Leon Russell’s ‘distinctive warble’ set for Second Street Live!

Editor’s note: Leon Russell is scheduled to perform in downtown Fort Smith on Jan. 12. at 101 N. Second St., as part of the 2010-2011 Second Street Live! Concert Series.  Show time is 7:30 p.m. Although the show is listed as sold out, link here to check on ticket availability or get more information about the concert series.

review by Peter Lewis
[email protected]

Tracking the musical trail of one Claude Russell Bridges is a paramount task. Better known as Leon Russell, the product of Tulsa, Okla., has been making music year after year since his first foray into the business as a teenager.

From there, Russell carved out a spot for himself amongst the most innovative and influential artists around. Whether as one of the most in demand session musicians around, an incisive songwriter, or a rollicking band leader, Russell’s early years seemed to be marked with success after success as he helped foster a unique sound in popular music. With songs like “Delta Lady,” “Tightrope,” and “A Song For You,” Russell has undoubtedly cast an indelible shadow over the American canon of music.

(Unfortunately, our efforts to provide an insightful interview with Leon Russell proved fruitless. According to his publicist Maureen O’Connor, "(Leon) is not doing any interviews right now.")

Russell’s most recent contribution to the collective sound of America is a collaboration with Sir Elton John. Titled “The Union,” the album is a gratifying testament not only to Russell’s talents, but his large influence within the business (the album features stirring vocal accompaniments from the likes of legends like Neil Young and Brian Wilson, as well as instrumental contributions from famed organist Booker T. Jones and pedal steel artist, Robert Randolph).

Produced by T-Bone Burnett, “The Union” is by most measures a success. In many ways, it’s nothing more than a simple throwback album. It hearkens back to the type of music that made Russell famous — and the sound that John reputedly envied and idolized as a young pianist: a broiling mixture of influences, from rollicking country and rising gospel, to deep throated soul.

The record also helps correct the unfortunate slide of Russell’s career. The years between “The Union” and Russell’s major successes of the 60s and 70s certainly never witnessed much in the way of a work stoppage, but after the release of One for the Road in 1979, Russell’s star began to fade. The result was that Russell’s place amongst the pantheon of pop/rock greatness quietly slipped away.

While age and the lifestyle of a performing musician have reportedly taken its toll on Russell’s health, “The Union” serves as unmistakable proof that — much like Russell himself — the distinctive warble still soldiers onward. He’s the rarest of performers: both viable and legendary.