I can't say I have followed his musical career as I have some other artists but I have known about Leon since I was a kid. I remember seeing photos of him with his long hair and top hat and thinking how cool he looked. Since those days Leon has gone on to have a long and rich career in music. He has played with some of the biggest names in the business and it recently came to my attention that he wrote the song 'This Masquerade' which I had always associated with George Benson and thought George wrote. How about that. Live and learn I guess.
I was chatting with a woman at BB King's club while we waited for Leon to hit the stage and she told me that Leon Russell was not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Say what?
I promised myself I would not go into a rant here and I won't. So, if you're a Leon Russell fan and would like to help in trying to rectify this oversight go to Leon's site where he has the address to the Hall of Fame and send them a letter voicing your opinion on the matter. Please, don't be shy!
As for the show itself, Leon and the band were in fine form. Spirited rock and roll mixed with country and blues. Leon was also in fine form on keys and vocals. I had to sit to Leon's left because of the way his rig is setup. Kudos to the whole band, which consisted of Chris Simmons on guitar, Jackie Wessel on bass, Brian Lee on keys and the rock solid Brandon Holder on drums. Brandon played with an authority that really helped drive the band. After all these years I'm glad I finally got to see and hear Leon. Do yourselves a favor and catch him if he hits a town near you.
I would like to thank John Seroff of BB King's Blues Club for granting me access to the club so I could do my photo coverage for the American Blues Blog. I have been to BB's countless times and it remains a great place to catch live music of all kinds. Thanks John!
Until the next go-round, keep supporting the Blues. These cats are working hard to lay it down for you.
Nelson G. Onofre
http://www.electriceyes.us/
nelson@electriceyes.us
BB King's Blues Club, July 2009http://www.bbkingblues.com/
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Leon Russell & bandBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Leon RussellBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Leon RussellBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Leon RussellBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Chris Simmons- Leon Russell's guitaristBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Chris Simmons- Leon Russell's guitaristBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Chris Simmons- Leon Russell's guitaristBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
Jackie Wessel- Leon Russell's bassistBB King's Blues Club, July 2009
http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
photo: Nelson G. Onofre
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