Leon Russell and his band did the Wall of Sound thing, rocking the Narrows Saturday night with a pedal-to-the-metal show that only paused for a ballad here and there.
He kicked off the night with a song he wrote that was a hit for Joe Cocker, Delta Lady, and finished up with a song--Great Balls of Fire--made famous by a guy Leon toured with when he was but 17: Jerry Lee Lewis.
Leon didn't say much off-stage, though your humble blogger was in the welcoming party escorting Leon from the bus and spoke very briefly with him. "Welcome to Fall River," I said. "Thank you," he replied.
He's an imposing figure, what with the flowing hair and beard, and, more importantly, his musical resume which includes playing on, producing, or writing the songs for a hellava lot of important records in the 1960s and 1970s, including stuff from Joe Cocker, the Byrds etc. You can go to www.leonrussellrecords.com and get the story.
Your humble blogger caught some of the action on camera. Hope you enjoy!
By the way, though I forgot to take a picture, Louie Leeman did an outstanding opening set. Sorry Louie for not catching you this time out. But your blogger was a bit rusty after a couple weeks off. Louie not only showed stellar musicianship, but had a winning rapport with the crowd that warmed them up nicely for Leon and his crew.
3 comments:
Hi,
The show was great!!! I had contacted Leon's Manager about playing at the Narrows Center for the Arts and I can't believe that it has come and gone. I was very humbled that he followed up on my suggestion.
I also did a painting for Leon and was wondering if he received it O.K.? Again, it was a great SOLD OUT show and we hope to see him back in Fall River, MA soon.
Take care and God bless,
Phil O. ><>
Yes Phil, Leon did get the painting...in fact I was involved in the process of getting it in the van, so I know firsthand. He probably saw it the next day. His roadie was very careful with it and was impressed with your work.
Thanks for helping to make it a special night.
Steve your humble blogger and emcee
Hi Steve,
Thanks a lot for your assistance. I sure hope that he comes back to play in Fall River, MA. It was truly a great evening for my seventeenth time seeing him and hearing him.
Thanks for seeing to it that he got the painting. It was a lot of fun doing it for him. You never know where it might end up.
Phil O. ><>
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