A distinctive deep voice, Panama hat, mustache and dark sun glasses. Very few entertainers have as unique and mysterious of a persona as entertainment legend Leon Redbone.
“I dress this way when I walk out on stage to play guitar and when I walk out into the street,” said Redbone about his iconic look. “I dressed this way when I was a child, assuming I was a child.”
The music icon will bring his one-of-a-kind live performance to the Kirkland Performance Center April 23. The eclectic show will also feature comedy queen and famed Seattle burlesque dancer Miss Indigo Blue.
Redbone is a skilled flamenco guitar player, banjo player, pianist, whistler and harmonica player. Redbone fuses comedy in between a playing style all his own as he plays music that was written before the 61 year old was born.
“Some may not think it is comedy,” joked Redbone. “I’ll walk on stage, play a few songs and leave. No explosions, you can’t do that sort of thing anymore. The world is turning into a strange place.”
Redbone still maintains the mystery that dominated his early career in the 1970s. Rollingstone Magazine did a story on the enigma before his first album, On The Track, was even released and he followed the album with many appearances on “Saturday Night Live.” But SNL gave the musician another distinction. Because of the frequency that he played the show, a rumor began that Redbone was actually comedian Andy Kaufman.
“I didn’t know anyone on that show and I was the odd man out,” said Redbone. “It was a slightly eccentric and hectic show.”
Redbone continued to support his albums on TV as a regular on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson throughout the late 1970s and 80s.
“Television is very difficult,” said Redbone. “I have a hard time getting comfortable. You’re not in control of anything and it makes it awkward.”
Despite his dislike for live TV, Redbone has also done many commercials, including an iconic Budweiser spot. He also wrote the theme song for the TV show “Mr. Belvedere.”
Many may know his voices from the Christmas movie “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell. Redbone lent his distinctive deep voice to the animated frosty the snowman character and sang “Baby it’s Cold Outside” with actress Zooey Deschanel during the final credits. Redbone also recorded an iconic version of Frosty the Snowman on his 1987 record Christmas Island.
Redbone recently was invited and played the wedding of comedian Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone and appeared on the “Bug Beard” episode of the PBS children’s show “Between the Lions.” His eclectic mix of musical appearances also includes the song “When You Wish Upon A Star,” for the 2010 movie “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.”
Beyond TV and movies, Redbone has released 15 solo records, his last came out in 2005.
“I keep thinking about it,” Redbone said about going back into the studio, “but then the thought goes away.”
He said that he is influenced musically by everything he hears and reveres the great flamenco guitar players.
“Music is one of those things that if you stick with it long enough you can create an expression of your own,” said Redbone. “But you really have to play to satisfy yourself.”
Redbone spends most of this time playing live shows, which are a throwback to the days of the Vaudeville era.
“There is something about songs from that era that resonate with me,” said Redbone. “… Things are changing so rapidly. I fly occasionally but it is getting so difficult. It is getting to the point where you are going to have to get a license to travel from state to state.”
Redbone’s travels have taken the Toronto native around the world, but whether he has played Kirkland before he can’t be sure: “It does ring a bell. But then again the bells don’t ring as clearly as they used to.”
Tickets are $32-$35. For information visit the KPC Web site or call 425-893-9900.
