One Guitar, No Vocals

After a decade and a half spent exploring new age, jazz, and other forms, Leo Kottke revisited his original style with 1999's ONE GUITAR, NO VOCALS, in some ways a return to the albums which had made him famous, like SIX AND TWELVE STRING GUITAR. Only in some ways, however; while these 12 songs may superficially sound like those on his early albums, there's a greater variety of influences at work here. more...

Impressively, for a style of music which has seen more than its share of aimless noodling, Kottke writes purely substantial melodies, even on the lightest tunes. The highlights include the album's centrepiece, "Chamber of Commerce", a tribute to recently deceased guitarist Michael Hedges, and the puckish country blues "Peckerwood". Released 30 years after his debut, ONE GUITAR, NO VOCALS features Leo Kottke at the top of his game.

Dirty Linen (4-5/00, p.59)
- "Leo Kottke, one of America's finest guitarists, never ceases to amaze....'Too Fast' is a dazzling exercise in nimble, expressive playing. 'Three/Quarter North' is a slow, soothing number with a wistful melody in some of its passages..."