Good evening Rawkers. Let's spend a minute or two celebrating an artist often overlooked but universally respected by fellow musicians -- Leon Russell.Like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and other troubadours with unusual singing styles, Leon Russell is not often appreciated by the average listener. His vocal quality and phrasing is definitely out of the ordinary. But a closer, extended listen reveals an artist who grows on you -- and the Lawton, OK native's offerings come to be enjoyed as much as a fine, aged bourbon.
Tough to peg, Russell made a name for himself as a sought-after session man and as a solo artist in rock, gospel, R&B, folk and county. In fact, he's probably recorded with musicians of just about every genre you can name.
Word is, he's currently working on an album with Elton John (someone with whom Leon has recorded before....).
The essential listen is his 1970 album, titled simply "Leon Russell" (the blue album). But "Carny" (1972) represents his most successful solo effort, having reached No. 2 on the charts.
The G.O.T. encourages you to get your hands on some quality vinyl from this great artist and to discover what some of your favorite artists aleady know -- Leon Russell is one in a million.
Go in peace....
G.O.T.
Now I gotta go and find "Lady Blue."
ReplyDeleteHere we go. Bout time we got a good ole Oklahoma boy in here. I was never a huge fan, I think Carney was the only album I ever bought, I do have great respect for him. I see where he is playing Cain's Ballroom and a few other places across the state from time to time. Very hard to catagorize but then a lot of the great one's are.
ReplyDeleteI went to Wikipedia for reference and to jog my old memory as to a timelime and found it interesting that he recorded on the Badfinger album. That was one great friggin band for a couple of albums. Straight Up was Bad-Ass.