The basic tracks for the upcoming album for Elton John and Leon Russell have been laid down in Los Angeles and the dynamic duo has now started putting down the vocals.
The album, featuring songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin is going to be very different.Bernie’s website reports that, “the trio has cut fifteen songs ranging from Stones like rockers, Country tinged ballads, Gospel and even a Sinatra like weepy similar to something torn from the grooves of “In the Wee Small Hours” As reported before it’s varied in scope and drenched in a rich tapestry of atmospherics. Don’t expect to hear the old EJ/BT sound; this is organic recording unlike anything you’ve heard from our duo before”.
The musicians on the album are T-Bone Burnett stalwarts as drummers Jim Keltner and Jay Bellerose, Bassist Dennis Crouch, guitar virtuoso Marc Ribot and additional keyboardist and tech wizard Keefus Ciancia.
Russell underwent brain surgery in January this year. Bernietaupin.com reports “Leon continues to improve from the surgery that sidelined him in the initial stages and caused the media to over diagnose his condition. His playing is masterful as ever and his contribution to the project grows more exciting with the passing of everyday”.
