Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone, according to the record jacket of his first album, is not to be confused or
associated with the Epic recording artists Redbone. Hardly. He does have an affinity for
such musical eccentrics as Michael Hurley, Geoff Muldaur and the misunderstood and
underrated Tiny Tim; but those similarities are more cerebral than stylistic. What Leon
Redbone is really like includes Hawaiian novelty records, Gene Autry soundtrac... More >

On record, he's an exemplary folkie, making up in organizational intelligence what he lacks in inventive spark. Melding antique songs of varying origin into a mature New Orleans instrumentation absent from his unaccompanied stage appearances--which are at first intriguing, then stultifying and/or annoying--he offers an alternative to the narrowness of both stylistic commitment and audio reproduction that makes the original New Orleans recordings inaccessible. Worthwhile work. (Grade: B+)