A great instrumentalist doing what he does best, Part 2

This CD has just been released with a companion volume The Capitol Years, 1970-1975. Please see my review of that CD for some of the background on this project. This particular CD is a compilation of Kottke's instrumental work from his recordings on the Chrysalis label from 1976 to 1983. The songs are drawn from the albums Leo Kottke, Burnt Lips, Balance, Live In Europe, Guitar Music (one of his few CDs that only features his guitar playing) and Timestep. Three of the songs were previously unissued. They include versions of The Fisherman and Up Tempo from a 1977 Montreux concert and Duane Allman's Little Martha.
Unlike the Capital volume, the Chrysalis compilation is almost entirely solo.
On any Kottke album there is always jaw-dropping guitar, the sort of effortless virtuosity that both inspires and discourages other guitar players. There is innovative technique and melodic passages that you will never forget. One of the things I like about this album is the chance to compare how differently Kottke played The Fisherman on his first album, Six and Twelve String Guitar in 1969 and this 1977 version. This version is less propulsive with the attack not being as hard. The result is revelation of another whole side of that delightful tune. These are great compilations and we owe Jerry Roche and Blue Note thanks for bringing them out. If you are a Kottke fan who primarily loves his instrumental stuff (like me) these will be great additions to your collection.

Another gem in the treasure chest

All these tunes are familiar to Kottke fans; what justifies owning this the very last song: Leo playing a 12-string with Albert Lee's 6-string on "Little Martha." The song has been enriched with a 16th century Elizabethan feel that would be complimented by a harpsichord.

Otherwise, this is the joy of hearing Leo just letting his fingers dance over the strings as he does his best stuff--and as he's so fond of pointing out, no singing allowed. "The Fisherman" (originally on '6 and 12 String' and live on 'My Feet Are Smiling') is now revamped. The only irritant is "Whine," which lives up to its name as Leo blares like an overloaded PA system on electric slide. As an addition to your finger-picking collection, you've got to add this CD.

Just Kottke and His Guitar

This is a solid overview of Kottke's tenure with Chrysalis between 1976 and 1983 after he left Capitol. [Check out his equally stunning collection of instrumentals on THE BEST OF THE CAPITOL YEARS.]

While there is a tendency to focus on Kottke's lone Takoma album and his Capitol albums as being the best of his 30-plus years as a recording artist, this entire album is a delight. All six of his Chrysalis albums are represented, including four tracks from his 1980's LIVE IN EUROPE. As an added bonus, you get two previously unreleased live tracks from a 1977 Montreux contert: "The Fisherman" and "Uptempo." In addition, there's a studio version of Duane Allman's "Little Martha," which was recorded for 1983's TIMESTEP, but omitted before its release.

Also worth noting is that the compiler of this CD went out of his way to avoid duplicating the 1991 Chrysalis compilation ESSENTIAL. In fact, "Airproofing" is the only repeated track.

While I'm also a fan of Kottke's warm baritone voice and could easily argue a case for an album of vocals ("Learning the Game," "Sonora's Death Row," and "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" are favorites of mine from this period), this is a highly enjoyable album of what Kottke does best--play the hell out of his guitar. [Running Time 53:43] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED