The Master of Space and Time

He's back (although for many he never went away), Leon Russell is once again in the mainstream eye with new album 'The Union', composed and performed with Elton John and produced by T Bone Burnett. This combination is not as odd as it might seem, just listen to John's 1970 record 'Tumbleweed Connection' and Russell's influence is all over it. Session musician to most 1960s and 1970s music legends, band leader, songwriter, label founder, studio owner and solo performer, his CV is as impressive as you can get.

He was a member of the Wrecking Crew, backing Phil Spector's vocalists, on some of the most well known songs of all time. Three Beatles and two Stones members played on his first solo album. He co-ordinated and performed in Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour, his songs have been covered by BB King, Ray Charles, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Peggy Lee and The Temptations among many others. The list of his notable session work would be endless.

Apart from all that, he has an incredible presence.

Anyway, for a proper biography go to his website:
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/memory_lane.shtml
(Actually check out his website anyway- it is a great representation of the man. My favourite part is the section titled 'Leon Speaks...', where I was expecting an interview or something similar,but the page simply reads 'Leon speaks through his music'......)

So here we go, some performances that show what the man can do:


Here is the song he reportedly wrote about Rita Coolidge, and hit for Joe Cocker, 'Delta Lady':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o93jTKhil9Y

'Hummingbird' Gorgeous song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXs29SpLGpU
Here is the Robert Johnson classic, Come On In My Kitchen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfK2CpH3BHI&feature=related

'If I was A Carpenter'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJOU8_UAM1E

Here is my current personal favourite Leon, which is very drunk Leon at Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic in 1974. Note the way he reacts to Waylon Jenning's entrance, and the trepidation on Willie's face:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H6me1FSPb8

And just for fun... Here's 'High Heeled Sneakers' from 1964, a different look for Leon in those days!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yme_DnIfR6I