Leadbelly's incredible range captures a whole vanished world
03/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The preceding remarks drove me to respond. First of all, I do not recommend Lead Belly to those who have no interest in America's folk roots or past. This record, and his many others, reveal him as a one-man repository of America's rural sound of sixty, seventy years ago. The songs, which were recorded late in his life after years of poverty and prison, show amazing range, have great melody and are deeply emotional. Leadbelly's voice fills the room: it rumbles, aches, elates, brings tears; what it does not do is scream. It--and his mastery of the twelve-string guitar--brings a vanished world alive. (You may actually feel your floor-boards shake, as if from his foot pounding the rhythm). Those with a genuine interest in music but who normally snub songs recorded before they were born ought to listen to the samples: it may be a discovery. And I hope the Country fan above will give him another chance. There was a world before 1985..."
American Blood
broblue | Chino, CA | 04/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Leadbelly is an American icon, whose music has influenced countless blues, folk, and country artists. His guitar playing is astounding even today, and the themes in his music not only are applicable to today, but educate us about a virtually foreign America, that has, for the most part, thankfully faded into history.Every song contained herein is one of his best, and each gives us a peek into the wide range of his talents and offerings. His skills were so diverse, as these songs attest to.If there was one musician with whom one could spend a day, to ask him anything and listen to what he has to teach, I would not be surprised how many successful musicians would beg and nearly sell their soul to spend that day with Leadbelly.His voice, songwriting and playing are authentic, driven by pain, love and sorrow--not, money or endorsements.A true American gem."
Awesome music!
J. Dunn | Aurora, Colorado USA | 08/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I also had to write a 5-star review to try to balance the absurd comments in the 1-star review below. Each to his or her own tastes, but Lead Belly's music is a national treasure. Get this CD, or it's companion, Midnight Special, or the Asch recordings and be prepared to be enchanted."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1