Whistling in the Wind (CD - 1994)

Personnel: Leon Redbone (guitar, vocals, harmonica); Frank Vignola (guitar, mandolin); Cyndi Cashdollar, Larry Campbell, Stacy Phillips (dobro); John Ely (steel guitar); Lenny Pickett (piccolo); Joe Venuti (violin); Peter Ecklund (cornet); Stanley Schwartz, Terry Waldo (piano); Brian Nalepka (bass); Arnold Kinsella, Jr. (drums, percussion); Giampaolo Biagi (drums); Donny McClurkin, Arene Lomax, Daryl Doleman (background vocals).

Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks: Vince Giordano (banjo, sousaphone, bass saxophone, bass); Dave Brandom, John Gunther (clarinet, saxophone); Joe Ferrante, Dean Pratt (trumpet); Herb Gardner (trombone); Dan Rosengard (piano); John Meyers (drums).

The Islanders: Beryl, Cyndi, Doug, Ira, Mitch.

Recorded at M & I, Soundtrack and Warehouse Recording Studios, New York; Ocean Way Recording and The Bakery Recording Studio, Los Angeles, California.

Composers: Leon Redbone; Stanley Schwartz.

Personnel: Leon Redbone (vocals, guitar, National guitar, harmonica); Donnie McClurkin, Merle Haggard, Ringo Starr, Roger McGuinn (vocals); Frank Vignola (guitar, mandolin); John Ely (steel guitar); Cindy Cashdollar, Larry Campbell, Stacy Phillips (dobro); Vince Giordano (banjo, baritone saxophone, bass saxophone, sousaphone); Joe Venuti (violin); Lenny Pickett (piccolo); Dave Brandom, John Gunther (clarinet, saxophone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Joe Ferrante, Dean Pratt (trumpet); Peter Ecklund (cornet); Herb Gardner (trombone); Dan Rosengard, Terry Waldo, Stanley Schwartz (piano); Arnold Kinsella, Jr. (drums, percussion); John Meyers, Giampaolo Biagi (drums).

Audio Mixers: Doug Epstein; Fire; Tom Greto.

Recording information: Bakery Rercording Studios, Los Angeles, CA; M & I; M&I, Soundtrack And Warehouse Recording Studios, New Yo; Ocean Way Recording; SoundTrack; The Bakery Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Warehouse Recording Studios, New York, NY.

Unknown Contributor Role: The Nighthawks.

Arrangers: Leon Redbone; Stanley Schwartz.

WHISTLING IN THE WIND resembles a 1940s radio broadcast minus the static. Like much of Leon Redbone's output, this 1988 recording travels down nostalgic pathways to revisit ragtime, swing, early country, and Tin Pan Alley. Such revivalism might be ho-hum were it not for Redbone's distinctive baritone, ease and charm as a stylistic interpreter, and theatrical flair (the fedora, sunglasses, and Groucho Marx moustache don't hurt).

The influence of songwriter Stephen Foster can be heard on the album's opener, "Dancin' On Daddy's Shoes" (which features a very charming backup chorus). The increasing influence of roots country on Redbone's music can be heard on "Bouquet of Roses" and on "Settin' By the Fire" (the vocal guest spot by Merle Haggard on this latter cut makes it one of the album's highlights). The lounge/Hawaiian vibe of "My Little Grass Shack" features a vocal turn from none other than Ringo Starr, and dares the listener to sing along with its lyrics about the island's difficult-to-pronounce tropical fish. With its wit, charm, and mixed bag of classic American influences, WHISTLING IN THE WIND is eminently listenable fare. minimize