string(3) "dev" Leon Russell - Live In Japan, 1973 / Live In Houston, 1971 - Ace Records

Live In Japan, 1973 / Live In Houston, 1971 Leon Russell

£11.50

Genre:
70s Rock
Label:
Big Beat
Format:
CD
Catalogue Id:
CDWIKD 296

One Monday evening in September 1971 I’d arranged to meet a pal for a pint in London’s West End. With time to kill between the end of my working day and our alehouse rendezvous, I headed over to Leicester Square to see what film might occupy the time I had to use up. The only one not already in progress was playing at what was then the Warner Theatre. It was Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a record of the 1970 US tour of Sheffield’s Joe Cocker and a huge troupe of singers and musicians assembled and overseen by Leon Russell.

I didn’t know much about Leon then. Only later would I discover that as a member of Los Angeles’ famous Wrecking Crew he had played on approximately one in every ten records I owned at that time. But I knew and liked Cocker (and still do), although it wasn’t too cool for a soul and reggae fan to admit it.

The film was great and remains unlikely to be bettered – one of the finest documentations of life on the road. I was particularly taken with the bearded, be-hatted figure Leon cut as he pounded his piano and put the fantastic band through its paces. I quickly purchased all his solo albums, including the one I consider to be his best studio work, the wonderful “Asylum Choir II” collaboration with Marc Benno. My admiration soon became a minor obsession. Fortunately, I became more flexible about names by the time my daughter was born more than 30 years later, but in 1972 I honestly believed I would name my first-born Leon.

Leon Russell devotees will know that on his Shelter label, he released a triple live album in 1973 that pristinely preserved his 1972 show. Only the real hardcore will know, however, that Leon also released a single live album in Japan a year or so later, which captured the Budokan Hall show of his 1973 world tour. Like most Japanese vinyl it came and went in a heartbeat, and it’s never been reissued – until now, that is, when it forms 50% of this new Big Beat CD. Better news still is that it’s paired with an incredible April 1971 show from Houston, Texas – totally unissued before this release!

A lot of early 70s rock has long since passed its sell-by date, but not what you hear here. Hot off the Mad Dogs tour, and truly firing on all six, it documents a band that always knew it was good, but is beginning to find out just how good. Its members, Leon included, would soon go on to even greater things. Listen to this set, and you will quickly understand why.

Leon’s recent re-emergence, courtesy of friend and fan Elton John, has stirred up interest in his earlier work. Big Beat is delighted to add to his catalogue with this essential package of vintage rare live material from the man’s peak years.

By Tony Rounce

Share

Track listing

Show

Side 1

  • 01 Preview Heaven

  • 02 Preview Over The Rainbow / God Put A Rainbow

  • 03 Preview Queen Of The Roller Derby

  • 04 Preview Roll Away The Stone

  • 05 Preview Tight Rope

  • 06 Preview Sweet Emily

  • 07 Preview Alcatraz

  • 08 Preview You Don't Have To Go

  • 09 Preview A Song For You/Of Thee I Sing/Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms

  • 10 Preview Alcatraz

  • 11 Preview Stranger In A Strange Land

  • 12 Preview Superstar

  • 13 Preview Roll Over Beethoven

  • 14 Blues Power / Shoot Out On The Plantation / As The Years Go By / The Woman I Love

  • 15 Jumpin' Jack Flash

  • 16 Of Thee I Sing / Yes I Am

Delivery & Returns

Show

We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Bus Stop Mail Order Ltd, 42-50 Steele Road, London, NW10 7AS. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Bus Stop Mail Order Ltd, 42-50 Steele Road, London, NW10 7AS. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

Customer reviews

Show

Customers who bought this item also bought