Leo Kottke

Leo Kottke is a renowned acoustic guitarist recognized for his distinct fingerpicking style, blending blues, jazz, and folk. He has released numerous albums and collaborated with artists across various genres. After recording his groundbreaking album ‘6- and 12-String Guitar’ for John Fahey’s Takoma Records in 1969, Leo Kottke established himself as a distinct voice in acoustic guitar. This album, often referred to as the ‘Armadillo album,’ became a foundational work in his discography and has been re-released multiple times.

In the late 1990s, Kottke continued to explore his unique sound, releasing solo albums such as ‘One Guitar, No Vocals’ in 1999. The 2000s saw him embark on notable collaborations, joining forces with Phish bassist Mike Gordon for the critically acclaimed album ‘Clone’ in 2002. This artistic partnership continued with ‘Sixty Six Steps’ in 2005, further showcasing their unique musical synergy. His solo career progressed concurrently with releases like ‘Try and Stop Me’ in 2004, maintaining his reputation for instrumental innovation.

Kottke’s significant contributions to music were further recognized in 2008 when he received an honorary doctorate in music performance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Demonstrating his enduring artistic partnership, he once again collaborated with Mike Gordon for their album ‘Noon,’ released in 2020. This most recent project further cemented his legacy as a pioneering acoustic guitarist and a master of his distinct fingerpicking style.