The Union
Elton John has said that The Union, his collaboration with rock/pop/R&B legend Leon Russell, is an effort to bring Russell the attention John feels he deserves—including entry to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. To that end, The Union features an all-star cast: producer T-Bone Burnett, lyricist Bernie Taupin, and a…
On the inaugural episode of Elvis Costello’s talk show Spectacle in 2008, Elton John -- who just happened to be a producer on the show -- rhapsodized at length about Leon Russell, hauling out a note-perfect impression of Russell’s piano style and Oklahoma drawl.
Elton and writer Bernie Taupin’s love for great American music was always evident (their 1970 ‘Tumbleweed Connection’ is indebted to The Band) - the addition here of eccentric piano legend Leon
That the album is a failure despite the authentic passion behind it only accentuates its participants’ respective ruts.
Elton's gospel-tinged team-up with pop legend Leon Russell is a credit to them both, says <strong>Alexis Petridis</strong>
The Union's Elton John and Leon Russell is is a rich, lyrical stew. Rating: * * * *