In this age of the Web allowing instant access to everything about celebrities, Leon Redbone remains a mystery.
The man who makes 20th century jazz and blues come alive seems to subscribe to American author Truman Capote?s mantra: The creativity that results in his work is so personal, to explain it would rob its essence.
“I think of these things as obstacles rather than opportunities, because if they were opportunities, it means I actually took the business of doing them seriously,” Redbone has said of the publicity machine surrounding music. “To take myself too seriously is the gentle kiss of death.”
No danger of that. As far back as 1974, a Rolling Stone magazine feature on Redbone quoted him as saying he was the love child of the Italian violinist Niccolo Paganini and opera singer Jenny Lind. Rather impossible because the two lived in the 1800s ? but you get the idea of where he?s coming from. It?s certainly where his music ? with stylistic undertones from between the 1800s and 1930s ? comes from.
“Redbone?s throaty, mumble-mouthed delivery and reinterpretation of turn-of-the-century and Depression-era ragtime and folk-jazz songs become a testament to his great love for a time when melody was king and electric instruments weren?t yet a thought,” wrote David Middleton of Blue Coupe magazine.
Perhaps that?s the genius of Redbone. Although he doesn?t divulge any information about himself, he has earned respect from critics and music greats, as evidenced by duets with former Beatle Ringo Starr, country great Merle Haggard and others. He?s also become known to the general public through appearances on TV shows including “Saturday Night Live” and movies including the 2003 film “Elf.”
Now, this musician, who has released about a dozen albums and earned a cult-like fan community, is on the road again. It?s doubtful the fans of the master acoustic guitarist will turn out to Rams Head just to hear new work ? or even new renditions. They want to see the man himself.
“Everyone loves him; he always sells the room to capacity,” said Kris Stevens, talent buyer for Rams Head. “He is a fixture at the Rams Head, and we love having him here.”
How much of his semi-vaudeville act will he bring with him? Even Redbone himself doesn?t know what to expect at these shows.
“I haven?t done a solo show in quite some time,” he told the Times Argus this month. “I hope to be in good form, but I?m afraid there?s absolutely no way of knowing.”
If you go
Leon Redbone
» Venue: Rams Head on Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis
» Time: 8 p.m. Thursday
» Tickets: $28
» More info: 410-268-4545; www.ramsheadonstage.com
