Shout Toward Noon / Regards from Chuck Pink

BGO combines Leo Kottke's first two releases for the Private Music label: 1986's A SHOUT TOWARD NOON and 1988's REGARDS FROM CHUCK PINK. I've owned these albums (on vinyl) since their original release, but it's nice to have them on this two-CD set after having been out of print for years.While there are flashes of the old lightning-fingered Kottke of 6 AND 12 STRING GUITAR like on "Little Beaver" and "Air Proofing Two," much of A SHOUT TOWARD NOON is more subdued. Kottke still has a sense of humor about his song titles like the lovely "A Trout Towards Noon" and the somber "A Virtuoso Is His Own Reward." The standout track is Duane Allman's "Little Martha," the only non-original. These are all instrumentals with occasional accompaniment by producer Buell Neidlinger (cello) and Randy Kerber (synthesizer). [Running Time - 42:51]Like its predecessor, REGARDS FROM CHUCK PINK is an all instrumental affair, featuring all originals, including a new interpretation of "Ojo" from 6 AND 12 STRING GUITAR. Again, Kottke works with other musicians. Violin on "I Yell At Traffic," percussion on "Skinflint" and second guitarist Goerge Doering providing the electric guitar solo on "The Late Zone." All told this is a very satisfying album. [Running Time - 43:52]If you are a fan of Leo Kottke, you will want these two albums in your collection. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

After realizing that my old CD of Regards from Chuck Pink was missing, I found it difficult to replace either in CD or mp3 format. This double CD is the only source I could find, so even though I already had A Shout Toward Noon, I was happy to purchase it. Lots of good music, including one of my favorite Kottke pieces, "I Yell at Traffic".

Two acoustic albums on two CDs. Nice package. Great guitar music without vocals - ideal for example for playing in the car on long journeys. Leo Kottke is an underrated giant of the guitar and I love his reading of the Allman Brothers' Little Martha on this CD. All well arranged and perfectly played.