Great old time music by a real martian
JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 08/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Leon Redbone is a true martian in the world of music.I even don't know about his age,although I listen to him for some 20 years.Every record by Leon is a gem,almost his early recordings in which he plays a lot of guitar; and when Leon plays guitar, he's truly amazing, somewhere between Blind Blake and Joseph Spence.There are great tunes in this record,a beautiful lullaby ("prairie lullaby"),tributes to Jelly Roll Morton ("Te-na-na" and the marvelous "why",to tunes recorded by Jelly Roll in his 1940 session,thelast he ever made),a tribute to Blind Blake too ("step it up and go"); let's say that Leon may be the guy that was the closer ever to Blind Blake;he can play outstanding things like Blind Blake did.Redbone's smoky voice is amazing in every tune.There is also a marvelous "extra blues",and a salute to the great Ukulele Ike,"when you wish upon a star".Backing Leon, you can listen to Dr John,Grady Tate,Bob Cranshaw and Ed Polcer.A great trip back to the pre-war years."
One of a kind!
gkalkhof@execpc.com | Milwaukee, WI | 04/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Leon is fabulous! Great musicians too. Jack Maheu makes it for me. Check out the Salt City Six and Dukes of Dixieland if you don't believe me!This, comming from a tuba player!However, the recording engineer has no clue whatsoever! A VERY poor recording for contemporary standards. I would bet that even the master tape couldn't be cleaned up. Very shoddy work here! I could do beter with a dixie cup and a string to a scully lathe burning hot direct to platten.If you are an audiophile, run away! If you have an unconditional love for jazz, go for it!This could/should have been recorded better!Greg Kalkhoff (gkalkhof@execpc.com)"