Search - Leadbelly :: Shout On: Leadbelly Legacy, Vol. 3

3rd of 3 in Smithsonian's Lead Belly Legacy series

11/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(70') This is the third of three volumes in the Smithsonian's Lead Belly Legacy series, probably the best set for just listening to Lead Belly play and sing. All three CDs are taken from Moses Asch's original studio masters (as opposed to most other available compilations on reprint labels, which are made from secondary sources); the other two are Vol. 1 "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" SF40044 (67'), and Vol. 2 "Bourgeois Blues" SF40045 (72'). As usual, the Smithsonian provides extensive and authoritative notes; the notes for this Vol. 3 also include a complete song listing of Lead Belly song titles on their various CDs, but unfortunately it doesn't distinguish between the few duplications issued, versus different recordings of the same song."

Leadbelly Shout On sure shouts ON

Joel Perry | USA | 06/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an excellent release of some material that has been available before and some that has not. The sound quality is excellent. Recorded in thre 1940's for Moe Asch for folkways thew sound is of the highest level possible. The songs are great. It contains some very rare war songs not found in any other collection. If you are a leadbelly fan I highly recomen it. If you are new to Leadbelly this is a good place to start."

The voice that shattered walls...

ewomack | MN USA | 10/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lead Belly's influence spread over twentieth century music like thick spackle. Rock and folk continued to appropriate his thundering vocal style and jackhammer guitar style well after his 1949 death. In 1950 the Weavers, featuring a very young Pete Seeger, hit musical manna with "Goodnight Irene," Lead Belly's signature song. Finally, the word spread. This last disc in a three disc retrospective captures some of Lead Belly's best recordings from the last obscure decade of his life. Had he lived just one more year he would have witnessed an explosive interest in his music. As he struggled for recognition, the intense quality his performances exuded were captured on disc by Moses Asch and others. "Shout On" preserves this passion and it doesn't let up through thirty two songs. Mandibles will drop at the range and versatility. From a capella to duos, trios, and upwards, Huddy Ledbetter shines.



Similar to volumes 1 and 2, this volume presents a wide range of material: folk songs, work songs, war songs, children's songs, reworkings of classics, and originals. The title track, which opens the disc, starts the show with a wide open blast complete with "Fanning Street" style guitar churning. "Governor Pat Neff" was featured as the song that convinced a pardon for murder in the 1976 docudrama of Lead Belly's early years: "If I had you Governor Neff like you had me I'd wake up in the morning and set you free." A string of patriotic world war II songs appears half way through the disc: "Uncle Sam Says" and "If You Want To Do Your Part" beckon the populace to war. The latter in particular pours on the pride and shame syrup thick. "Ham and Eggs" through "Green Corn" feature Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston as the backing band for some Lead Belly classics, including a mandolin trilling "Midnight Special" and a rousing "Yellow Gal." Guthrie in particular really wails through these numbers. The disc ends almost where the series began with "Pick A Bale of Cotton."



Anyone interested in Lead Belly should start with this excellent series. The recording quality stays consistent throughout, unlike some of the recordings from the 1920s and 1930s. Not only that, the CD booklets tell the entire story of Lead Belly. This last one contains an entire list of songs in the Asch catalog (but those looking for specific songs need to trace the included Smithsonian Folkways number to an actual recording). Add to that photos and extensive song notes and the entire Lead Belly legend comes alive. When historians look back on twentieth century music they will likely single out Lead Belly as a singular and influential performer and songwriter. One listen to this disc makes that opinion seem more like prophecy."