“Songs By Leadbelly” by Lead Belly accompanied by Sonny Terry - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1943Album Chart of the Decade: 1940s

TJR says

Commercially, he never did make it big in his own lifetime, but the small circle who were following Lead Belly's output were certainly being treated to an entertaining and varied catalogue. On his 5th album, his 3rd for Moe Asch, Huddie and his twelve-string were accompanied by his good buddy Sonny Terry who blew some mean harmonica and put the howl into how long! The album is notable for serving up the first commercially available recording of his world-famous “Irene”. Strangely, it's the only selection here which doesn't feature Sonny's harmonica, even though a same-session version was recorded featuring the duo. A shame really, as I do prefer the version with harmonica. Still, mustn’t grumble - this is another fine set, low sales or not. He never drove no Cadillac but he wore $60 dollar shoes with his head held high and, on the evidence here, he had some fun with his friends along the way.

The Jukebox Rebel
18–Jun–2012

Tracklist
A [02:23] 6.7.png Lead Belly and guitar, Sanders Terry and harmonica - Good Morning Blues [1943 version] (Huddie Ledbetter, Alan Lomax) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
B [02:10] 6.7.png Lead Belly and guitar, Sanders Terry and harmonica - How Long (Leroy Carr, Huddie Ledbetter) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
C [02:01] 6.4.png Lead Belly and guitar, Sanders Terry and harmonica - Ain’t You Glad (Traditional) Folk
D [02:36] 7.0.png Lead Belly and guitar - Irene [1943 non-harmonica version] (Huddie Ledbetter, John A. Lomax) Folk
E [01:46] 7.2.png Lead Belly and guitar, Sanders Terry and harmonica - On A Monday (Huddie Ledbetter, Alan Lomax, John A. Lomax) Folk
F [02:14] 7.1.png Lead Belly and guitar, Sanders Terry and harmonica - John Henry (Traditional) Folk
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