Private Music has announced the October 8th release of Clone, the
debut album from acoustic guitar legend Leo Kottke and Phish bassist Mike Gordon. Characterized by an inviting, intimate tone, the collection is propelled
by a deft mix of spirited guitar-and-bass instrumental tracks and warm, flavorful
vocal performances by Kottke and Gordon - markedly presented within a full menu
of lead and harmony combinations. Produced by the duo with Paul duGré (X,
Pontiac Brothers, Down By Law), the 14-track album finds Kottke adding "kitchen"
percussion parts along with guitar while, in addition to bass, Gordon plays piano,
electric guitar, and percussion. Recorded at duGré's Burbank, California
studio, Clone is further highlighted by a stirring version of "I Am A Lonesome
Fugitive," notably recorded by blues-rock pioneer Roy Buchanan over 30 years
ago.
The Clone story traces back some three years, when Gordon - a longtime
admirer of Kottke - introduced himself to Leo during one of the guitarist's
recent concert tours. He also took the opportunity to present Leo, who reportedly
has yet to witness a Phish performance, with a cassette of Gordon's bass
overdubs on a number of favorite Kottke originals. Soon thereafter, the two musicians
became fast friends and an active correspondence soon developed. During breaks
in their busy individual schedules, the pair arranged a series of meetings in
order to share and experiment with a variety of musical ideas. As the exchanges
became more frequent and involved, plans for a formal recording session took shape.
Earlier this year, Kottke and Gordon enlisted duGré into the project, eventually
giving rise to the completed album - the first from Kottke since the 1999
Private Music release of One Guitar, No Vocals.
Kottke and Gordon are slated to launch their first tour together this fall, with
dates in major U.S. cities running from November 4 - 19. A complete itinerary
will be announced shortly, and additional information on Clone will be
available following Labor Day.
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