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Saturday, November 3, 2018

Leon Russell - Leon Russell (1970 us, splendid varied style rock, 2014 japan SHM remaster)



Leon Russell never quite hit all the right notes the way he did on his eponymous debut. He never again seemed as convincing in his grasp of Americana music and themes, never again seemed as individual, and never again did his limited, slurred bluesy voice seem as ingratiating. He never again topped his triptych of "A Song for You," "Hummingbird," and "Delta Lady," nor did his albums contain such fine tracks as "Dixie Lullaby." 

Throughout it all, what comes across is Russell's idiosyncratic vision, not only in his approach but in his very construction -- none of the songs quite play out as expected, turning country, blues, and rock inside out, not only musically but lyrically. Yes, his voice is a bit of an acquired taste, but it's only appropriate for a songwriter with enough chutzpah to write songs of his own called "I Put a Spell on You" and "Give Peace a Chance." And if there ever was a place to acquire a taste for Russell, it's here. 
by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracks
1. A Song For You - 4:08
2. Dixie Lullaby (Leon Russell, Chris Stainton) - 2:35
3. I Put A Spell On You - 4:12
4. Shoot Out On The Plantation - 3:13
5. Hummingbird - 4:02
6. Delta Lady - 4:05
7. Prince Of Peace (Leon Russell, Greg Dempsey) - 3:05
8. Give Peace A Chance (Russell, Bonnie Bramlett) - 2:23
9. Hurtsome Body - 3:39
10.Pisces Apple Lady - 2:53
11.Roll Away The Stone (Leon Russell, Greg Dempsey) - 3:10
All Songs By Leon Russell Except Where Indicated

Musicians
*Leon Russell - Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals
*Buddy Harman - Drums
*Klaus Voormann - Bass
*Mick Jagger - Vocals
*George Harrison - Guitar
*Ringo Starr - Drums
*Alan Spenner - Bass
*Charlie Watts - Drums
*Bill Wyman - Bass
*Delaney Bramlett - Guitar
*Eric Clapton - Guitar
*Jim Horn - Saxophone
*Bonnie Bramlett - Vocals
*Steve Winwood - Keyboards
*Jim Gordon - Drums
*Chris Stainton - Keyboards
*B.J. Wilson - Drums
*Joe Cocker - Vocals
*Merry Clayton - Vocals
*Jon Hiseman - Drums

1968  The Asylum Choir - Look Inside (2007 remaster)
1971  Leon Russell And Marc Benno - Asylum Choir II (japan SHM 2016 remaster)
1971  Leon Russell - Leon Russell And The Shelter People (2016 Audio Fidelity)
1972  Leon Russell - Carney
1979  In Session At The Paradise Los Angeles With J.J. Cale (2003 remaster) 

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