Champagne Charlie

by Leon Redbone

Overview

From the opening track, "Champagne Charlie," to the dazzling finale, "T.B. Blues," Leon Redbone presents an introspective collection of blues and big band melodies in timeless fashion, a rare feat because of its release date in 1978. The record was highly acclaimed and regarded as the purest of jazz and classic blues by a remarkable legend and icon in this musical form. Most of the record, like the amiable "Sweet Sue (Just You)" and memorable "Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)," is filled with the best that blues and ragtime has to offer. The music itself is quite light and jolly during the more uplifting moments, with others such as "I Hate a Man Like You" very depressing and sorrowful. The band backing up Redbone is delightful, filled with jubilant horns, oboes, and trumpets. "T.B. Blues" closes out this record as a charming look back into the world of blues via pioneer Jimmie Rodgers. Two melodies written and composed by giant Jelly Roll Morton are featured here, with fresh and stunning new arrangements by Leon Redbone and company, "If Someone Would Only Love Me" and "I Hate a Man Like You." The record is somewhat poorly recorded, losing its listening ability though still portraying its exuberant style and antique mysteriousness. A charming and romantic listen and study of this period of ragtime and blues that will surely not disappoint the average listener. ~ Shawn M. Haney

Product Details

Release Date:	10/25/1990
Label:	Warner Bros.
UPC:	0075992734929
Rank:	51493

Tracks

1. Champagne Charlie
2. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
3. Sweet Sue, Just You
4. The One Rose (That's Left in My Heart)
5. Alabama Jubilee
6. Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
7. Yearning (Just for You)
8. If Someone Would Only Love Me
9. I Hate a Man Like You
10. T.B. Blues

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Leon Redbone   Primary Artist,Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic)
Eddy Davis   Drums
Vince Giordano   Tuba,Sax (Baritone)
Selwart Clarke   Viola
Leon McAuliffe   Guitar (Steel)
Jonathan Dorn   Tuba
Little Brother Montgomery   Piano
George Marge   Ocarina
Tom Evans   Clarinet,Fiddle,Clarinet,Vocals (Background)
Kermit Moore   Cello
William S. Fischer   Strings
Regis Iandiorio   Violin
Eurreal Montgomery   Piano
Sammy Price   Piano
Kathryn Kienke   Violin
Julien Barber   Violin
Regis Landiorio   Violin
Dennis Drury   Trombone
Eddie Davis   Drums
Ken Whitely   Banjo,Piano,Mandolin,Percussion,Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background)
Chris Whitely   Trumpet,Harmonica,Vocals (Background)
Dennis Drurey   Trombone
Ken Whiteley   Banjo,Washboard
Chris Whiteley   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Joe Burke   Performer,Composer
Jack Yellen   Composer
Benny Davis   Composer,Performer
Jimmie F. Rodgers   Performer
Hal Willner   Associate Producer
Leon Redbone   Arranger,Cover Drawing
Jelly Roll Morton   Composer
Jimmie Rodgers   Composer
Milton Ager   Composer
George Marge   Musician
George L. Cobb   Composer
Will J. Harris   Composer
William S. Fischer   Arranger
Will Harris   Composer
Sidney Clare   Composer
Vince McGarry   Recording,Remix Engineer
Joel Dorn   Producer
Sam H. Stept   Composer
Public Domain   Composer
Victor Young   Composer
Lani McIntire   Composer
John Cabalka   Art Direction
Brad Kanawyer   Musician,Cover Lettering
Kathy Tufaro   Musician,Assistant Producer
Del Lyon   Composer
Bee Palmer   Composer
Tom Evans   Musician
Ken Whitely   Musician