Chewing Pine

1975's CHEWING PINE is an all-instrumental release, but it's not one of Leo Kottke's many solo albums. On this release, Kottke--playing both acoustic and electric guitar--is backed by a full band. The resulting sound is much more full-bodied than any of his earlier records, with a surprising jazz-fusion flavor to a handful of tunes."Regards from Chuck Pink" is a standout track. Kottke was so fond of this tune, in fact, that he stole its title for a 1988 album, which doesn't include the song. Other gems include the remarkable solo workout "The Scarlatti Ripoff," and the delightful "Venezuela, There You Go." A rocking cover of Procol Harum's "Power Failure" is one of the guitarist's better rock homages.

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