Judy Collins and Leo Kottke September 12, 2008

Few singers have the staying power of folk icon, Judy Collins. For nearly 45 illustrious years, her dulcet tones have graced our ears, and her poetic lyrics have galvanized a generation. She has released more than 40 albums, has had numerous Top 10 hits, Grammy nominations and gold and platinum selling albums. She made her first professional appearance at the age of 13, performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos." She was more inspired, however, by artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger and soon moved from classical piano to pursue guitar. She released her first album in 1961, “A Maid of Constant Sorrow”. Collins is noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her classic 1967 album “Wildflowers” which has since been entered into the Grammy's Hall of Fame and won Song of The Year at the 1975 Grammy's.

With her latest release, “Judy Collins Sings Lennon & McCartney” the fact that the mainstream folk goddess has become quite a formidable torch singer in her golden years comes as no surprise. Collins has always shone brightest as an interpreter of other's songs, from traditional folk tunes to such notable covers as her takes on Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" and Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns." Not far from 70 years of age at the time of the album's release, Ms. Collins lends a gentle irony to her reading of "When I'm 64." Yet her voice is clear, as youthful and plaintive as it's been for years. www.judycollins.com

Leo Kottke’s ability to embrace folk idioms and pop melodies as readily as he assimilates jazz and classical influences makes him unique among guitar virtuosi. For all its technical brilliance, wicked syncopation and harmonic sophistication, Kottke’s music is eminently accessible. At heart he’s a populist. This has been abundantly clear ever since the guitarist’s 1969 debut, 12 String Blues, recorded live at a Minneapolis folk club. Kottke’s 1971 major label debut, Mudlark, and seminal Six and 12-String Guitar (1972) announced the arrival of a major new voice in acoustic guitar instrumental music.

Try and Stop Me, Leo Kottke’s newest album encapsulates the spirit of the man himself — profoundly original, a little cantankerous perhaps, a deep talking Midwestern raconteur whose quick wit is matched by his astounding virtuosity on the six and 12 string guitars. For the past three decades, Kottke has been indefatigable in his pursuit of a unique musical vision that has placed him among the foremost acoustic guitar stylists of our time. Or any other, for that matter. www.leokottke.com

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