Luftdeppert

Klaus Trabitsch is an astounding acoustic guitarist from Austria. While this recording is very much rooted in Austrian folk traditions, Trabitsch composed most of the pieces, giving Luftdeppert a decidedly modern sound. In fact this album resembles the Private Music recordings that Leo Kottke released in the '80s and early '90s. Trabitsch's guitar style, with its bluesy and American folk intonations, parallels that of Kottke. The implementation of uncustomary instruments like flugelhorn, steel drums, cognac glasses, and earthenware jugs recalls Kottke's inclusion of trombones on That's What and marimbas, glockenspiel, and sundry percussives on My Father's Face. Neither guitarist relies too much on his vocal abilities, although Trabitsch flirts with the acquired Alpine vocal phenomenon of yodeling on very brief occasions. Additionally, Otto Lechner makes cameo appearances on both accordion (his instrument of renown) and harp.