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Leo Kottke | |
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![]() Kottke at the Clearwater Festival, 2007 | |
Background information | |
Born | Athens, Georgia, U.S. | September 11, 1945
Genres | American folk, Americana, new acoustic, American primitive guitar |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 1966–present |
Labels | Capitol, Chrysalis, Private Music, Oblivion Records |
Website | Official website |
Leo Kottke (born September 11, 1945) is an American acoustic guitarist.[1][2] He is known for a fingerpicking style that draws on blues, jazz, and folk music, and for syncopated, polyphonic melodies. He has overcome a series of personal obstacles, including partial loss of hearing and a nearly career-ending bout with tendon damage in his right hand, to emerge as a widely recognized master of his instrument. He resides in the Minneapolis area with his family.[3]
Focusing primarily on instrumental composition and playing, Kottke also sings sporadically, in an unconventional yet expressive baritone described by himself as sounding like "geese farts on a muggy day".[4] In concert, Kottke intersperses humorous and often bizarre monologues with vocal and instrumental selections from throughout his career, played solo on six and twelve string guitars.