MUSIC NEWS - The veteran singer/ songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Leon Russell is back on the road as well as prepping another album release (BEST OF HANK WILSON, out June 23, 2009, order below). Russell is, of course, a music legend and one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians in the history of rock 'n roll. In his distinguished and unique 50 year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced some of the best records in popular music and he is, to many, the ultimate all-time session musician. Back in the early '60s he got his start working with Phil Spector. He then was the keyboardist in demand for Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, George Harrison, B.B. King, Glen Campbell, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, and the Band. And all along, Russell's own songs and sounds became well known in their own right. A musical stew of of Southern rock, gospel, blues, country, pop, and funk, with grit and soul, and brought to life by his Oklahoma drawl, he's one of the inventors of the "Tulsa sound". His solo career has been one which contains active periods followed by lengthy breaks. Currently, he's in another active period, with a full tour scheduled (see itinerary below) and a new album, Best of Hank Wilson. Pick it up, and catch the experience of Leon Russell, live !
MNN recently caught up with Leon Russell live at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (a great music spot north of L.A. for the "where are they now" bands, to see him and his band; Jackie Wessel, bass/backing vocals; Chris Simmons, guitar/backing vocals; Brian Lee, Keyboards/backing vocals; and Brandon Holder, drums, put on blistering, yet soulful set of standards, rock classics and Mr Russells's own "must hear" songs, "This Song for You , Lady Blue, Back to the Island" notably were our favs. Opening that night were the Spazmatics the lively and accomplished crowd favorite 80's cover band and a local band, ROOT CAUSE, a group of 50-ish record & entertainment company guys, seemingly lost
(photo- Ella McBride)
management types yearning for their "15 minutes" with an attempt at soulful rock and party songs. Weak vocals, thumpy drumming all in a unfocused style. The best we can say is that their friends and family in attendance seemed pleased. The lead guitarist, Nate Brown, impressed all, we do admit.
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