Stephen was not interested in the CD, but after listening hypothesized that Leon was inspired by Tiny Tim. Those of you who follow Stephen's blog may recall his annual Christmas posts regarding the pop culture icon who gave the world "Tiptoe Through The Tulips."
Keep in mind that Stephen also feels that Metallica was inspired by Tiny Tim, and take the comment with a grain of salt.
But I digress.
This seemed like a good time to revisit Redbone's Warner Brothers' debut, 1976's On The Track.
Carrying "very special thanks" to Jelly Roll Morton and Jimmie Rodgers, this album sounds like the offspring of the pioneering jazzman and the early hillbilly blues singer, with perhaps a bit of Bing Crosby thrown into the mix.
Aided by a small horn section (including a prominent tuba) and violin, the disc is an excellent collection of music from the 1920s and 30s, brought back to life by a talented and eccentric artist.
Leon Redbone made his career in the Toronto club scene in the early 1970's specializing in interpretations of early 20th-century music, including jazz and blues standards and Tin Pan Alley classics. Recognized for his trademark Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and bow tie, Redbone has a sizable cult following. His concerts blend performance, comedy, and skilled instrumentals, and he was once cited by Bob Dylan as the first performer he'd want to sign to his own label.
Redbone croons and growls his way through a repertoire of standards , making no attempt to modernize these songs, as artists in past decades have attempted to do, choosing instead to keep true to the Dixie, Delta blues and ragtime jazz styles that made these songs popular to begin with. His version of "Ain't Misbehavin" would make Al Jolson beam with pride.
And on the cover, we are granted the image of Redbone's true inspiration.
Not Tiny Tim at all, Leon is channeling the spirit of Michigan J. Frog!
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ReplyDeleteYou have to respect someone who brings back music of the past and doesn't change it. There have been a bunch of remakes of songs in the last few years (though the trend isn't as big as in movies), and it drives me nuts when it's a song I enjoyed the original of and they have changed the song too much, because it's discordant every time I hear it.
ReplyDeleteAnd how can you argue with Michigan J. Frog?
Tina @ Life is Good
and I are joining forces in another challenge. We're going to visit and comment at each of the participants, starting with the reflections post. We hope you'll join us!
Shannon @ The Warrior Muse
You got it, Shannon---there has been a horrible trend at covers albums from the older artists in recent years.
ReplyDeleteRod Stewart has made a career of it, but acts like Styx, Def Leppard, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Chris DeBurgh, Bryan Ferry, Queen Latifah, Cat Power, James Taylor, Tesla, Jordan Rudess, Toto, Scarlett Johansen and Southside Johnny have all put out covers discs.
And those are just off the top of my head!
Redbone at least puts his spin on things.
Larry
I've never been a Leon Redbone fan as such, but I've always appreciated his performances. As to the Leon-Tiny link, I think it more apt to say they were both inspired and influenced by a particular era and styles of music and not directly one to another. Such is my thinking in any case.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
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ReplyDeleteI'm thinking it was all more of a revivalist phase. Preceding Tiny Tim was New Vaudeville Band and Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band as well as other novelty artists doing similar music hall shtick that was probably popularized in the early days of television when many of the acts on variety shows were the old school vaudeville acts. Also, think of some of the vaudeville style songs that the Beatles did as well as a number of other 60's bands. The music that Tiny was performing was a novelty style that several jug bands and folk groups had been performing since the 50s.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
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ReplyDeleteTo anyone whi is not Stephen T. McCarthy who is still reading:
ReplyDeleteWhile I have had a lot of fun teasing Stephen about his Tiny Tim fetish, keep in mind that I am a Todd Rundgren fanatic, which really isn't that much bigger of a cult following.
While Tiny Tim is not my cup of tea, the reviews of his music are very favorable, and the consensus seems to be that he is definitely more diverse and talented than his signature song might indicate.
If you have an interest, you may want to check out that Rhino box set while it is still available from the label.
http://www.rhino.com/shop/product/tiny-tim-god-bless-tiny-tim-the-complete-reprise-studio-masters-and-more-us-release
A little pricey at $60, but already new copies are listed for $100 on Amazon.
Stephen and I digging at each other is all in good fun, but I appreciate all music whether or not it is something I want to own.
If you've hung in there through all these comments back and forth, I figure you might just be curious about Herbert Khaury's alter ego.
LC
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ReplyDeleteIf I could afford it I'd snatch the TT box set up. Alas, I have more urgent places to put my money right now so it will have to wait. There will probably still be some left when I'm ready.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great addition to one's music library.
Lee
Tossing It Out
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