In 2002, Kottke and Mike Gordon (the bassist from the band Phish, which was on an extended hiatus) collaborated on "Clone", an album featuring instrumental work and vocals from both musicians. A second album from the pair, "Sixty Six Steps", followed in 2005. The duo toured in support of both albums. In August 2020, Kottke and Gordon announced a new collaborative album, "Noon", released that month on Megaplum/ATO Records. It was their first collaboration since "Sixty Six Steps" and Kottke's first studio album since 2005.