happy? – Dec 25 (the Dolceola)

Subject: happy? – Dec 25 (the Dolceola)
From: Abby Sale
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 12:57 PM

Leadbelly sang:

 
          Children all be so happy
             On a Christmas day,
          Children all be so happy
             On a Christmas day.
  
          Chicken crows at midnight
             On a Christmas day,
          Chicken crows at midnight
             On a Christmas day.
  
                  "On a Christmas Day"

The cut featured the first known historical recording of the "Dolceola" (pictures at The Dolceola Pages). Los Angeles session pianist Paul Howard played the Dolceola as the lead and fill instrument to Leadbelly's 12-string accompaniment. Clip at The Leadbelly 1944 Hollywood Sessions. All the Hollywood Sessions tracks, including the Dolceola ones are available on the LP, Huddie Leadbetter's Best, Capitol - LP, 196? (originally 1944). The notes simply say Howard accompanies Leadbelly on the zither. They are also included on the compilation CD set, Document Records, U.K.: Leadbelly Vol 4, 1944.
                                                                                                                         [thanx Barry Brogan]

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