AN EVENING OF ECLECTICISM: KOTTKE & GORDON

Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon | 11.10.02 | 9:30 Club | Washington, DC

If you haven't been to the 9:30 Club before, let's just say that it's not in the nicest section of D.C. In fact, it's always a harrowing experience just getting to and from the place. I decided to take the Metro this time and was glad to be able to able to avoid the $7 parking lot charge. After the usual waiting in line to get in, I was pleased to see seats on the floor of the 9:30 Club for the first time ever. Even though the show was general admission, the seats were obviously there to appease the heretofore-mentioned middle- aged contingent. Also, it was a rare no-smoking night at the club. All in all, the setting really created an atmosphere that encouraged patient listening and respect for the performers.

This could not have been more of a contrast from the experience that one receives at the shows Gordon normally puts on. Instead of rafters filled with state-of-the-art digital lighting, there were only three, non-moving house lights focused on the musicians. Also, the two sat down the entire show. When the two began, one noticed right off that the sound was going to be equally as sparse. Gordon did have his electric Modulus 5-string bass, but there were no effects on it-just the bare essentials. Kottke came out with only two acoustic guitars - a 6-string and his signature 12-string.

Right off the bat, Kottke set the tone for the night with his bizarre but funny anecdotes and observations. Between nearly every song, he went into some narrative in which he either complained about having to tune his guitar between songs, or how he came up the idea for a song. The guy's got a dry and sarcastic sense of humor that kept people laughing the whole night. Gordon, on the other hand, was pretty much quiet throughout the show. I'm not sure if that was due to him deferring to the veteran Kottke or not. However, when he did interject to tell a story or to introduce a song, he was just as humorous and eccentric as you'd imagine.

The two started off with a brisk instrumental that was full of lush chords and jazzy melodies. By the way, the sound was great. Gordon's bass was percussive and thumping, while Kottke's deft guitar notes were ringing just right. In fact, I didn't even feel the need to make use of the earplugs I always bring to the 9:30 Club, as the volume was kept at just the right level. The second song was "Car Carrier Blues." This is one of the best songs off their new CD entitled Clone. This version was slower and more plodding (in a good way) than the recorded version, and Gordon really belted out the lyrics while the studio version's lyrics are more deadpan. In fact, while the lyrics on the entire CD are understated, the two had some great harmony going throughout the whole show. They had obviously put in some thorough rehearsal time and it showed in both the music and the singing.

Kottke then introduced the next song by explaining that he wrote it about a couple who got married then divorced, while adding that most in attendance at the wedding knew it wouldn't work out. The song itself was bright and had a country music flavor. Next, the two played a Carter Stanley song called "The Old Home." This song was pure "high lonesome sound" bluegrass as it's best. It's amazing that a song well over fifty years old can sound so fresh when these guys play it. They then launched into a song off of the CD called "The Collins Missile." This is a great song with offbeat and wacky lyrics, written and sung by Gordon. The live performance sounded great as well with its sing-songy rhythm and beautiful chord changes. At this point in the show, no one could help but notice how uncannily in synch their playing was. They clearly have a great ear for each other's playing and the first five shows of the tour must've really helped them hone in on each other's timing. Incidentally, this show underscored what a great bass player Gordon really is. Maybe it was due to his sound not being drowned out by three other musicians, or perhaps it was due to him putting in loads of practice during the Phish hiatus, but the bass sounded tight and melodic all night. It goes without saying that Kottke, a guy with decades of guitar experience, sounded like the acoustic guitar master that he is.

After a rollicking version of "Middle of the Road" (another great song off of the CD), played and sung at breakneck speed by Kottke, the two played a whimsical, bluesy instrumental that Kottke said was inspired by Pete Seeger. Then, Gordon told an amusing story about how he'd met his own clone a couple of times over the last two years. He was completely straight-faced during the delivery and many of those unfamiliar with him must have surely been puzzled. This, of course, led into the song "Clone." The clever lyrics were sung well by both. The song led into a pretty good jam. This is as close as the two got to true improvisation all night. But, then again, this show wasn't meant to be about "jamming," so don't expect it if you go see them. Their style is really geared towards playing intricate melodies and chord patterns in a disciplined and masterful manner.

After more humorous discourse from Kottke, Gordon led the two into the spooky song (also off of the CD) called "Clay." This song is similar in sound to the Phish song "Roggae." After a somber beginning it transitioned into an optimistic chorus and then back into the melody that would be a perfect soundtrack for an Edgar Allan Poe short story. Remarkably, the song led into a country number sung by Kottke, with the chorus "Ain't Love Funny That Way." This just underscored the fact that the two have thrown convention out the window with this tour.

After another great Kottke tune containing driving rhythm and crisp chord changes, they played a ballad that had a beautiful Spanish theme woven into it. Then, Kottke sang two "outlaw" songs off of the new album. The first was an upbeat, happy outlaw tune called "From Pizza Towers to Defeat." The next was a song written by Roy Buchanan called "I am a Lonesome Fugitive." This song, which was popularized by Merle Haggard, was delivered with a nice swagger by Kottke and was supplied with a mellow groove from Gordon's bass. The duo then delivered another instrumental in which Kottke's guitar work was slightly classical in style. Gordon then told the crowd that his brother was there for the show and that he had first heard the next song in his youth when the two of them were in a swimming pool. The unmistakable beat of "Ya Mar" then commenced. The two had come up with a pleasing new arrangement that kept the great rhythm of the Phish staple (written by the Mustangs), while adding some fresh and vibrant chords. Fittingly, Gordon shouted the "Play it Leo!" line of the song that had taken on a new meaning with this version. The crowd was delighted and responded with a rousing standing ovation as the two took a bow and left the stage.

The first encore was a bouncy instrumental off of the CD that had a quick, thumping rhythm. After this short and sweet number, the two took a second bow arm-in-arm and were greeted with another thunderous standing ovation. They came back for a second encore and played "Deep River Blues," a funky blues song in which they shared vocals by each singing a verse. This was a great song to finish up a great show.

The hiatus seemed to have worked for Gordon-I can't remember the last time I saw him smile so much onstage. This collaboration has given him the chance to make his musical mark outside of the constraints of Phish. It's also been a great opportunity for Kottke to introduce his brand of guitar magic to a new generation (many of whom had never heard of him before). On this night, it was clear that they both enjoyed themselves and that they were proud of their work. Let's hope there is more to come from these two in the future.

Haven't heard the Clone album yet? You can still stream it all from Private Music / RCA Victor Group.