Leon Der Pinguin

Leon Russell never quite hit all the right notes the way he did on his eponymous debut. He never again seemed as convincing in his grasp of Americana music and themes, never again seemed as individual, and never again did his limited, slurred bluesy voice seem as ingratiating. He never again topped his triptych of "A Song for You," "Hummingbird," and "Delta Lady," nor did his albums contain such fine tracks as "Dixie Lullaby." Throughout it all, what comes across is Russell's idiosyncratic vision, not only in his approach but in his very construction – none of the songs quite play out as expected, turning country, blues, and rock inside out, not only musically but lyrically. Yes, his voice is a bit of an acquired taste, but it's only appropriate for a songwriter with enough chutzpah to write songs of his own called "I Put a Spell on You" and "Give Peace a Chance." And if there ever was a place to acquire a taste for Russell, it's here.

Leon Russell was one of the most esteemed studio session men in rock history, having appeared on an eye-popping number of records by legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Darin, Phil Spector, Frank Sinatra, the Byrds, and the Beach Boys. Russell's solo work benefited from his amazing collaborators, as the likes of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, various Rolling Stones and others helped Russell put the finishing touches on his albums through the years. The 'master of space & time,' Russell blended together Southern soul, gospel, country, rock and piano-man singer/songwriter stylings."A Song For Leon" celebrates Leon's life and career, consisting of iconic acts such as Pixies, Orville Peck, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, U.S. Girls featuring Bootsy Collins and other incredible artists. Showcasing the impact of Leon Russell's songs, "A Song For Leon" is meant to educate experienced Leon Russell fans by highlighting other versions of his music, but also bring new fans into the fold by highlighting how many of today's rising musicians have taken inspiration from him.

Leon Russell's CD "Snapshot" comes unheralded. There are no musicians listed, no writers' credits for the songs. But the music has delightful gems. The double-entendre titled "Come for You" bounces joyfully with romantic bliss as the background singers, stinging electric guitar and Russell's growl-sing make the track shine. "Honey & Eli" is another of my favorites with Russell's signature piano – his fingers seem to bounce along the keyboards – and soul horns to create an intoxicating mix, "I see sweet love there in your eyes; true love cannot be denied." Another gem that should not be confused with the Hank Williams' classic by the same title is the religious but not preachy "I See the Light." Russell is in reflective mood here on the Almighty and the afterlife with a slower beat and his vocals soulful and passionate, "I see a place there in the distance now, a sweet delight, his precious love abounds, I hear his words and then I feel alright; I speak his name; I see the Light." The rest of the CD is a mix with some predictable melodies, but also some joyful surprises. "Lost Inside the Blues" is a strong track. The CD concludes with a Russell instrumental "Friendly Fire." "Snapshot" is a strong set, well worth exploration by fans of Russell and heartfelt roots music. Enjoy!

The Union is a collaboration studio album by singer-songwriters Elton John and Leon Russell, released on 19 October 2010 in the US and on 25 October in the UK. This is the 30th studio album by John and the 34th by Russell. This is the first studio release by John since 1979's Victim of Love without any of his regular band members. It is also his highest charting studio album on the Billboard 200 since 1976's Blue Moves, debuting at No. 3, as well as Russell's highest charting studio album since 1972's Carney. The Union was No. 3 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.

SOMM Recordings is pleased to announce the fourth volume in Leon McCawley’s much-praised series of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Piano Sonatas.

The terms "classic" and "definitive", so overused that they are in danger of losing their meaning, absolutely apply to these recordings. The Fleisher/Szell Brahms Piano Concertos, recorded in 1958 and 1962, had not been available since their 1980s incarnation as Odyssey LPs. Now, in amazingly solid, vibrant remastered sound Sony has resurrected these mighty performances, which along with Fleisher's Beethoven concerto recordings, are vital documents of this pianist's early prowess–stunning technique, penetrating musicianship, and well-channeled passion.

Gold-Diggers Sound is the new album from Leon Bridges. This R&B collection is birthed from extended late nights at the Los Angeles, California studio of the same name. The album celebrates Leon’s immersive experience of creating music in the same East Hollywood room where he lived, worked, and drank over the course of two years. The soulful collaboration between Leon as an artist and the space itself was so encompassing that he chose to name the album after the soon-to-be legendary complex.

Retrospective is an 18-track collection that features the bulk of Leon Russell's greatest hits ("Tight Rope," "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms," "Lady Blue," "Back to the Island"), plus many key album tracks. Since Russell was primarily an album artist, this approach doesn't necessarily do him justice, but for listeners who only want the hits, this will do.

Sony's The Essential Leon Fleisher covers the first and second parts of the pianist's career, from his early successes to his recordings of piano left-hand literature after developing focal dystonia in his right hand. Even though it's a full two-disc collection, and it does cover every genre that Fleisher essayed – concerto, chamber music, solo works – it is just a snapshot, a brief sampling of Fleisher's recorded legacy.