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Music On/Off
 "ANGEL IN DISGUISE": A review from a musicians perspective
HIGHLIGHTS: Sweet Mimi, How Can This Be Love, Angel in Disguise, Lovin' On My Mind, Come For You, Black & Blue, Dyess Colony, Desire Inside Your Eyes
Leon Russell's latest album, 'Angel in Disguise', is his most musically adventurous release in years. Perhaps it's the inspiration of his daughters that fueled the experimental nature of the music. Included in the liner notes is a beautiful and moving poem he wrote to them along with written tributes to him from each of them. Despite the shameful fact that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has yet to recognize him, this album is a reminder that Leon Russell is one of the most brilliant and influential musicians, writers, and arrangers ever.
With arrangements, backing vocals, synthesizers, and guitar sounds reminiscent of the work on his 1975 album, "Will O' The Wisp" (my personal favorite of his), many of the songs seem to be windows to the glorious Seventies in modern frames. The synth solo on "Lovin' On My Mind" is pure Seventies retro, (a GOOD thing!), and Leon actually achieves a heavy feel with synthesizers (a rare talent indeed) in the main hook. Of course, the entire album showcases Leon's burning piano-playing. The fact that this probably goes without saying is a testament to his talent. "Black & Blue" makes great use of Leon's enduring left-hand funk, (hear this one and then listen to Shelter People's "Alcatraz"-you'll see!). And�check out the blistering organ solo on the title track�mighty tasty indeed. The ragtime/stride-flavored piano on "Sweet Mimi" is reminiscent of some tracks on the Carney album; however, it sounds refreshingly new.
One of the reasons I am a Leon fan is his unwillingness to be categorized and his ability to simply (but then again, not so simply!) make good music. 'Angel in Disguise' has musical flavors ranging from his trademark "swamp/boogie" Rock ("Black & Blue") to funky soul ("Come For You") to Country ("Dyess Colony"-which ends in a marvelous Gospel/up-tempo chorus). The backing vocals in "How Can This Be Love" simply make the song; and I'll bet they followed Leon's instructions to the note.
The sound of real drums (as opposed to the drum machines used on recent albums) also gives many of the songs a more organic, earthy feel ("All Through the Night"). For those of us who miss the laid back Chuck Blackwell groove beneath Leon's left hand piano stomp, a human drummer is very refreshing.
In short, 'Angel in Disguise' is the best release from the Master of Space and Time in quite a while. The melodies, arrangements, lyrics, and performances are as good as it gets. The fact that I can't categorize this music is a good thing. Would that more of today's musicians defied the pigeonholing, cookie-cutter trap so gloriously.
by Brent Kessinger (drummer )
Nov. 21, 2006
For sample tracks of this CD, go to Leon's Store BACK
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