Leon Russell and New Grass Revival

[ajh]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4AA9yYN7HY

Just came across this. Too much fun. Then again Sam always has that.

My third time through today. It just gets better every time.

[Pittsburgh Bill]

That is GREAT! Thank you
I will be viewing this according to my wife as, "Way too many times".

[Mark Gunter]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Br1ck]

Leon Russell was one of the greats. He had no interest in self promotion or he would have been bigger than he was. LA studio musician in the heyday of the wreaking crew, music director for the Mad Dogs and Englishmen Joe Cocker tour, Arena rock star on his own, and I probably saw him six or eight times, the most memorable in a club after his heyday. He really would not do radio promos, record company events or any of the other business end things you need to stay on top.

I last saw him at one of Neil Youngs' Bridge School benefits, when Elton John took him out on some tour dates just to get him back on his feet. He could barely make it to the piano, but at the piano, he was a monster, a far better pianist than Elton John. He could fit into any musical situation. Did a great album of country classics. He just didn't like the business.

[ajh]

A buddy sent me a note (politically based) this morning before my first coffee with "Stranger In a Strange Land" as the music link. That reminded me of "Hank Wilson's Back". While listening to that album there was the sidebar to Leon and NGR. It has been a delightful day. Musically.

You can also dig into Willies first "4th" party outside of Dripping Springs. Leon was front and center.

[Charles E.]

Any thoughts on who the other mandolin player is?

[Jim Hilburn]

When we saw them in Ft. Collins I most vividly remember them doing "Yesterday" with Cowan doing the high harmony.

[Jim Roberts]

Saw Leon in 1991 at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and it was quite a moving experience. He sang and played with every ounce of his heart and soul. Thanks for sharing this amazing video.

[ChesterJones]

This is great to come across! I was just out of high school on the road with the Platters in some hotel in New Hampshire i think and Sam and Newgrass and Leon were staying at the same hotel. Sam walked in just as we were finishing and he went up and got his mandolin and came down and said let’s jam. The Platters singers were gone so it was just our 4 piece backup band and we jammed for about an hour! A couple other guys from the Newgrass joined in as well. Sam called up to Leon, who came down and sat and listened but didn’t play. Sam’s energy was amazing, as is captured on this film. I have never seen anything from this tour, so this was a real treat. Thank you so much!