Elton John and Leon Russell - Union

The Union is the collaborative album with Elton John and Leon Russell. The album marks the first time these iconic artists have worked together since 1970. The first single from the album, "“If It Wasn’t For Bad,” was written by Leon Russell and features vocals by Elton John and piano and vocals by Russell along with an extraordinary band bringing a bold rock/country sound organically crafted by these true musical legends. Recorded live in the studio with John and Russell on dueling pianos, the album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. Icons Neil Young and Brian Wilson provide guest vocals on the 14-track along with legendary R&B organist Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph and a 10-piece gospel choir. Produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, The Union was recorded live in the studio with Elton and Leon on dueling pianos. The album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. The 14-track disc includes selections written by Elton and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as the combined incomparable songwriting team encompassing Leon, Elton, Bernie and T Bone. Leon first met Elton in 1970 when he attended Elton’s first ever U.S. show at the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. The meeting heralded the beginning of a long friendship and a mutual appreciation between the two artists. “In the late ’60s and early ‘70s, the one piano player and vocalist who influenced me more than anybody else was Leon Russell,” Elton said. “He was my idol.” The pair went on to tour together shortly thereafter at New York’s Fillmore East and to this day have held such high admiration for each other’s work. After years of being out of touch, Elton listened to Leon’s music while on safari in Africa last summer and was inspired to reconnect with his idol. “Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him,” Russell said. “I’m very happy that he chose me to do this.” Features: • 180g Vinyl • Double LP • Mastered by Gavin Lurssen at Lurssen Mastering, L.A., CA • Double Gatefold Musicians: Elton John, piano Leon Russell, piano Guest Artists: Neil Young, vocals Brian Wilson, vocals Booker T. Jones, organ Robert Randolph, steel guitar Selections: LP 1: 1. If It Wasn't For Bad 2. Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes 3. Hey Ahab 4. Gone To Shiloh 5. Hearts Have Turned To Stone 6. Jimmie Rodgers' Dream 7. There's No Tomorrow 8. Monkey Suit LP 2: 1. The Best Part of the Day 2. A Dream Come True 3. I Should Have Sent Roses 4. When Love Is Dying 5. My Kind of Hell 6. Mandalay Again 7. Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody) 8. In the Hands of Angels