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captivating set . Those willing to pursue Simon ' s new music will encounter a master class in songwriting from one of America ’ s foremost practitioners . Studious attention and analysis aren ’ t required , though . The album can also be enjoyed for its enveloping beauty , inviting simplicity , and ultimately comforting narrative .
– Jeff Elbel
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Russell ’ s influence on other major artists and professing fans , including Elton John , is well documented . Signature Songs concludes with a glistening performance of the melancholy “ This Masquerade ,” which once served as rocket fuel for the career of jazz guitarist George Benson . Drop the needle on Signature Songs and settle in for an intimate performance by the Master of Space and Time . ( leonrussell . com )
– Jeff Elbel
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16 illinoisentertainer . com june 2023
LEON RUSSELL Signature Songs
LP Reissue ( Dark Horse )
Eleven of Leon Russell ’ s best-loved tunes are presented here in solo format , rendered primarily in stripped-back arrangements led by the songwriter ’ s careworn voice and his ageless piano playing . If you were fortunate enough to see Russell during his final tours before passing away in November 2016 , the arrangements for his defining solo single “ A Song for You ” and suitably reflective “ Magic Mirror ” will sound familiar . This collection was originally released in 2001 on Russell ’ s own label but is now returned to print by Dark Horse after years of unavailability and is offered for the first time as a vinyl LP . The arrangements are spare and focused , although songs , including the yearning “ One More Love Song ,” are accompanied by understated bass guitar . Russell is also joined on the rollicking “ Out in the Woods ” and worldweary “ Back to the Island ” by background vocals . The romantic “ Lady Blue ” includes light percussion . Carnivalesque Billboard # 11 hit single “ Tight Rope ” is performed from 1972 ’ s Carney album . “ Stranger in a Strange Land ” represents 1971 ’ s Leon Russell and the Shelter People from a pivotal year for the artist . Many of the songs here became signature songs for other artists . “ Delta Lady ” is closely associated with Joe Cocker and the Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour , for which Russell was musical director and general ringleader . “ Hummingbird ” was a staple for blues artist B . B . King .
THE WHO With Orchestra : Live at Wembley
( Polydor / UMC )
This 3xLP collection will be a fine souvenir for local Wholigans who caught The Who ’ s Moving On ! tour on October 12 , 2022 , at the United Center and the preceding prelockdown The Who Hits Back ! stop on May 21 , 2019 , at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre . The set will also serve as a welcome consolation prize for fans who were unable to attend either of the British rockers ’ recent visits because the majority of songs and arrangements performed at these Chicago dates are documented on this concert album . As the title suggests , the shows were marked by the addition of orchestral firepower . The evening captured at London ’ s Wembley Stadium was The Who ’ s first headlining show at the venue since supporting 1979 ’ s Who Are You album . Numerous classic rockers and veteran prog acts have mounted tours with orchestral augmentation . A few , including Peter Gabriel have boldly retooled their music to maximize the format ( try New Blood ). For others , like Yes , it has seemed like an expensive way to replace a band ’ s keyboardist . With material from the rock opera Quadrophenia on the menu ( and Tommy represented ), the symphonic super-sizing is well-suited to the Who . Townshend wrote such material with symphonic flair in the first place . The bombastic “ Love Reign O ’ er Me ,” “ Who are You ,” and even “ Pinball Wizard ” are heightened by the 50 + powerful strings and brass behind the seasoned seven-piece Who band . The performance is broken into thirds , with the first and last segments accompanied by the orchestra