Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, Vol. 5

Performer: Leadbelly
Engineer: John A. Lomax, Jr.; Alan Lomax
Producer: Alan Lomax
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Includes liner notes by Dr. Kip Lornell. Digitally remastered by Roger Siebel (SAE). This is the fifth volume in the series of Leadbelly's Library of Congress recordings. The songs on this disc were recorded from 1939 to 1943. The title of this set is one of the defining phrases to emerge from the blues in general and Leadbelly in particular. Even people who don't know the traditional song that bears its name know the line. Leadbelly's music has become a part of American culture and his sound has had an enormous influence on the folk and blues artists who have came after him. These 19 songs offer a dazzling display of the power and range of his voice. In addition to straightforward and deep blues, there are also some topical numbers on this set, including "The Hindenburg Disaster." Accompanied by his 12-string guitar, Leadbelly is a model of confidence and ease. These simple and straightforward documents, preserved by the Library of Congress, were recorded primarily by musicologist Alan Lomax.

Q (8/94, p.127) - 3 Stars - Good - "...a musician in the full flower of his creativity, proud of the breadth of his repertoire, aware of how to tell a story or break a heart..."

The embodiment of the link between folk and blues, Lousiana-born Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter) possessed a powerful voice and the creative fervor to fashion his observations and heartfelt passions into riveting songs. An itinerant singer/guitarist, he performed in between working odd jobs and spending time in prison for his violent outbursts. Twice he gained pardon from long prison sentences with his songs. After Leadbelly's second pardon, in 1934, the recordings folklorist Alan Lomax made of him brought the singer national success. Whether conscious of his influence or not, nearly all folk and blues singers can trace their musical lineage back to him. He's responsible for many songs that have become part of America's cultural heritage.

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