Midnight Special

Midnight Special

Editorial Reviews
<"b0000002r27499"> Amazon.com
The first title in the three-volume Library of Congress Recordings series of the titanic singer and 12-string guitarist, Midnight Special consists of recordings that date back to 1934. By then, the much-traveled, oft-jailed Huddie Leadbetter had assembled a repertoire that was laden with what would become signature Leadbelly tunes. Featured on this 15-track anthology are a couple of his most famous songs, including "Irene" (here presented in two versions) and "Midnight Special." The autobiographical "Governor O.K. Allen" (about the singer's plea for a pardon), the cocaine-inspired "Take a Whiff on Me," and the ballad "Careless Love" add to the appeal of this touchstone set. If you're interested in laying the groundwork of a Leadbelly collection, this is as good a place to start as any. --Steven Stolder --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

<"b0000002r25228"> From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD
This is a trove of fifteen Leadbelly blues and ragtime songs recorded primitively in the 1930s by folklorists John and Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress. Included are two raw- boned performances of "Irene," the voice and slide guitar tableau 'Matchbox Blues," and an Angola prison entreaty for parole to the Louisiana Governor (it fell on receptive ears). Bravura is on full display everywhere. Before Rounder had the good sense to issue Midnight Special and two other impressive volumes of... read more --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.