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The unique vocal qualities of Leon Russell made him one of my favorites back in the day. I think that he and Janis Joplin are in the same category when it come to voice quality. Not exactly melodious, but able to touch your musical soul in a deep and personal way. The boy from Oklahoma certainly has a way with words, too. While able to write some good sing along songs (such as Delta Lady) he also has written some haunting lyrics. Listening to This Masquerade, you can feel his life's loneliness. And what artist from that day and age didn't attempt an anthem song. Stranger In A Strange Land fits the bill there. I still sing along with my freak flag flying today! I wouldn't say Leon is an aquired taste. But he certainly puts to shame the commercialized music so popular today. The man has soul in his voice, his words and his music. My only disappointment in this CD is they stuck to the 10 original songs. Its a pity to waste that extra space and not include of few other Leon gems.Read full review
The Best of Leon Russell, 2001, EMI Capitol Music, is a ten cut collection of what really is the best of Leon Russlell. This CD is a treat for someone like myself, who is getting re-introduced to the piano playing song writer. The cuts on this CD are truly representational, they are; Tight Rope, Shootout at the Plantation, Delta Lady, Alcatraz, This Masquerade, Quenn of the Roller Derby, Roll Away the Stone, A Song For You, LoveMinus Zero/No Limit and Stranger in a Strtange Land. All good stuff, no fluff! My interest was piqued last month when my guitarist and I opened a concert for Leon Russell. I play harmonica and we both sing. We had a blast playing for a good crowd over a quality sound system. Leon and his band kicked butt and I was much impressed. They were very friendly too. So when I got home I looked Leon up on Ebay and found this CD. I enjoyed it very much and Leon had performed every song on the CD! Leon Russell has been performing actively since the 50's and has played with so many music luminaries it is incredible! From touring with Jerry Lee Lewis in the 50's to playing with the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson and you name it, he's probably played with them written songs or produced albums for them! Below is a link to Russell's web site for more bio info. http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/index.shtmlRead full review
it's difficult to have a 'best of' leon russell. he has written so many wonderful songs so, some are left out. this album is awesome. i listened to it exclusively for 3 weeks. leon can bang away on the piano or he can play very softly. he has all control. best of all is his unusual voice....you can hear in singers that followed, even axle rose, leon's influence. on the same note, you can hear the influence jerry lee lewis had on leon.
I hadn't thought about Leon Russell for years, but when I saw it advertised for on E-bay. I thought I gotta have it. It is a great CD, the sound is fantastic and I think if you like Leon this would be a great CD to add to your collection. It brought back a lot of really good memories for me. Enjoy it-I know I will.
I recently got back "into" Leon when he and Elton John got together for an album and tour. This is a good "starter" set from Leon but many of his better covers are live versions and other rarities. This is a very enjoyable set of songs from Leon Russell and for a low price it is a good place to find out about someone whom Elton John referred to as someone he "treasures as an artist...and songwriter."
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