Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon (Photo courtesy of Big Hassle Media)
Acoustic guitar pioneer Leo Kottke and Phish bassist Mike Gordon have announced plans for an eagerly awaited series of live dates. The brief tour, which marks the duo’s first live run together in more than 16 years, brings them to Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in DC on Thursday, Dec. 9.
The upcoming tour celebrates last year’s release of the first new Kottke/Gordon album in 15 years, NOON, hailed by Rolling Stone as “full of lilting grooves that go on wild musical tangents.”
Leo and Mike recently released a four-song mini set on YouTube, including performances of the Kottke-penned “Sheets” and Gordon’s song “How Many People Are You” both from NOON, the latter of which features Phish drummer Jon Fishman. The set is rounded out with the Kottke classic “Rings”, which was released with Gordon on 2005’s SIXTY SIX STEPS, and “Disco”, from the duo’s 2002 release, CLONE.
Watch a four-song set by Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon on YouTube:
Intricate, warmly askew, and indelibly dexterous, NOON showcased 11 new tracks. The album, which marks Kottke’s first studio record since his previous collaboration with Gordon, 2005’s SIXTY SIX STEPS, was recorded in New Orleans and Vermont, with music exchanged between the two artists by file, tape-sealed boombox, sheet music, and face-to-face.
Working with longtime Gordon collaborator, producer/engineer Jared Slomoff, Leo and Mike crafted a singular collection of improvisational mood music, including a stripped-back version of Gordon’s classic “Peel” and Kottke’s stark rethinking of the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High.” NOON further includes a bopping cover of Prince’s “Alphabet St.” featuring Phish drummer Jon Fishman, who also joins Kottke and Gordon on four additional tracks. In addition, the LP includes nearly ambient appearances by pedal steel player Brett Lanier (The Barr Brothers), and cellist Zoë Keating (Imogen Heap, Amanda Palmer, Tears For Fears).
Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon
Sixth & I
Thursday, Dec. 9
Doors @ 7pm
$49.50/$55
All ages