Leo Kottke is relentless.

The famed guitarist, 65, continues to tour the country and the world playing his 6- and 12-string guitars.

He’s known for his ability to navigate the frets, playing harmonics, chords and picking notes, creating a one-man symphony of sound.

It’s always been hard to categorize Kottke. He’s more than a singer-songwriter, more than an instrumentalist, more sophisticated than folk, more bluesy than jazz.

Over his 40-year career, Kottke has recorded more than 30 albums, including recent projects with Phish bassist Mike Gordon.

Tonight, for the first time in three years, Kottke will play at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

He was kind enough to answer a few questions before making the trip to Everett from his home in St. Paul, Minn.

The Herald: Are you planning any more projects with Mike Gordon?

LK: We haven’t planned any of the preceding stuff. So, could be. We’re basically friends, and since we both play. … and since he’s really good… .

Are you recording anything else or do you have any other projects in the works?

I left RCA owing them two records. They were very gracious about it. There’s any number of things that could happen now, including stuff with Mike (Gordon), but I’m waiting to see what presents itself. I’m always suspicious of “planning.”

What can your fans expect at your upcoming concert here in Everett?

Ninety percent guitar, 10 percent vocal, and 100 percent lost. I enjoy it, and if I don’t, they don’t. Nothing happens if I always know where I am. So if I’m not lost, I don’t enjoy it. It’s a loop, but it leads us someplace.

Do you have any particular memories of playing in Everett or the greater Seattle area from your years on the road?

Not really. My head’s firmly located in the guitar and I usually can’t wait to play, but that means I don’t do anything but guitar. When the night’s over I’m usually back at the hotel, playing some more. It’s the red shoes.

As people keep saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” They don’t tell you that the things you remember are the stage that had splinters or the light guy who fell on the crowd. And they can’t tell you what it’s like when everything locks, and relaxes, and there’s no more effort, no more wondering.

Where do you draw inspiration and energy to keep your music fresh?

It just comes and gets me. There’s nothing anyone can do to resurrect the dead. You’re either writing or you’re not. I have dry spells that can last a year or more, but I’m always playing because I can’t stop. … I like it too much. The guitar got me when I was 11 years old and it hasn’t let go. I’m a lucky guy. A little tired, but lucky.

What does it mean to be a musician who has stayed true to his own talent, and to grow older accepting that?

I don’t think it means anything. I knew that when my imagination got me to the point of no return that it was serious, that I couldn’t go halfway forward any more than I could go halfway back. You can’t go home again. That’s tough for a while, but that’s how you know you’re on your way.

Nobody has much choice, so to be doing something I’d do under any circumstances is a privilege.

Leo Kottke

8 tonight at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; $30 to $50; www.everettperformingartscenter.org or 425-257-8600

Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.