and the kids just don't appreciate it.
Geoffrey Willis

San Antonio, TX US
Sunday, March 01, 1998 at 12:58:22 (PST)

I've only been listening to Leo's music for a year or so, but he continues to astonish me.
Greg Knapp

Norfolk, VA U.S.
Sunday, February 22, 1998 at 22:15:05 (PST)

Been a hardcore fan for 28 years.
Still looking for a copy of "12 String Blues"
Paul Ozburn

Boulder, CO US
Saturday, February 21, 1998 at 13:36:10 (PST)

In the meantime Leo has left the country again, leaving the statement "I'm back next year" and leaving us all surprised again. It's fantastic that an artist with the limitations of just 1 guitar is able to create this miracle for over 25 years now. It's only given to the Very Great. I'll never forget his performances in De Lantaren (Rotterdam) in 1972, in De Doelen (Rotterdam) in 1979 and now in De Kleine Komedie (Amsterdam) on febr. 8th. Again I found there were a lot more freaks like me. Also this Web Site shows, that this world still knows some musiclovers.
Martin van den Berg.
February 20th. Nuenen, The Netherlands.
Martin van den Berg

Nuenen, NB Netherlands
Friday, February 20, 1998 at 04:40:53 (PST)

g'day g'day
watching inside story on bbc2 the other night the ice miner was the main theme, the show was about people living on the streets in london it was basically a love story and the music worked so wonderfully, i'm sure kottke would've had a tear in his eye-i know we did, it was very beautiful.
it does get to me tho' how leo is never credited for his music on doco's and his music is used a lot in them. there must be so many people that are touched by his music in these shows that never get to find out who's playing it.
ashley hazelwood

london, uk
Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 03:32:12 (PST)

I have only seen Leo in concert twice, both since
'95, but have been listening and studying his
music since 1971. Would like to exchange with
other players on playing his songs.
Joseph Gormley

Tacoma, WA USA
Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 23:08:09 (PST)

Where IS everyone? Apparently everyone who
visits this site loves acoustic guitar, however,
I have YET to see any of your smiling faces in
Tulsa -- it is NOT a foreign country!!! You DON'T
need a passport to come here, and Tuesday nights
are pretty dead ... I guess that is why they book
me on Tuesdays -- acoustic guitar is not the big
draw that rock and roll, loud blues or head-banging
punk rock is. Oh, well, one of these days ...

I AM developing a following, though it is rather small
at this point, but growing at a snails pace every time
I play. At least I am affecting people (not counting
the ones who head to the restroom when I start playing)
and some in a positive way, believe it or not.

If any of you are in Tulsa on a Tuesday, let me know, and I
will let you know where I will be playing. My Taylor LKSM
12-string is getting quite a workout, since I primarily
write for it, and I play out as often as I can. Sometimes
the tips come in, and sometimes (more like most times) they
don't. Oh, well, such is the life of an artist ...

Again, great job, Bruce!!!! I just need more people to
come and see me in Tulsa. Maybe you could organize a bus
tour ... we could have hot wings and a concert, with plenty
of cheap diet soda ... maybe even have some barbecued pig's
feet in paper sox ...

David Fitzjarrell

Broken Arrow, OK UofSofA
Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 15:12:52 (PST)

Very nice site
I would be very interested in Leo opinion
of Leadbellys playing
Roy Toland

Essex, England
Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 12:24:42 (PST)

thanks for the page..i always get a rush whenever i hear Leo's arrangements and always appreciate his wit and humor!!!!
harry tesno

levittown, pa usa
Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 23:39:52 (PST)

As a great lover of Kottke's music I was happy to find your remarkable web-site.
Fantastic.
Last saturday (feb 7) Leo performed in Veldhoven, in the Netherlands. It was a great show for such a small town. Next saturday I hope to see and hear him again. This time in Maastricht. Can't get enough..
Jan Sprenger

Nuenen, The Netherlands
Monday, February 09, 1998 at 13:50:22 (PST)

Driving in to town this morning I was treated
to a pleasurable experience by our local community
radio station (KAXE, Grand Rapids, Minnesota!).
Sure, I have always known of the Leo Kottke, by name only.
But, this morning I heard Vaseline Machine Gun and it took
me by the heart and moved me! So, now I have some
new music to pursue and I am delighted! Nice to find your Unofficial
Website, I will return for more perusal....
Leigh B.

Crosslake, mn US
Sunday, February 08, 1998 at 07:55:10 (PST)

Leo & I played a lot shows together in the early '80's
Theres a whole lot of stories about him and some other great guitar players
in the new AUDIO-BIOGRAPHY "If The Devil Danced In Empty
Pockets" The web page for the book is at
http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/5105/
Other folks we crossed paths with along the way were
Michael Hedges, John Denver ,do I see a pattern here
Denver came to one of Leo's shows and later took us all
out for drinks....Stop on by if you have the time
Ken Spooner

Nashville, Tn 37221
Friday, February 06, 1998 at 12:58:09 (PST)

Great job, Bruce!!!!! The complete remodel of the site
is wonderful -- I just don't know how long it will take to
get through the whole thing!!! Looks like I have almost
the monumental task of browsing that you had creating!!!!
David Fitzjarrell

Tulsa, OK USA
Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 07:16:28 (PST)

The web site was off-line for a few days because of
a disk failure. As a result, anything posted to the
web site after January 18th has been lost. Sorry.

