Sir Elton John: 'I will never write another pop single' Sir Elton John has called time on his song-writing career, declaring himself too old to write another pop single.   By Heidi Blake Published: 11:49AM GMT 31 Oct 2010 Comments Sir Elton John plays the 02 Arena Photo: ITV The man frequently hailed the greatest song-writer of his generation, with hits such as Rocket Man, Your Song and Candle in the Wind, said he can no longer compete with younger stars like Lady Gaga. The 63-year-old said he would continue with several “little side projects”, such as his collaboration with the US pop band Scissor Sisters, but declared that he would never put out another solo single.   In an interview with GQ magazine, he said: “I'm at that stage where I don't think I can write pop music any more. I can't sit down and do a proper rock song. It was okay when I was 25 or 26, but not any more. “I like to do my little side projects like Scissor Sisters and have fun, but I don't think Elton John will be putting any pop singles out." He added: "Look, I'm 63, I don't want to be on VH1 or MTV. I'm not going to compete with JLS or Lady Gaga.” Sir Elton formed half of one of pop's most successful song-writing partnerships with the lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967 and went on to have more than 50 Top 40 hits. Earlier this month he released The Union, an esoteric album of duets with the little-known US singer song-writer Leon Russell. Launching the album at the BBC Electric Proms last week, he said: "I can't make pop records any more and I hate videos. I just watched VH1 and it makes me want to vomit. "I've made 40 odd albums. People aren't screaming for another Elton John record - I'm not screaming to make another record". Sir Elton added: "The singles chart isn't one I'm going to be in". The 63-year-old, who has sold more than 250 million records in a career spanning five decades, recently launched a withering attack on the music industry, declaring that today’s songwriters were “awful” and modern pop singles "all sound the same". He lambasted television talent shows for failing to produce any genuinely gifted stars and said true artisits should write their own material. But despite his vocal contempt for singers such as Alexandra Burke and Leona Lewis who won their fame on ITV's X Factor, he has shown a soft spot for Lady Gaga. Sir Elton performed a duet the flamboyant US singer last February at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The pair performed a “mash-up” of their respective hits Your Song and Speechless sitting opposite each-other at two grand pianos. They have also teamed up to record a single called Hello, Hello for the forthcoming Disney film Gnomeo and Juliet. Lady Gaga, 24, performed at Sir Elton's White Tie and Tiara ball last June and was rewarded with a gift of a vintage tea set from his own chinaware collection. PRESS: Elton John on US tour with Leon Russell http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/pressrelease.cfm?PRID=48674

After conquering position three of the Billboard charts just within days for his latest duet album "The Union" with Leon Russell, Sir Elton is going to play eleven concerts in the US between Nov 3 and Nov 21, 2010.

Date Released: 10/29/2010

Just ten days ago, Elton John has released "The Union", a cooperation with Leon Russell, whom he calls one of his idols. What makes this new album so interesting, and supposedly also successful, is the fact, that Sir Elton and Mr. Russell met at their musical roots and created an atmosphere of pureness and honesty mixed with great joy of playing. Producer T-Bone Burnett, who won the Grammy 2009 for a similar duet project with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, gave "The Union" its authenticity and distinctive, unique character. Another feature to mention: It is Elton John's first album since 30 years without participation of his usual band-mates, only his con-genius songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, participated as customary. Obviously surprised by the extraordinary success of his new album, Sir Elton is just doing a mini US tour, beginning next Wednesday, with concerts only in Los Angeles, Ontario, Phoenix, Hidalgo, Lafayette, Tulsa, Fort Worth, Asheville, Chattanooga, Daytona Beach and Lakeland. Six of these eleven shows are featuring Leon Russell. Besides the songs of the new album including the first single "If It Wasn't For Bad", it can be expected that Elton John and his all-star band will play all the hits of over three decades including "Rocket man", "Crocodile Rock" and "Candle in the Wind". "The Union" surprised already critics as well as fans. We can be curious, what further surprises Sir Elton will deliver in his live shows. Get your Elton John Tickets here

Lady Gaga grava dueto com Elton John

Lady Gaga grava dueto com Elton John e anuncia no Twitter: ‘Está maravilhoso’

Elton John é o novo parceiro de Lady Gaga e, nesta quarta-feira, 27, os dois entraram em estúdio para gravar “Hello, Hello”, o dueto que estão fazendo para o novo filme da Disney, “Gnomeo e Juliet”.
Por volta das 10h, a cantora anunciou em seu Twitter que estava gravando com o cantor inglês e foi só elogios a ele.
“Eltoneo + Guliet!”, brincou Gaga, referindo-se ao nome do filme. “Terminando nosso dueto ‘Hello, Hello’ no estúdio. Está ficando maravilhoso. Só uns toques finais e estará no cinemas”.
Fonte: EGO

Elton John diz: “Michael Jackson sempre almoçava sozinho”

http://newspressrelease.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/elton-john-diz-michael-jackson-sempre-almocava-sozinho/

 

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1 Votes

Olá,

Elton John, que teve oportunidade de conhecer Michael Jackson num almoço em 1993, recorda o músico como uma pessoa “encantadora, amorosa, mas magoado”. Numa entrevista concedida ao jornal “The Telegraph”, o músico foi ainda mais longe nas revelações.

