I would buy this disc just for the track "In Christ There Is No East or West"; something about this melody (let alone the implication of transcending polarity through exalted consciousness) really works for me...

Track Listing

1. Bean Time [Instrumental]
2. Tiny Island
3. Song of the Swamp [Instrumental]
4. In Christ There Is No East or West [Instrumental]
5. Last Steam Engine Train [Instrumental]
6. From the Cradle to the Grave
7. Louise
8. Spanish Entomologist
9. Owls [Instrumental]
10. You Don't Have to Need Me
11. Lost John

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #180110 in Music
• Released on: 1995-11-17
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
Reissue of the folk-rock guitarist's 1972 album for Capitol Records. Features the original cover art & all 11 of the tracks from when it was first issued. 1995 release.

Amazon.com essential recording
Fingerstyle guitar legend Leo Kottke has released his share of duds over the years (virtually all of his albums with the exception of his seminal 6 & 12 String Guitar have a few throwaway tracks), but this disc is one of his most consistent efforts. Originally released in 1972, it features Kottke's trademark blend of playing--an infectious mix of New Age (still not invented at the time of this recording) and bluegrass sounds--as well as a few surprises. "Bean Time" has classic Kottke wizardry; it's a tune many proficient guitarists are still trying to figure out. "In Christ There Is No East or West" features Kottke on the 12-string, paying homage to his mentor, John Fahey. Sure, many of us could do without Kottke warbling through "Tiny Island" or "From the Cradle to the Grave," but this is still a great recording, loaded with some of the greatest playing to ever happen on acoustic guitar. --Jason Verlinde

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Customer Reviews

Quite Simply...This Is Kottke's Best
This is my favorite Leo Kottke album--and I own all of them. Why this gets the nod over 6- and 12-String Guitar (which is spectacular!) is that Greenhouse also features Kottke's warm baritone vocals on four of the album's eleven tracks.

To listen to Kottke's vocal choices, you'd think this man is the gloomiest guy on the planet. "Louise" is about the death of a prostitute. Even the song titles ("From the Cradle to the Grave" and "You Don't Need Me") ooze pessimism. But these are lovely songs and you need to pick up one of Kottke's several live albums to discover what a wonderful sense of humor he displays in his between-songs storytelling.

And the seven instrumentals are simply amazing! the album kicks off with "Bean Time" and Kottke's fingers fly across the fretboard. "The Song of the Swamp" features Kottke's impeccable slide work. Kottke pays homage to John Fahey on his cover of "In Christ There Is No East or West" and "Last Steam Engine Train." Kottke says in the liner notes that "'The Spanish Entomologist' is a medley made up of a children's song ('Playmate') and my two favorite songs when I was a kid ('Jambalaya' and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds')." Like the rest of the album, it is a joy to listen to. If you don't already own any Leo Kottke, this is the place to start. ESSENTIAL

Geese farts on a foggy day
That's how Leo describes the sound of his own voice. I guess it's an acquired taste, but I love listening to Leo's vocal stuff as much as his ridiculously amazing fingerwork. Maybe it's because he sings so rarely, but I think it has to do with the material he writes/selects. Sensitive, simple and true. So, the reviewer might see them as a detriment, but Tiny Island and Cradle to the Grave are two of my favorite songs on this album, and the main reason I've been hunting down a CD version of it (my ancient vinyl copy is so abused it's almost unlistenable). Really a great album, 5 stars.

Don't miss his sense of humor!
Enough said. Leo Kottke is a wonderful guitar player. I have seen him live. One person and he can sweep the whole place away! But I think that is missing his great gift. He has a great sense of humor. And he knows how to project that. There are many great guitar players and most I know evoke a seriousness and great intensity in their playing. Terrific. But what I can add here is that Leo Kottke is one guitar player that plays as he laughs. A great lift when you know his playing as this. Sure there are a lot of notes. But he is mostly all tongue in cheek. I think many may miss that in less you have seen him live. Bean Time is a good example. His first album is priceless. More than great playing, he sets a mood entirely his own. A unique person: Honest, sincere and funny as hell. If you can see him do. If not enjoy his great take on life! Green House is one of his best. Try his first also. 6 and 12 String Guitars. This guy was the first picker of this sort that broke into the main stream around 1970 (that I know of) that inspired many finger picking guitar players. I am one of them.