"One day I returned to my college apartment from a weekend at my parents to discover that my roommate had video-taped this amazing guitar player off of the PBS show, "Austin City Limits". Ever since then I cannot get enough of this guy. Six years later, my collection of Leo Kottke CDs is almost complete. When I try to choose my favorite one, "A Shout Towards Noon" always pops in my head. Such a beautifully written album---such emotion and energy. For anyone that has not listened to a Kottke CD, do yourself a favor: buy two--one for you and one for anyone that has a passion for works of art."
Perfect for relation time.
G. S. Thompson | 07/13/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like mellow, relaxing instrumental music, but are frustrated with the meandering shapelessness that is common to most New Age offerings, try this one. It's interesting enough to captivate you while you're awake, yet soft and sweet enough to lull you to into peaceful sleep. You can even play it on a continuous loop in the background at night if you like."
The best Leo ever recorded
Urashima Taro | Tokyo, Japan | 09/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have many of Kottke's CDs, but most of the time this is the one I happen to want to play. I never tire of this collection of small gems, so delicate, intelligent and inventive to stand out even in a rich production like Leo's. As far as the synthesizers and the other instruments are concerned, they are far in the background: his guitar is king. If you don't know Leo Kottke and want to buy one of his records, let it be this one."
The Virtuoso Is His Own Reward
Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 11/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My first encounter with Leo Kottke was at a performance, where a sudden burst of pyrotechnics drew my attention from my date to the guitarist on stage. I suddenly realized that all the finger-picking I had just heard was being done on a 12 string guitar, which is no mean feat. Worse, there seems to be moment whan Kottke was picking all 12 strings. I nearly died of envy.If Kottke's roots are in folk, albums such as this demonstrates that his skills are far more wide ranging. Jazz, blues, folk and even new age are well within his span of control. He builds a strong, architected effect where every not is dead on, even when he is indulging in a bit of invention, and A Shout Toward Noon is no exception. This makes his playing as unique as other modern masters of the instrument like Ackermann and DeGrassi. And every bit as enjoyable as well.This album encapsulates both his playing and compositional talents. On several tracks I was surprised to find the presence of other instruments (cello and synthesizer) that provide some unexpected dimensionality (try Little Martha). Even though this album is 15 years old, it contains surprises (like the things he does with string harmonics in Easter Again), and sounds surprisingly fresh. The engineering is beautifully balances, with a simple, guitar-focused sound that seems to fill the room.If you are looking for an outstanding conceptual album that is representative of the best in folk instrumentalists, look into A Shout Toward Noon. You are bound to like it."
One of the finest albums
G. S. Thompson | 07/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
If you like acoustic steel string guitar, this is a beautiful and gentle set, one of Leo Kottke's finest recordings. The accompaniment is tasteful, the compositions beautifully varied, and the playing sublime.
The album is not so funny and fast-paced as much of Leo Kottke's work. (He's admitted he tends to hurry his pace a bit.) Here the work as a slightly more refined and gentle than his better known bluegrass style. This recording is a gem.
Oh, there's the nod to Duane Allman, with a version of his classic "Little Martha." Enjoy."