Though known primarily for his finger-knotting acoustic guitar prowess, Leo Kottke also writes some pretty unique, memorable songs. Sung in an inviting low grumble, his tunes often possess lyrics as snaky and strange as his tunings and hopping melodic sense.
There's not a guitarist worth their salt today that hasn't been touched in some way by Leo Kottke. Even if not directly influenced by his dazzling approach and command of acoustic guitar, his work has seeped into the infrastructure of all guitar playing since his landmark debut 6- and 12 – String Guitar arrived in 1969. Watch him and the strength in his hands and fevered focus in his eyes make the experience of a dude sitting in a chair picking really bloody riveting, not to mention one's natural disbelief that one guy is making all that sound by himself with a single instrument.
