Search - Leon Russell :: Live at Gilley's

Energetic "Swamp-Country" Collection

Sanzar Q | PARKTON, MD United States | 04/28/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Those of you who own Russell's vinyl release from 1980, "Leon Live", recorded with bluegrass group New Grass Revival, will enjoy more of the same on this archival release from Q Records (a division of QVC, the TV/online shopping venue). Recorded in 1981 at the world famous Gilley's (Honky Tonk) night club, this set was recorded in analog 24-track & digitally remastered and mixed by "Teddy Jack" (likely Russell himself, in conjunction with his son [and current drummer/percussionist] Teddy Jack Russell). The mix is a little muddy and too bass heavy, no doubt in compensation for the comparatively poor fidelity of recordings of this vintage. Nevertheless, Leon's energy as a live performer comes across just fine, as his raspy vocals and "rave-up",gospel-tinged arrangements invoke a real sense of excitement. Clocking in at a little over 37 minutes, this concert CD obviously leaves out more songs than it includes, which is too bad, given the space available on current CD's - Why not include the whole show? Oh well, make the most of the nuggets - excellent versions of "One More Love Song" (Steel guitar gives this tune a new twist), "Cajun Love Song" & the show-stopping bluegrass tune "Uncle Pen". For average listeners, a rating of "3" - For Leon Lifers (and Fans), a "5". Leon should record EVERY album "Live"."

Leon at his Best

MotherGoose | New York State | 06/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leon Russell is first a musician , and foremost a piano player , that's his genius. It wasn't until his compiling/shaping/molding of the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour with Joe Cocker that we started to see another side of him , the charasmatic side . Every show I've ever seen of Leon's bears this out . His magnetic and charamatic personality coencide beautifully with his music and lyrics . Live , Leon can literally give you "chills" up and down your spine and nothing can match the experience of seeing Leon in person and watch him work/weave his magic with his music . If you've ever seen one of Leon's shows, you know what I'm talking about . If you haven't , this "Live at Gilley's " effort is the next best thing to being there. His energy and sincerety that are displayed here is typical Leon style. He comes at you like a run-away frieght train going down hill on "Mystery Train" , "Truck Drivin' Man ", "Rollin' On " , "Uncle Pen " and "Rollin' in my Sweet Baby's Arms" , and can be haunting on "In the Pines " . As I write this review I forget how much this CD is going for and to tell you the truth I really don't care because it would be worth every penny of the cost ! I've had "Live at Gilley's" in my car CD player for a solid month now and I keep threatening to put another CD in before I get tired/bored with this one. Guess what !?!? It hasn't come out yet ! As you may have gathered by now I highly recommend this CD. If it's highly "electric" Leon you're after, this is it."