– Leon Russell – Live At Fillmore East – Nov. 20, 1970 – band soundboard –
Four days late, but never too late to celebrate Leon Russell this week. Leon Russell would have turned 83 on April 4th. So as a belated way of tribute to this legendary icon, here is a seldom heard concert from the Fillmore East, recorded on November 20, 1970.
Russell’s music style encompassed rock, country, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, southern rock, blues rock, rock and roll, folk, surf, swamp rock, and Tulsa sound.
Elton John, who had once been Russell’s opening act, acknowledged him as his “biggest influence as a piano player, a singer and a songwriter.” After hearing of Russell’s death he said: “My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. I loved him and always will.” John once recalled:
When Mr. Russell’s “Greatest Hits” album came on one day during the trip, I started to cry, it moved me so much. His music takes me back to the most wonderful time in my life, and it makes me so angry that he’s been forgotten.
Pixies vocalist Black Francis credits Russell with influencing his vocal style: “I realize there’s a certain kind of vocalizing I do that takes its cue from Leon Russell. He sang in a Southern accent but it was very blown-out and exaggerated, very free and loose.” One of Russell’s titles and signature nicknames is “Master of Space and Time”.
For those in the know, this concert has been available in various formats over the years. However, the concert everyone knows about is the one from November 21st, the day after this one. This performance recently surfaced and the sound is quite amazing.
So as a birthday salute – here is that complete concert, as recorded on November 20, 1970.
Enjoy – and step away from the news occasionally.
