Leon Russell - Hank Wilson's Back (CD)

Countryfied Leon

By Eugene  Feb 7, 2001

Although Leon Russell made his name in rock -- as a session musician, Joe Cocker sideman, and solo artist -- his ability to play and sing country and western music could have made him a star in that genre as well. Too bad he sort of vanished off the ...face of the earth in the mid-seventies, or he might have become another Willie Nelson. That's how good he was, as evidenced by this album, which is beautifully produced and contains an assortment of killer mucicians. The group does a wonderful job with both rocking numbers, such as "Roll in my Sweet Baby's Arms" and tear jerkers, such as the Hank Williams classic, "I'm so Lonesome I could Cry." Leon's quirky voice and Okie accent are perfectly suited for this type of stuff. Granted, Russell's voice is an acquired taste. But for those of us who know his unconventional sound and phrasing, this is one terrific album. Read more Less