Members Loud Librarian Posted January 19, 2007 Members Posted January 19, 2007 Just saw Leo tonight in Madision, WI along with Leon Redbone opening. Great show, though I wish Leo played more slide tunes. He did William Powell, some classic vocal tunes, and a new one that was really out there harmonically. All his 6 string playing was on a Martin 000-15S, which was pretty interesting to see. He kept joking about it being a 12 fret guitar and that it was hard to "get way up there". He even said he rearranged William Powell a bit so as not to play the stuff too much beyond the 12th. It sounded really nice and rich, tho there was some quack going on, but who cares when it's Leo playing. There was one song with the most beautiful tone happening, his right hand up near the neck, so tasty and almost classical guitar sounding. His 12 was of course his signature model Taylor. His right hand is a machine. Leon Redbone was really great, such a killer blues voice and his playing was impressive. Almost all the songs were key of C but he just kept spinning out so many cool variations of fingerstyle blues. Tons of feel and his timing was so laid back. He played with an incredible pianist and trumpet player. Leo played what looked like a vintage Gibson sunburst with a florentine (sp?) cutaway. Great show!
Members Queequeg Posted January 19, 2007 Members Posted January 19, 2007 two of my favorite performers (and one of my favorite guitars; the 000-15s) Loud Librarian. I will see Leon Redbone for the third time @ The Ark in Ann Arbor MI this coming Monday night. (But sans Leo). The tickets were a Christmas present from Sally (my girlfriend of 8 years)
Members Cldplytkmn Posted January 19, 2007 Members Posted January 19, 2007 hmm... that's kind of surprising since they make his sig model in a 6 string as well...
Members Freeman Keller Posted January 19, 2007 Members Posted January 19, 2007 There is some sort of story about him going into a shop, taking that down, playing it and BUYING it. It must have really rung his bell. btw, Loud, if you haven't seen it, get a copy of the "Home and Away" dvd - the footage of Leo jamming with Chet and Doc is worth the price alone. And I haven't seen Leon (how about that, Leo and Leon?) for years but a great showman and a great player. Got a couple of his albums (on vinyl) - one of them is called something like "Red White and Blue". Must have been a wonderful show.
Members Queequeg Posted January 19, 2007 Members Posted January 19, 2007 hmm... that's kind of surprising since they make his sig model in a 6 string as well... I suspect there may be a (sad) story there. Perhaps his regular ax was in the shop for routine maintenance, or worse, or could have been stolen on the road, or something like that, and he probably picked up a loaner from a local store for the show. I've heard of this many times.His old recording pal, Peter Lang showed up at Elderly last fall for a workshop and picked up a low-end CFM from the sales floor for his workshop. Pat Donohue did the same thing there last March because his regular guitar doesn't have the fret markers, and he thought it would be easier for the class to follow along if they could gauge what fret he was working on. Many of these pros can pick up just about anything old thing off the rack, and make a go of it. They don't seem to ruminate about stuff the way some of the dilittantes do.
Members Jessz1 Posted January 20, 2007 Members Posted January 20, 2007 Anyone have tour dates for Kottke? I would love to see him play.
Members opencee Posted January 20, 2007 Members Posted January 20, 2007 I've heard of Leo playing a 000-15s for at least three years. I have a 000-15 that sounds great. With 14 frets clear I don't have to rearrange tunes. I don't have Leo's skill to adjust like that. I don't have enough skill to be called a player if I was in the same room as him. I'll bet his guitar sounded great though.
Members Queequeg Posted January 20, 2007 Members Posted January 20, 2007 Anyone have tour dates for Kottke? I would love to see him play. Leo's Tour Schedule
Members Loud Librarian Posted January 20, 2007 Author Members Posted January 20, 2007 Hey opencee, I have the same Martin, the 000-15. Such a great guitar for blues and doesn't cost and arm and a leg. Thinking back to the show, Leon Redbone really was awesome. Go see him with or without Leo Kottke if you can. His voice is like an instrument unto itself, and his bandmates were incredible! His guitar style is as well. He's like a trip back in time to the 20s and 30s.
Members Queequeg Posted January 20, 2007 Members Posted January 20, 2007 I too, have a 000-15s and I love it. (did I mention that already?)Will see Leon in Ann Arbor on Monday. (did I mention that already?) I see that the show is now sold out."His voice is like an instrument unto itself". yes, not to mention his whistling; a lost art.
Members WaveRay Posted January 20, 2007 Members Posted January 20, 2007 Leo will be in Harrisburg, Pa. next month, the 24th, I think. I hope Leon will be with him. I've seen Leo six or seven times and he was always alone, no opening act. Leon opening for him would be excellent. I will make sure I know what he's playing for this upcoming show.
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