In memory of Leon Redbone

I was sorry to learn of Leon Redbone's passing at age 69 today.  As a song selector and interpreter, he was anachronistic in the most complimentary sense.  To my ears, these are six of his best interpretations:

• Ain't Misbehavin' (Redbone's voice and guitar are ideal for this Fats Waller tune.)
• Frosty The Snowman (Redbone's voice suits the tune especially well, particularly on the "thumpity thump thump"s, and Dr. John's vocals add grit.  It's a fun romp that commercial radio stations ought to play.)   
• If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven (It's reassuring to hear in Redbone's voice that even when the people we treasure most depart from this Earth, we'll see them again.)
• Lazy River (The Mills Brothers, Bobby Darin, and Chet Atkins & Les Paul recorded strong versions of this Hoagy Carmichael-Sidney Arodin tune, but Redbone sings it with an extra layer of authenticity.  As on "Ain't Misbehavin'," his voice is a natural fit.)
• Shine On, Harvest Moon (It speaks well of Lorne Michaels and company that during the '70s, there was a place on "Saturday Night Love" for a left field throwback such as Redbone to perform a gem like this.) 
• Wanna Go Back Again Blues (The lyrics empathize with anyone who feels wistful for bygone times.  The Dixieland band accompaniment should help pep a homesick person up.)