First listen: Elton John, Leon Russell and T Bone Burnett unveil 'The Union' in Santa Monica

 
Elton John has always been passionate about his musical taste, always ready to throw his support behind new acts that capture his imagination, whether it’s the Scissor Sisters or Lady Gaga.

But in recent years he’s also been on a special mission to turn the spotlight on veteran artists who never got the attention he and other pop stars received, a key reason he dreamed up the Sundance Channel music interview and performance series “Spectacle,” and persuaded his friend Elvis Costello to take on the job as host.

That mission is front and center with “The Union,” his forthcoming duet album with fellow piano-pounding rocker Leon Russell, to whom John doffed his cap during the first episode of “Spectacle.”

John, Russell and the album’s producer, T Bone Burnett, invited a few friends, family members and journalists for a preview of the project in a playback session earlier this week at the West Los Angeles studio where they recorded it.

John didn’t waste a moment telling the audience of about two dozen people how much this one means to him. He prefaced the music with a touching story of how much he’d idolized Russell, the Oklahoma-born pianist, singer, songwriter and producer who had toiled for years as a highly regarded session player before coming into his own as a performer and bandleader in the late-’60s and early-'70s. That’s when Russell fronted Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen touring band and then the all-star conglomeration that George Harrison assembled for the Concert for Bangladesh.

“All I wanted for Leon,” John said, “is to have, in his later life, the accolades that seem to have been missing for him in the last 35 years. I want his name written in stone. I want him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I want his name to be on everybody’s lips again, like it used to be. So we made this record.”

At the playback, John took the lead, sitting in front of the 96-channel mixing board, energetically pounding air piano and drums along with the various tracks -- songs with touches of country, blues and gospel woven into some of the most mainstream-sounding rock that Burnett has shepherded.

Russell, who had undergone a 5½-hour brain surgery operation to relieve a chronic condition shortly before the recording sessions began, sat at the back of the control booth, his flowing white hair and beard cascading over a recliner chair he relaxed in while occasionally fingering left-hand piano runs. Burnett also attended, along with Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, KCRW music director Jason Bentley, keyboardist-composer James Newton Howard and some of the musicians who played on the album, including drummers Jim Keltner (who played in Russell’s band in the ’70s) and Burnett regular Jay Bellerose.

The album is slated for release Oct. 19, and features songs written by John, his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, Russell and Burnett. John also noted that the sessions were filmed by Cameron Crowe, but John’s spokeswoman said a decision hasn’t been made as to how that footage might be used.

-- Randy Lewis

Photo: Elton John and Leon Russell. Credit: Joseph Guay/Rogers & Cowan PR

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Comments

[DurableGood]

First concert, just weeks after the Concert for Bangladesh, here in LA, and to this day one I remember vividly- I couldn't agree more, Elton, from the unreal level of musicianship and raw power he and his band displayed in his performance of Jumpin' Jack Flash/ Young Blood, to Stranger in a Strange Land, to one of the most beautiful songs, and performances, of the past fifty years, A Song For You, Leon deserves to be at the front of the line for the R&R Hall of Fame, and I thank you, Leon, for those many unforgettable moments. Where's the Chisel? Where's the stone? Let's get started!

[rob h]

I wish this article had a little more on the impressions the songs made. The article does say they are mainstream sounding for T Bone Burnett, which is like saying it's reasonable sounding for Rush Limbaugh; it just doesn't mean much when TBone is as indiosyncratic as he is. Are the songs good? How do the songs compare to Elton's better recent efforts, like Songs from the West Coast? Are there any classics there? Does Leon resemble the songwriter from the early '70's, the writer of Song for You and Hummingbird? I guess I am chomping at the bit for October 19th, and I wish I could have been there.

[Rich Carlson]

My first concert was Elton opening for Leon (Tightrope Tour) and I was spoiled ever since. Almost 40 years later we are reminded of the magic these two had with the release of "The Union" and I could not be more happy for the both of them (and all of us fans). Like Elton said, Leon should be in the RRHOF but he confused folks with his musical choices but a few of us stayed for all of the changes (Hank Wilson and All That Jazz, etc.). I still can't pick which Leon I like best (R&R or C&W) but I know good music when I hear it and I've heard him all of my life and he is responsible for introducing me to Elton's music as well (kinda like a cosmic Godfather).

[Emmett McAuliffe]

Leon was my first concert too, age 13 (1972) I believe. I forget who opened. It wasn't Elton (though I saw him a million times too). Leon's medley at Bangladesh is one of my Top 10 songs of all-time. A unique and creative performance.

Leon still gives a great performance to this day. I never miss him. Plays the casino here in STL.

[Jerri Hemphill]

we at the Leon Lifers (Yahoo) having been waitin for this a looooong loooong time. Now if Elton's recommendation does not get our Leon in the RRHOF -- then I do not know what to say or think. Rock On Leon -- you have made us happy for 40 years and we still love you and your music.

[Rich Carlson]

I read on GQ.com that Mr. Wenner of Rolling Stone and RRHOF loves the LP so perhaps he will recall the Master of Time and Space when it is nomination time at the hall in Cleveland. I recall Leon stepped on some toes at RS years ago but one must look at his involvement in so many incredible recordings and sessions, concerts (films) & tours, songs, genres, recording technologies etc.. My god, the Rolling Stones wanted him to play for them full time! Leon (add a "t" and you can get Elton), is a gem of a man and Elton remembered! Cool...

[Thomas Earl]

My first taste of Leon was also the Concert for Bangladesh and fell head over heels for his music. Got to see Elton John and John Lennon in NYC Thanksgiving night 1974. Both Leon and Elton have been at the top of my list since the early 70s and you couldn't have gotten two better Rockers to work together on an album. Both have great songs and both put on great shows. Can't wait to hear it. Good to see Leon on a grand piano again. Leon doesn't need the RRHOF, the RRHOF needs Leon, he is all over Rock and Roll. He was part of the Wrecking Crew and Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, not to mention the list of people who had him on their albums, Clapton, the Stones, Harrison etc. And Leon's own body of work speaks for itself!

[David B.]

As an ex-Tulsan, I'm so happy for Leon that this is happening. Hopefully it WILL put Leon in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Like the phrase says, "he wuz robbed!" Time to right the wrong.

[john e morgan]

I am 63 years old and have been a HUGE fan of Leon since his first colaberation with Marc Benno in The Aslyum Choir album. My daughter is 42 and has driven 800 milews to see him in concert.When he was in Phoinex,my daughter and I went together and it was one of ourlife experiences.When I heard of this colaberation I went crazy. We ordered tickets on line, and we also ordered the album for early release.I hope this will finally bring Leon to the attintion of the music public that he greatly deserves.Thank you Elton