Leo's Strings

A Little disclaimer about this post.  This was written by myself back in December of 2009.  Yes that long ago.  I just decided to put it on the new blog while I do research on the next two posts I'm working on this is also to hold over till I get the next one ready for reading.  I will be doing these "Flashback" post every once in a while so enjoy some old writings from my past.

In my early twenties when I was learning music I went to the Borders opened up near where I live I would go often. I had friends who worked there and beside my frequent visits to see them I would often make my move to the music section. Most of the people in the music section I became fast friends with. A few of them knew me because of my best friend. They went to college or High School with him and knew me as the young kid who wanted to know about music.

In the early years of Borders they had each genre labeled in the store. They were also creative enough to add some of there own to the wonderful eclectic mix. Borders gave these people who worked there some control. There were genres set up for Tropicalia, and also Afro-Pop, and even one for Out to Lunch. At the middle of the music department was the information desk. just before you got to the desk there was a set with staff picks. Each person had 3 or 4 CD's of things they loved.

One person I was friends with picked guitar artists. Each pick was a guitar album that had on his picks were albums I never heard of. One was Steve Tibbetts, the other was Eddie Hazel, the other was Bill Frisell, and lastly was Leo Kottke. I know now about each of these artists more then I care to know. Each of these are featured in my favorite artists or albums. The Steve Tibbetts album was featured in the early part of my blog(and will be featured in the new blog). Eddie and Bill will be part of the future of this blog and tell you more about them later.

The last one was Leo Kottke and the one that has stood with me for quite some time. The album is quite simply called 6 and 12 String Guitar. It's an album that is only 38 minutes but every song is a keeper. The album is mostly his songs with the exception of a Bach piece. His guitar technique is amazing. He did learn from the best and John Fahey gave him an identity all his own.

So if your looking for a good acoustic straightforward album then this is it. If you want to cry and wish you played guitar like Leo, then this too is the album. Leo is an amazing guitar player who should be watched and listened too. He does it with so little effort it makes you think he is not doing it at all. Enjoy!