Customer Reviews

Branch to Branch

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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)

After seeing him on Saturday Night LIVE a long time ago, I went out and bought this one on vinyl, my first Leon Redbone album... the first of many.

If you'd like to take a trip back in time to when music was important to the people who were hearing it, I can't think of a vehicle that will get you there in this much style. As I'm listening to it now, it reminds me EXACTLY of my one trip to New Orleans pre-Katrina and my stroll down and back on both sides of Bourbon Street. Every song has that lazy, warm, happy feel to it. There's a distinctly 'down south' feel to these tunes that's quite infectious to the listener; hard to get them out of your head once they're in there.

I'm not sure if this tells you anything or not, but little kids from about 3-8 LOVE this album. When it's playing, they may be occupied with their toys, etc., but just try to stop it before it finishes and see what happens.

Something else... play this one a little loud sometime, put a little energy in the speakers and see how it makes you feel. Branch to Branch is one of those rare collection of songs that you can listen to at almost any volume level and it will be enjoyable.

You can't go wrong with this one.

Branch to Branch marks another record in the legendary Leon Redbone catalog. Here we find Leon in top shape as he tackles standards such as "A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" and "Step It Up and Go". Many "rockers" have overlooked Leon Redbone's work due to his lighthearted view of the world and his noncommercial choice of songs that transport the listener back to times before "rock" ruled the airways and songs with rhythm and great lyrics ruled. For those who wish to take a sentimental walk down memory lane and be "Seduced" by the "Extra Blues" of a past era this disc will fulfill that as it leads you towards the sweet ecstasy of "When You Wish Upon a Star" and leave you asking "Why" didn't I listen to this record more throughout the years.

this was Leons first album my partner purchased many years ago and now his eldest son has it. Great to be able to purchase cd as it brings back memories for him.

Those of us of a certain age remember seeing this strange white-suited man on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE back in the late 70s/early 80s strumming along while singing in his own inimitable style classic rags. Redbone's BRANCH TO BRANCH is filled with great cuts, not all of them traditional folk/ragtime tunes. Hearing Redbone wail on "When You Wish Upon a Star" will banish thoughts of Jiminy Cricket from your mind, and "Seduced" ("I wanna be seduced/I want a woman to talk to me suggestively") deserves more attention than it's had over the years. Great voice, great instrumentals, great album.

One great song...the rest are really not much more than mediocre. Not a great production from the Great Leon Redbone.

Leon is always a treat ... play some of his music when you want to have a happy lazy day.
For the person who wanted the lyrics to prairie lullaby, I found these on the internet and believe they are correct:
Shadows slowly creeping, down the prairie trail. Everything is sleeping, all but the nightingale.
Soon the moon will be climbing across the blue, blue sky, night winds slow and haunting.
This prairie lullaby.
Tumble to bed, my child, my little old sleepy head, the stars are in the sky.
Now that your prayers are said, my little old sleepy head to this prairie lullaby.
Saddle up your ponies, to sail with you, lead you down a trail of dreams.
Stumble to bed, my child, my little old sleepy head, to this prairie lullaby.
Saddle up your ponies to sail with you, lead you down a trail of dreams.
Now that your prayers are said, you can get to bed, to this prairie lullaby.

Splendid work of listening pleasure

I would like to ask where I can get the words to Prairie Lullaby so I can sing with Leon Redbone when I am rocking my grandchildren to sleep.