I have gotten the chance here lately to review some CDs that aren't the classic country that I usually listen to, but none the less have been very enjoyable. Anytime is a collection of jazzy standard tunes that I am enjoying very much. For those of you who have not heard Leon sing, he has a very distinctive style and voice that just can't be beat! This is Leon's first album in 7 years. He has been on an almost nonstop international tour schedule.

I have heard Leon Redbone singing for a long time on TV commercials and on one of my favorite 1980's TV shows - "Mr. Belvedere." However, I never really knew who he was. One of Leon's current projects has been singing "The Alphabet Song" on the popular PBS kid's show, "Between The Lions."

"Anytime" begins with a trumpet and honky tonk style piano opening that leads into Leon's oh so CHOICE vocals. This has always been one of my favorite songs. "I'm sad and blue, about nobody but you. I told you that I loved you right from the start, you told me the same and now you try to break my little heart." They just don't write songs like this anymore!

"Ain't Gonna Give You None Of My Jelly Roll" is an upbeat song that begins as a story about a little boy who isn't going to share the sweet treat his mother has given him with his little friends.

There is one song on this album that I am just CRAZY about! "So Tired Of Livin' All Alone" begins with an awesome piano intro that leads into Leon's mournful vocals. "Lonesome. Lonesome. I know what it means. Here all by my lonesome, dreaming empty dreams. Weary. Weary at the close of day, wondering if tomorrow brings me joy or sorrow."

"Blossoms On Broadway" is said to be Leon's favorite track from the album. It was recorded while Leon was in England. It's a beautiful salute to New York City.

"Moonlight Bay" is an old standard tune that everyone knows. Leon sings it in a soft, almost eerie style that is very cool!

"Your Feets Too Big" is the humorous theme song of the 1980's T.V. show, Harry And The Hendersons. For those of you who missed the TV show or movie, Harry and The Hendersons is the story of a family, who after a camping trip to the woods end up bringing home a creature they call "Harry." We happen to know him as the infamous elusive Sasquatch.

Fans of this album are in for a real treat. Five of Leon's previous albums, including Red To Blue, No Regrets, Sugar, and Up A Lazy River are being re-released by Blue Thumb Records. Christmas Island will be available this coming holiday season.

I can't say it enough that I love this album. It's old, yet new and refreshingly different all at the same time. Leon Redbone is a musical treasure that I am glad to have finally discovered.

Song List

1. Any Time
2. If You Knew
3. Ain’t Gonna Give You None Of My Jelly Roll
4. All I Do Is Dream Of You
5. So Tired Of Livin’ All Alone
6. Sittin’ On Top Of The World
7. Sweet Substitute
8. Blossoms On Broadway
9. In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree
10. Sweet Lorraine
11. Moonlight Bay
12. Your Feets Too Big

Audio clips courtesy of Blue Thumb
All graphics © Shelly Fabian, except the album cover, used with permission of Blue Thumb.