I knew little about Leo Kottke, apart from having seen him on Old Grey Whistle Test a couple of times in the 1970s, and being aware of his prowess with the guitar. So, this early album, for not much in a charity shop seemed a worthwhile investment.
It's an entirely instrumental album, of Kottke's intricate finger picking, most of which is very pleasant to listen to. Plenty of lovely tunes, beautifully played.
Nothing particularly stands out, and I'm left more impressed with the skills of the artist than I am moved by any of the pieces played. Vaseline Machine Gun, The Fisherman and Busted Bicycle roll along nicely, but most of the album registers as merely pleasant.
Kottke is a master guitarist, and is interesting to listen to, but sometimes that talent and dexterity alone isn't enough to deliver a great album.
3* - Some beautiful guitar playing, but the individual pieces aren't mind blowing
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