To a packed out Variety Playhouse, Leo Kottke is the most enduring man anyone there has ever known. Hes the mischievous uncle and the highlight of a family reunion. Hes the enduring college friend that social circles quietly bicker over. He is also an amazing 6- and 12-string guitar player.
He's Bill Evens on guitar. Thats the only comparison I can think of. Evans technique sounded like he was taking a bucket of liquid and gently pouring it out all over the exposed core of a piano. Likewise Leo's playing is so smooth and natural, somewhere between the sound of running water and a fire hose. I can't put my finger on it.
But this night was a special one, too, besides Leo's charming attention deficit disorder or masterful playing. I met a father and son that graciously offered Suzy and I a seat next to them because they saw the Phish shirt I was wearing. They were both big fans, and quickly engaged me in a surprisingly extensive conversation on music in general. The son was an obviously socially-reluctant person; his remarks on Phish, BB King and other live acts were self-conscious and quiet - but he was obviously impressed that he could chat with someone who was very familiar with the subject. As he talked he began sweating profusely, something I didn't find alarming until he remarked that he was uncomfortable and had to leave.
"He won't admit it," his father said quite openly to me after the son had excused himself "but he's an amazing musician. Every instrument. He's a brilliant guy. Used to be into some bad stuff, drugs, and he has had some psychological problems in the past. But hes a brilliant guy.
He's awesome, I said. I'm glad somebody agrees that Phish's '95 New Years-eve version of Reba is one of the best ever.
"Yeah, he loves Phish. But he's a Baptist minister now, so he don't get to talk as much about it."
I was pretty surprised. I told him that I was raised Baptist too.
"Well, we all gotta be something, ain't it the tru
th?"Strange. I still don't know why the son was sweating hard and why he got up. He never came back after he excuse himself a second time before Leo's encore. But for a moment while we were clapping, the father grabbed and told me something I have never gotten credit for in my life. He told me that it warmed his heart to see a young couple, Suzy and I, enjoying good music.
"It truly touches me. Its something I always prided myself with passing to my own son. Young people deserve to hear music like this. I mean that."
Thanks for Phish's Mike Gordon for introducing me to Leo Kottke and for Leo Kottke for introducing me to the man that gave me one of the most sincere and refreshing compliments I have have ever received.
