Leo Kottke at the Birchmere, 6/12/2009

Life is slowly returning to normal. Went to hear Leo Kottke at the Birchmere on Friday night. Kottke is a legendary name in acoustic guitar circles, but even though back in my guitar-playing days I've heard him mentioned and read about him countless times, somehow I've managed to avoid hearing any of his actual music for the most part. I came across an LP some years ago, and played it once or twice, but it has been so long now that I can't even remember the record's title, much less any of the tunes on it. When the show was announced several months ago, I figured better late than never and got tickets, with plans to check out the highlights of his discography and prepare myself for the concert in the interim. Well, we all know what's paved with good intentions. I have not had an opportunity even to plug in my stereo, much less listen to anything, between then and now, so I went into the show with very few, if any, expectations. In retrospect, this was refreshing and helped me listen with as open a mind, and ear, as possible. I've said this before, but this is how music was consumed through most of human history -- if you wanted to hear something, you had to go hear it performed. Recording changed the way we consume music, and the meaning music has in our emotional lives, in a fundamental way. But I digress.

The show was good. Not incredibly, earth-shatteringly, life-changingly good, but enjoyable. Kottke's playing was jangly and bluegrassy. There wasn't much musical depth, but he made up for it with rhythmic drive and a technique that was impressive but not flashy. He flubbed a note or two early on, but otherwise was spot-on. His basslines were particularly amazing. He often sounded as if he had two or three thumbs, each with a life of its own, playing intricate basslines on the lower strings, while the rest of his hand merrily picked out a melody or some improvised runs in the high register without breaking a sweat. The whole thing was definitely more about guitar than music in the abstract sense, but one did not need to be a guitarist to enjoy it.

Kottke's twelve-string playing is worth a special mention. Back in my guitar days, ill-advised to begin with, I've picked up a twelve-string once or twice just to try it. Thank goodness I had the sense never to let anyone hear me play it. The things are absolute beasts to handle. You need both twice the physical strength in your fretting hand to hold down the extra metal, and twice the dexterity in both hands to fret and pick cleanly. Pretty much a non-starter in my book. But Kottke tossed off tune after tune on a twelve-string, and he sounded great. Same intricate basslines, same bouncy picking, just more of it. What he played did not change at all, which is more than I can say with respect to just about any other guitar player I've heard, and I've listened to plenty of guitar music over the years.

The tunes were mostly instrumental, though he did sing two or three in a casual, unforced baritone. There was also much banter and joking, which I understand has always been an important component of his shows. Some jokes were actually pretty funny, though they definitely tended in the guitar and music geek direction. The audience response both to his playing and his talking was surprisingly enthusiastic -- the outbursts of applause were an almost shocking contrast to the generally quiet and casual nature of the performance. Clearly, he has some long-time rabid fans.

I haven't been to the Birchmere in ages, but was reminded how great of a venue it is for these types of concerts. Even the food was surprisingly enjoyable. Good time was had by all, and at relatively recession-friendly prices, I should point out. I will make a point of not waiting so long before my next show there.