Great Big Buy

Striking songs + exceptional acoustic guitar work = really worth buying



An unusual release by Kottke: no instrumentals, only his own outstanding folk-pop songs - with blues and jazz overtones and voicings.



He sings accompanied by his own guitar, supported by modest backing (keyboards, bass, drums). Steve Berlin's production provides a clear, strong, up-front sound.



The melodies and arrangements fix deep in one's mind. There are many exceptionally strong tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 10. Other songs are more complex, discordant and inaccessible. Kottke nimbly moves from unusual hybrid chords to finger-picking and strumming to produce matchless, sometimes bewildering guitar work.



Songs here are unusual and memorable - you'll find yourself compulsively seeking another listen. It's not always easy to fathom what some songs are about, as his lyrics reflect his unique, quirky, surreal outlook.



`Running Up The Stairs', `Pepe Hush', `Big Mob On The Hill' - all draw you in and involve you with intricate guitar and atypical lyrics.



`Great Big Boy' describes youthful reflections on being in the rat trap and is full of Kottke's sardonic wit and irony. `Driver' relates a strange tale of the terrible fate of bus passengers - and employs an utterly stunning guitar arrangement.



Last track is his cover of `I Still Miss Someone' by Johnny and Roy Cash - effortlessly superior in every respect to Cash's version. It employs punchy, attacking guitar and a slower tempo, to underpin the wistful emotions perfectly - a must hear.



This CD proves that Leo Kottke is amusing, can sing, write songs and skillfully play the steel strung acoustic guitar like no other on earth - this man, yes, can do all these things.

Leo Kottke, Great Big Boy

I saw this guy several years ago on PBS. It was late at night and since I am an insomniac I was channel surfing looking for something good. I stopped on what may have been "Austin City Limits" and in less than 2 minutes I was captured. Leo was funny, personable and by himself he could hold up the music. The next morning I told my wife if she ever saw anything in the store by Leo Kottke, buy it! A few days later she brought home Great Big Boy and I absolutely loved it. I like the instrumental stuff he has on other albums but Great Big Boy really shows more personality. The singing is adequate (even good if you like the style), the lyrics are witty and thoughtful and the music, like the instrumental stuff, is impeccable. I definitely recommend this CD.

One Guitar, All Vocals

Everyone knows what a talented guitarist Kottke is. This album features his gifts with his second instrument--his voice. Sure, his trademark guitar sound is there on every track, but these are all vocal tracks and his voice is used to wonderful effect. Some fans may feel this was a wrong-headed turn for Kottke, but it shouldn't have come as a surprise. Go back to Kottke's 1974 Ice Water and listen to "Tilt Billings and the Student Prince" and you hear the genesis for this album. I've always loved Kottke's voice as well as his guitar playing. As such, this is one of my favorite albums. RECOMMENDED