Search - Leon Russell :: Hank Wilsons Back

Leon Russell's alter-ego

George A. Sites | Columbus, OH USA | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of four "Hank Wilson" CDs by Leon Russell. I have all four - Hank Wilson's Back, Return of Hank Wilson Vol. 2, A Legend in my Time - Hank Wilson Vol 3, and Hank Wilson Vol 4 - Rhythm & Bluegrass. These songs as performed by Leon seem as if they were written with him in mind. Although he has added a few twists here and there, these songs are as true to the original artists as imaginable. My favorites are Vol 2, 3, 1 and 4 in that order, although I enjoy them all. These are a must-have for all Leon Russell fans."

Leon Russell's Altar Ego Covers Hank Williams

R. Morris | Idaho Falls, ID USA | 05/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fun album by a great rocker. Leon Russell's altar ego Hank Wilson (get it?) returns on this album, which has the ironic title of 'Volume One'. On it, Russell covers many of the great Hank Williams tunes. To truly appreciate this album, it's helpful to have a working knowledge of and appreciation for Hank Williams and his music. If you love Hank Williams, you can't go wrong with Hank Wilson. If you're not a big Hank Williams fan, this might be an album in Leon's catalog to miss. However, do so at your own peril, because it is superb, with great work by all the musicians involved. It'll take you right back to the 40's and 50's, but with Leon's own twist."

Down nostalgia alley

Timothy P. Scanlon | Hyattsville, MDUSA | 01/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On Thanksgiving Day 1974, some college buddies and I left in the falling snow to visit friends and acquaintances in different portions of the US. In those days, we were driving a Subaru, with a casette player. Remember them? As we approached Stillwater, Oklahoma, where a former dorm mate was a doctral student, my former roomie Dennis put on the tape of this gem.



Leon Russell was never all that much of a star. He became a little bigger as one of George Harrison's guests at the Bangla Desh concert. So, while I was familiar with him, I didn't know he was from--Dennis said--Oklahoma! So the tunes stuck with us.



I don't know if they're meant as more of a satire of Leon's own country nostalgia, but they're well done! (At the time, I wasn't into country but bluegrass was pop, so I was familiar with the style).



"She Thinks I Still Care" by Dickey Lee Lipscomb still rings a bell for me. And who can forget Hank Williams "Jambalaya."



"A Six Pack To Go" by Thomson, Lowe, and Hart certainly applied to us in those days.



Then, low and behold, I saw this on Amazon.com as a CD. How could I resist?



To tell you the truth, when I purchased it, I didn't even notice the "bonus tracks," "Hey Good Lookin'" and "In the Jailhouse Now" which add even more charm to a disc already well done.



If you want a county staple, with ringing steel guitar, piano, accoustic guitar, and fine instrumentalists on all of them, this is your choice.



Now, I wonder what Leon's up to these days..."