Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Kottke, Yoshi's>Gomez, Fillmore, 7/30/09, SF, Ca

Leo Kottke
Yoshi's
San Francisco
July 30, 2009


It's been a long time since my last visit to the SF Yoshi's. The first trip was less than successful but I hoped perhaps they had the kinks worked out so I gave it another go.

This trip was more successful than the last but I still don't really like the place. The way they seat people is a constant source of difficulty and of course, the waitress situation, that goes along with the cabaret seating, is never good. It would be great if they could get some servers who don't spill beverages in large amounts...seems like it should be a requirement for the job really. On the plus side, the sound was nice and there are no bad seats in the house.

As for Leo, he was as expected, which is solid and consistent. He did a lot of talking but he plays lightening fast, so he played just as many notes as the guys who don't tell stories As Leo himself said, "I love a good digression" He playing was light and airy, followed by moody and contemplative. His style is so unique, his syncopated, layered sound always has me looking for extra fingers on his hands! It's amazing the things he can do!

A lot of the instumentals were familiar, can't tell what a single one of them was called though. He did play the first song he ever wrote. Funny to see how his style hasn't really changed much. He played Corrina, Corrina...and it was good I always laugh and think 'it's the good Corrina' when I hear it! So it was a nice treat. He played longer than I expected...90 minutes, with the encore. The crowd demanded an encore...and Leo happily obliged.

Overall, it was a great show, Leo deserves the 'virtuoso' title so often given to him. But...It wasn't enough for my night, I needed a little more bang before I could call it quits...so I trekked all the way across the street, to the Fillmore, with plenty of time to catch the 10:15 Gomez start time...

So where's the Gomez review?

I didn't go to Kottke, and it sounds like at least for me it was the right desicion.

Gomez was great when I saw them several weeks back. I've always enjoyed that band.

Okay, it's been a while...but not forgotten!

After Leo at Yoshi's, it was only 9:30, Gomez wasn't until 10:15...seemed like a natural choice. Leo was a great warm up but I wanted something with a little more bang before my night was over. and in the most cliche manner, sometimes it's about the company, not the music...so off to the Fillmore I went...

As for the band, they were great! Very 'everyband' for me...great rock n roll band, high energy...influences from punk to garage rock, with a pop hook. They reminded me of so many different bands throughout the night--smashing pumpkins, they might be giants, talking heads, REM, beatles, nirvana, crazy horse, which means the mother hips follow not to far behind...feel good music!

And the crowd was great! Laid back and looking for a fun time...without a doubt, I'll go back!