Ottmar Liebert

Ottmar Liebert's first album was recorded for $3000 in a shack beside a gravel pit. That album went on to become the bestselling acoustic guitar album of all time. Fourteen studio recordings and five Grammy nominations later, and after nearly 50 years acquaintance with his instrument, Ottmar is rightly considered a guitar master that seduces audiences with an understated but dazzling technique and memorable melodies. Ottmar and his collaborator, bassist Jon Gagan, bring their nouveau flamenco improvisations to the Ute Theatre in Rifle tomorrow evening. KDNK's Luke Nestler spoke with Ottmar about his flamenco discovery path, his coining of the term nouveau flamenco, his twin practices as a guitarist and Zen meditator, and even his fingernail care.