Standing in My Shoes

Released in 1997, Standing in My Shoes is often cited as one of Leo Kottke's most 'unusual' and eclectic projects. Moving away from the austere solo acoustic format that defined his 1970s output, Kottke collaborated with producer David Z to create a record with significant pop and blues-rock sensibilities. The album features a mix of re-recorded classics (like a funkier 'Vaseline Machine Gun') and new material, alongside notable covers such as Fleetwood Mac's 'World Turning.' A significant highlight is the track 'Twice,' which features a guest appearance by the legendary Chet Atkins, marking a rare recorded meeting of two guitar titans. While some critics at the time felt the material was occasionally overshadowed by the slicker production, the album has aged as a testament to Kottke's versatility and his willingness to experiment with the 'American Primitive' boundaries. It remains a standout for its rhythmic complexity and its successful integration of a full-band sound into Kottke's idiosyncratic fingerstyle framework.