Search - Chuck Leavell :: What's in That Bag

What is in that bag? More than you bargained for. Veteran keyboardist Leavell, best know for his work with the Allman Brothers Band and the Rolling Stones, recorded this disc in 1997 for 1,500 of his nearest and dearest friends. It found its way into the hands of Capricorn Records head Phil Walden, who convinced Leavell to put it out commercially. Leavell, always a scrupulous, tasteful player, insisted that he have a chance to record the songs for public consumption, which he did with the help of that old pal and Muscle Shoals producer Jimmy Sandlin on days off during the Stones' Bridges to Babylon tour. The result is an eclectic mix of Southern-fried boogie, pensive blues, and lyrical piano forays, all done with a joyful measure of seasonal panache. Leavell sticks with the tried-and-true Christmas standards and shines most effervescently on the instrumentals. The only mar in this otherwise well-executed package is Leavell's vocals, which are reminiscent of a thinner-voiced Bruce Springsteen. --Jaan Uhelszki