Leo Kottke, John Fahey & Peter Lang - S/T

[Dave918]

Artist - Leo Kottke, John Fahey & Peter Lang
Title - S/T
Year of Release - 1974
Record Label - Takoma
Genre - Folk/Acoustic Instrumental
Format: Vinyl


Had the great pleasure of spending last evening listening to this wonderful album courtesy of DAGLJAM6. I first listened to this album back around 1975 or so and fell in love with it then and remain so today. I lost my original album a number of years ago, so imagine the thrill when I opened the package from Dave and there it was in all of its black vinyl glory. He didn’t tell me what he was sending you see.

I was just getting into Leo's work back when I first heard this album, but listening to John Fahey just blew me away - he was the master. Peter Lang is also outstanding and it’s a shame that he never received the recognition he deserved.

I carefully pulled the album from its sleeve last night, gave it a spin in the cleaner and loaded it up on the TT. Sounded brand new, barely a pop to be heard. I’ll be doing a needledrop tonight for sure.

If you spot this jewel on vinyl somewhere - grab it! It’s also available on CD and a worthy addition to any collection.

Another star prize for my vinyl collection. Thanks Dave, I owe you big time.

-dave

[BeatleFred]

Yes indeed, great music played by top-notch guitarists. BTW, Leo Kottke's "Ice Water" (1974) is a particular favorite of mine, as is John Fahey's 'Christmas' album.

I also highly recommend many of the Ry Cooder albums from the 70's such as "Into the Purple Valley", "Paradise & Lunch", "Chicken Skin Music", and "Jazz". I wish they'd all be given a sonic upgrade to SACD format.

B/F

[tentoze]

Never heard that one..........

[DAGLJAM6]

I've gleaned so much new/old music from the posts in this forum specifically following threads by you (Dave918),JDaniels, and a few others I felt the need to start "paying" back as it were. No, not that it was expected or required but mainly as an appreciation
for more than a few eye openers as far as music goes. Thanks again Dave and to the rest o' the crew here.

Dave

[Nat]

Have fond memories of that album. I was already a Fahey fan when I heard it, but it was the first I had heard of Kottke or Lang. It was a Tacoma album, which was Fahey's label, and I think he was trying to use his (modest) fame to boost Kottke and Lang. Certainly worked for Kottke. I have quite a few Kottke albums now -- they are easy to find on vinyl, and my wife has turned into a Kottke nut. I can't listen to more than one side of anything else before she starts whining: "Can't we listen to something good?"
I have one Lang album (on blue vinyl for some reason) but don't care so much for it.
Another guitarist is a similar vein, but earlier, is Sandy Bull. His album on Vanguard is excellent, perhaps closer to Fahey's raga style musings than the others mentioned here. Surprisingly up to date for a early sixites recording, and like many Vanguard discs, good sound.

[Dave918]

A note from Leo Kottke:

John Fahey

John Fahey died yesterday morning, February 22, after sextuple bypass surgery. In his last couple days he was unable to see, speak, or move. But he could hear and comprehend. His ex-wife Melody had been allowed to visit him. She and a group of friends watched over him. And said good-bye.
In a country full of crap, John created living, generative culture. With his guitar and his spellbound witness, he synthesized all the strains in American music and found a new happiness for all of us. With John, we have a voice only he could have given us; without him, no one will sound the same.
By choice, John lived a difficult life. He made my life what it is. He recorded me, supported me and remained my friend for over thirty years. I remember his beard in my ear, when we were both playing the Wort Hotel in Jackson Hole, and his stretched voice whispering, "Sing something! You have a great voice!" He hated my voice. I remember turtles, tons of them, around his office, his home. We built a turtle sanctuary in his backyard in LA-- on Palms Boulevard, a breezy name for a concrete noise. Even the turtles were unhappy. And I remember his Prairie State guitars, his knowledge and understanding, and much early tape: John as a youngster playing in a different voice. Like Robbie Basho, he seems to have been two people--and to have made a permanent break with the first, somewhere in his twenties.
But it is his vision that enriches us. He saw who we are. He wasn't happy about it, but he told our story. And we fell down laughing, moved by what we had missed. Thank you, John.

[dr*audio]

For any who live in the Cleveland, Ohio Area and are interested, Leo Kottke is coming to the Kent Stage in Kent, Ohio. saturday, April 16.
http://www.kentstage.org/april.html#emmitt