Bruce
Bruce Head

Toronto, On Canada
Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 07:50:52 (PST)

a wonderful place for inspiration and fond memories.
bill groff

orlando, fla. usa
Friday, January 16, 1998 at 21:11:08 (PST)

I can't believe I've found other Leo fans! GREAT PAGE!!!
Joe KNITTEL

Syracuse, ny usa
Thursday, January 15, 1998 at 13:31:02 (PST)

well done bruce, a vast improvement, although weirdly i miss the old website, the same way ya miss an old car.
a few hitches or bugs here and there, but no doubt you'll sort em out soon enough, looking forward to some video clips, but for some reason i can't play .avi files...any ideas anyone?
best of luck anyway.
regards, ashley
ashley

london, uk
Sunday, January 11, 1998 at 02:40:21 (PST)

The CDs are fine, but hearing Leo in live performance was absolutely mesmerizing.
Don Karner

Broken Arrow, OK USA
Thursday, January 08, 1998 at 22:01:56 (PST)

Bruce.....this new website was well worth waiting for!

So much here, will take awhile to get through it all.......but one can NEVER get enough of Leo Kottke now, can one?

Great job....and thanks for all your hard work.....this is definitely one of the best sites on the Internet.

Leo himself would have a blast here!

Patty...:-)
Patty

Langhorne, Pa USA
Tuesday, January 06, 1998 at 15:04:43 (PST)

I'd just like to say,after reading a few of the other contributions to this page,what a pleasure it is to have found a site devoted to the most innovative and inventive (not to mention the most musically exciting)guitarist i've ever heard.I've been listening to him for well over twenty years,and still experience the same thrill every time I hear his playing,which is something to be thankful for,considering the general lack of comparable music available today!I also enjoyed reading of encounters that people have had with him and his music.I will never forget the first time I went to one of his concerts,and even though none of his amplification had arrived on time,he offered to come out and play without it,which I would have thought would have been a daunting prospect for anyone,but he gave one of the most memorable concerts I have ever had the pleasure to witness.The lack of any real sound system only enhanced the atmosphere of the playing,and every note was crystal clear.I came away with the feeling that I'd seen a truly proffessional as well as immensely gifted performer,and I have tried to get to every concert of his since.I only wish he would visit the UK more often,as his appearances here are far to few and far between for my liking.I am an avid collector of his music,and am very interested in obtaining any live recordings that anyone might have to offer.Name your price!Also,any videos that might exist likewise.I have just been sent a copy of the 'Home and Away' video which has never been released over here(probably because it only exists in NTSC format,which is unplayable on a British VCR,though thankfully it is possible to have a copy made in the format neccesary for viewing on a PAL player,I've discovered).Also,to anyone who is unaware,there are the most accurate transcriptions of his tunes being made available by Stropes Editions Ltd,who have so far released four or five otherwise unavailable pieces,and are soon to publish many more.I should mention that the transcriptions are made with his full co-operation(according to Stropes themselves,a claim I have no reason to doubt,judging by the accuracy of the notation)Their website is www.execpc.com/-stropesLastly,thanks to Mr Head for this site.I shall be a regular visitor for as long as it is running!!
Arthur Wilson

London, U.K.
Monday, January 05, 1998 at 13:23:32 (PST)

I really love your new Leo Kottke Web Site. Well done, I am really proud of you, son.
Carol Head

Canada
Wednesday, December 31, 1997 at 20:11:07 (PST)

I got mashed potatoes, ain't got no bread.
Jason W

Westminster, MD
Tuesday, December 30, 1997 at 21:46:24 (PST)

Looking for the tab to Sonora
Thomas Turbeville

Kamuela, HI US
Tuesday, December 30, 1997 at 16:32:21 (PST)

I love this site! Great audio clips! I can't wait for more video clips to show up. I'm a BIG Kottke fan and this site is very informative.
Geoff Williams

Anoka, MN USA
Monday, December 29, 1997 at 18:37:13 (PST)

Hey Bruce:

The new site looks better than ever... a ton of information. Once again, great job!
Hank "Hoink" Alinger

Columbia, MD
Monday, December 29, 1997 at 12:08:19 (PST)

Bruce,

The new site is fantastic! Looks like I'll
be surfing quite awhile to find all the new
stuff.

Regards,
Joe ("Bernie")
Joe Carpenter

Nashville, TN USA
Sunday, December 28, 1997 at 11:09:21 (PST)

Nice job, Bruce!
Scottke
Grand Jct, CO U.S.A.
Monday, December 22, 1997 at 17:51:03 (PST)

Comments or questions about Leo's web site? Send mail to webmaster@guitarmusic.org.