“Times Twelve”

The printed music for “Times Twelve” is sold as an individual transcription.

Leo Kottke recorded “Times Twelve” on My Father’s Face (Private Music, 2050-2-P) in 1989 and included it in his concert repertoire throughout the 1990s. In March 1990, it was featured in his performance at the Adelaide Festival with Joe Pass, Paco Peña, and John Williams. In August 1992, he recorded it for Austin City Limits.

In 1992, working with composer Stephen Paulus, “Times Twelve” became the first movement of a suite for amplified 6- and 12-string guitar and orchestra entitled Ice Fields. Paulus’s orchestral setting built and elaborated on the playful, dance-like spirt of the instrumental solo.

“Times Twelve,” as the title may suggest, is largely in 12/8 time, and is built on a substantially different right-hand technique. If you have spent years learning how to have your right-hand thumb play a regular alternating bass line automatically, it’s time to pay the piper!

This transcription corresponds to documentation video recorded on July 28, 1996.