Mike Gordon / Leo Kottke September 26, 2005 - The Wake (U of Minnesota) By Michael Mitchell Album Review - Sixty Six Steps Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon are among the most innovative musicians working today. The former is a finger-picking guitar virtuoso, the latter played bass for Phish, and together theyıve created one of the most musically fulfilling CDs of the past year. Sixty Six Steps, on the RCA Victor label, captures the unbelievable skill and interplay that made their first collaboration, 2002ıs Clone, a success. With a little help from percussionist Neil Symonnette, Kottke and Gordon have bottled the sounds and attitude of Nassau, Bahamas, where they recorded Sixty Six Steps. Laid-back tempos and Gordonıs reggae-tinged playing create the foundation upon which the guitar and vocal melodies come to life. As with their first project, the new record is a mix of covers and originals. Among the borrowed songs are Aerosmithıs ³Sweet Emotion² and Phish favorite ³Ya Mar.² The originals donıt represent the best of either songwriter, but they work well with one another to make a consistent record. Longtime Kottke fans and newcomers alike will revel in the impeccable guitar work on songs like ³Living in the Country² and ³Rings.² And while the Kottke/Gordon tour doesnıt stop in Minnesota, Leo will be playing a solo date at the Ordway in November. Underneath the incredible abilities of these musicians, there must be a deep sense of humility. Thatıs the only explanation I can find for their capacity to collaborate with such amazing results. Review İ 2005 The Wake (U of Minnesota)