So, the other day I posted a video of Leon Russell and New Grass Revival. Here’s a different side of Leon. Oh yeah, and this guy named Clapton plays some nice guitar, too. Expand the description (click Show More).
Supposedly, this was recorded in either Leon’s apartment or apartment basement in Tulsa, OK, in 1974. But someone in the comments claims it was in some church instead. I’m thinking the acoustics sound more like an apartment, or maybe a basement, than a church (unless it’s one of those strip mall churches with the acoustic tile ceiling).
Anyway, you need to turn up the volume; it’s on the low side, the price you pay for good dynamic range.
UPDATE: OK, here’s a bonus. As I was writing this post, I thought I’d listen to some more Leon Russell. I ran across this version of “A Song for You,” which I think is in the running for best love song written in the past century. I still prefer the spare, atmospheric album version I posted here, but this is the best live version I’ve heard.
UPDATE 2: One more. This video is from Leon’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2011. If Leon’s thanks to Elton John don’t bring a tear to your eye, you have a heart of stone. This version of “A Song for You,” with John Mayer on guitar, is pretty great, too.
UPDATE 3: Have to share this one too. It’s another performance with New Grass Revival, and it’s a better version of “Wild Horses” than the Stones’. Fantastic piano, banjo, and mandolin.
Yeah, I’m thinking of renaming this blog “Remembering Leon Russell.” Someone’s got to do it.