I have a mono EP record with 4 Leadbelly tracks recorded in Hollywood on 4 October 1944. It is almost 30 years since I last played this due to deteriorating quality and to a shift to compact discs. This CD, Huddie Ledbetter's Best, includes my 4 tracks together with a further 8 recorded at the same time, and since recent purchase of the CD I have played it often.Huddie Ledbetter, known to the world as Leadbelly, is recognised as a father figure of British skiffle, but he is so much more. He is an historic folk-blues singer. His 12 string guitar playing and his voice are unique, and on this CD he also plays piano in a rhythmic jazz manner. The CD embraces a wide range of mixed emotions and presents a marvellous cross-section of folk songs, work songs and love songs selected freely from whatever sources pleased Leadbelly. For most of the numbers Leadbelly is accompanied by Paul Howard on a zither. This is surprisingly successful and acts as a balance to the fiercely masculine performance of Leadbelly.
The CD insert includes new commentary on Leadbelly's life and it reproduces the notes accompanying the original Capitol recordings. It is clear that Leadbelly inspired extreme reactions in others, but he was never mediocre. Leadbelly was a big man of great physical strength with a rough powerful voice, and these qualities come through in everything he sings.
The CD starts with Leadbelly's own well known and widely acclaimed waltz-time composition "Goodnight Irene", but my favourite tracks remain those from the EP with work song "Take This Hammer", swinging "Ella Speed" and jazzy numbers "Backwater Blues" and "Sweet Mary Blues". Leadbelly's talent for blues is further ably demonstrated on "Grasshoppers In My Pillow" and "Tell Me, Baby", together with 2 superb examples of his narrative style singing on "Rock Island Line" and "Western Plain". There is evidence of Leadbelly's reputation for sentimentality to children on "On A Christmas Day", and there are 2 lively versions of "Eagle Rock Rag" as his piano solos.
The CD insert notes refer to the previous Capitol recordings being collectors items, and I identify with the view expressed that this CD should bring Leadbelly a new set of admirers. It is a massive performance that deserves a wide audience.
