The Union Limited Vinyl 2LP Set

Elton John & Leon Russell The Union Limited Vinyl 2LP Set

Overview:

This highly anticipated album marks the first time the two artists have worked together since 1970. The album was produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, who took home numerous awards in 2009 for his production work on ‘Raising Sand’ with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

‘The Union’ features songs written by John and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as in combination with the talents of Russell and Burnett. World famous photographer Annie Leibovitz photographed the John and Russell for the front cover.

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 16-track record along with legendary R&B organist Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph and a 10-piece gospel choir.

Russell first met John in 1970 when he attended John’s first ever US 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.

After years of being out of touch, John listened to Russell’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.”

The career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than three decades. He is the one of the top-selling solo artists of all time with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums and more than 250m records sold worldwide. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has awarded John multiple Grammys, including the Grammy Legend Award.

Russell has performed his gospel-infused southern boogie piano rock, blues and country music for over 50 years. This legendary and Grammy award winning musician and songwriter has topped music charts, led the famous Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour, performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert for Bangladesh and in 2006 was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Bare Bones International Film Festival.

The job of educating the British public about Russell’s legendary musical status starts on 3rd August when he plays his first UK show in 39 years (at London’s Jazz Café) and records a documentary for Radio 2 about his career.

Featured Tracks

Record 1

Side 1

If It Wasn't For Bad
Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes
Hey Ahab
Gone To Shiloh

Side 2

Hearts Have Turned To Stone
Jimmie Rodgers' Dream
There's No Tomorrow
Monkey Suit

Record 2

Side 1

The Best Part Of The Day
A Dream Come True
I Should Have Sent Roses
When Love Is Dying

Side 2

My Kind Of Hell
Mandalay Again
Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody)
In The Hands Of Angels