The world sadly lost a songwriting genius in 2016 with the death of Leon. He has recorded and written for some of the rock world’s most famous people . From Clapton, to Willie Nelson, to Joe Cocker, and Elton John. Leon was looked on as the king of his craft by all who worked with him.
The was his first solo album released on his own label in 1970. His piano playing style had that barroom New Orleans gospel feel which was a very unusual style. The list of guests on this album is like reading an edition of Who’s Who. To name a few: George Harrison and Ringo, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts, and Clapton and Steve Winwood. The whole album has that New Orleans sound, especially tracks like I Put A Spell On you with that fast blues shuffle, and Shoot Out On The Plantation. My favourite track is Pisces Apple Lady, as that is what I regard as Leon at his best. This style was copied by everyone. Listen to this and then listen to early Elton John and Billy Joel and you’ll see where their inspiration came from. This is the 2017 Audio Fidelity reissue and sounds great. RIP Leon!!
8/10 from The Grooveman.
