Leon Russell Albums (28)
What The Critics Say
One of many albums Leon Russell released on his own Leon Russell Records in the new millennium, Bad Country bears a copyright of 2003 and contains a selection of 12 original songs by Russell. As the title lightly implies, this is indeed a country album, but it's not bad -- either in its quality or its sound, as the music is perfectly pleasant. There's not a lot of raunch here -- it's a clean, slightly stiff production, sounding as if it has been stitched together with MIDI, as there's no breathing room in the rhythms and a slight steely ping to his keyboards. The only soul here comes from Russell's signature drawl, which is still in good shape, and while the songs here are hardly his best, they're nice showcases for Russell as an endearingly lazy country-rock stylist. To be sure, this is just for the fans -- and it's even kind of marginal on that level -- but if it doesn't have much that's compelling, it's not hard to enjoy in passing, either. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Almost Piano = MIDI synthesizers, at least in this collection of ten instrumentals from Leon Russell. One of many self-recorded and self-released albums Russell kicked out in the new millennium, this sequenced and sprightly offering clearly betrays its origins as a computerized creation. As careful as the production sounds, the compositions often seem as if Russell just set up and started playing, giving the tracks their titles afterward. Still, Russell remains a fluid, engaging player, and devoted Leon Russell fans might enjoy putting this on as background music. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'The Live Album'
Release Date 10/30/2007
Tracks 14
Label Wounded Bird
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Moonlight & Love Songs'
Release Date 4/9/2002
Tracks 12
Label Leon Russell
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What The Critics Say
Seems like doing an album of standards has become the benchmark of a long career and respectability for those who used to pride themselves on being the outlaws of music. Willie Nelson's done it (several times) and so have many others -- and now Leon Russell joins the crowd. And the resultant Moonlight & Love Songs isn't bad at all, with graceful -- albeit sometimes anonymous -- arrangements. By its very nature, the material is familiar, maybe too familiar at times (do listeners need another version of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"?), although Russell does dig up "'Round Midnight" and offers a good, slightly thumping version of "That Lucky Old Sun," with piano courtesy of Bruce Hornsby. Russell's in good, relaxed voice, the abrasive quality that had made him so distinctive in earlier decades largely rubbed away. And he works surprisingly well with orchestral accompaniment, leaving his rock & roll shoes outside the session. There's nothing to fault about this album -- it's smoothly produced, arranged, and performed. The problem is, there's very little exciting about it, either. Russell fans will love it, but overall the songs have been done better by others. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
'Rhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4'
Release Date 10/23/2001
Tracks 12
Label Leon Russell
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What The Critics Say
The idea of combining Leon Russell -- a rocker -- with the New Grass Revival -- a bluegrass band -- probably seems like a screwy idea on the surface. But Russell knew a thing or two about country roots and the New Grass Revival loved to add pianos and electric guitars to traditional music. Russell and the New Grass Revival even toured for a time and produced a live album. On Rhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4 this crossover powerhouse covers something old, something new, and everything in between with mixed results. Traditional pieces like "Footprints in the Snow" and "In the Pines" seem less than inspired, while Lester Flatt's "Bluebirds Are Singing for Me" seems merely perfunctory. Everything flows smoother when Russell and the boys fall back on their soulful vocals and rocking rhythms. "I've Just Seen a Face" is pretty snazzy, even if it's derivative of the Dillards' late-'60s version, but the true moment of glory comes shining through on Ray Charles' "I Believe to My Soul." An odd choice, perhaps, but Russell digs deep into the lyric and the New Grass Revival provide full-bodied backup vocals. The album is short -- 30 minutes -- and fans of either artist may find this cross pollination a tad strange. Nonetheless, Rhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4 succeeds as an unusual progressive bluegrass experiment. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
'Signature Songs'
Release Date 8/21/2001
Tracks 11
Label Leon Russell
See Album Tracklist and Review