“Ele apareceu e fechou todas as cortinas e aí sim almoçámos. Ele disse que foi a primeira vez que se sentou e almoçou com alguém em dez anos”, recordou Sir Elton John.

Elton diz: “A fama infantiliza as pessoas. Você não vai crescer. Mas graças a Deus, eu disse … Eu me lembro, uma vez de conversar com Michael sobre ”Thriller” e eu disse: ‘Como é que você vai superar isso?’ Ele disse, ‘Oh, o próximo será o dobro “, e pensei:’ Michael, isso não é assim. Você não pode. Você coloca tanta pressão sobre você mesmo. “

Uéh? Ele não almoçava e jantava com os filhos e a babá todos os dias? Isto foi até confirmado pela última cozinheira.

E a anterior Dna Remy que disse que ele vivia recebendo pessoas na casa…

Quem está falando a verdade?

Lyllyan

Fonte: TVi 24

Elton John: "Michael Jackson era encantador

http://bazahger.blogspot.com/2010/10/elton-john-michael-jackson-era.html

Sir Elton John chega para a premier do Reino Unido de "Austrália", no Odeon Leicester Square, em Londres. - Splash News.

Elton John abriu o jogo sobre sua amizade com Michael Jackson, que descreve o final da músicacomo superstar ", encantadora, doce, encantador - danificado. mas '

O cartola gráfico de 63 anos, lembrou que se sentar para comer com Jackson provou ser uma experiência única para o rei do pop.

"Ele veio aqui e fechou todas as cortinas e almoçamos. Ele disse que foi a primeira vez que ele se sentou e fez uma refeição com as pessoas de 10 anos. Ele sempre comer por conta própria, 'John revelou ao Telegraph.

A Candle in the Wind cantora disse que estava preocupado com a tensão Jackson colocou-se abaixo.

"Lembro-me de falar com Michael uma vez quando ele fez Thriller e eu disse: 'Como é que você vai superar isso?'

Ele disse, 'Oh, o próximo vai fazer o dobro "e eu pensei:' Michael, isso não é. Você não pode. Você coloca tanta pressão sobre si mesmo.''

Postado por Bazähger às 09:17

Elton John - The Union Is Top Charting Album In More Than 30 Years

Bill's Top 40 / Pop Blog

By Bill Lamb, Top 40 / Pop Guide

The Return of Elton John - The Union Is Top Charting Album In More Than 30 Years

http://top40.about.com/b/2010/10/27/the-return-of-elton-john-the-union-is-top-charting-album-in-more-than-30-years.htm

Wednesday October 27, 2010

Elton John has not landed an album inside the top 3 on the Billboard album chart for 34 years...until now. The Union, his collaboration with legendary American singer-songwriter Leon Russell, will debut at #3 when the chart is released tomorrow morning. That is the highest position for Elton John since Blue Moves reached #3 in 1976. Elton John has not reached the top 10 on the album chart in the US since 2007 when Rocket Man: Number Ones spent a week at #9. The last time he topped the 80,000 copy sales week of The Union was Christmas week 2002 with another compilation album. This is Elton John's best single week sales for a studio album since 1997's The Big Picture.
The Union is being widely celebrated as a return to the form of Elton John's early 1970s albums as influenced by Leon Russell. Rolling Stone awarded the collection a rare 5-star review. Among the guest musicians on the album are Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Neil Young, Booker T, and Don Was. Elton John is one of the top pop singles artists of all time. He ranked #1 among artists on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1970s. He followed that by ranking in the top 10 in both the 1980s and the 1990s. Check out the single "If It Wasn't For Bad" below.

• Watch "If It Wasn't For Bad"

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Union Gives Elton John Best Chart Position in 34 Years; 38 Years for Russell

http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2010/10/union-gives-elton-john-best-chart.html

Elton John and Leon Russell are seeing chart popularity that they haven't had since the 70's as The Union debuts on the Billboard Album chart at number 3.

While that might seem surprising for John, the fact is that he has not been that high on the chart since 1976's Blue Moves which also peaked at number 3.  Moves was the followup to Elton's Rock of the Westies, the last of his seven number 1 albums.

For Russell, it has been even longer, all the way back to 1972's Carney which went up to number 2.   The Union becomes the second highest charting album of Leon's career if you don't count his appearances on the Mad Dogs and Englishmen and Concert For Bangladesh albums.

The other veteran artists debuting high this week is Rod Stewart with Fly Me to the Moon: The Great American Songbook Volume 5.  The album starts at number 4 with sales of 79,000, one thousand less than John and Russell.  That equals the first volume of the series and is lower than the starts for volumes 2 (#2), 3 (#1) and 4 (#1).

The Union has also helped Russell secure a new co-publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.  Universal now reps all three of the principals who worked on the album (Bernie Taupin being the third).

"Representing three of the greatest songwriters who have ever lived, on one project, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It doesn't get any better than this and we intend to do everything we can, here at Universal Music Publishing Group, to make this an incredibly successful project around the world," said Evan Lamberg, Executive VP of Creative, East Coast, Universal Music Publishing Group. 

Read more: http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2010/10/union-gives-elton-john-best-chart.html#ixzz13lHDryOF

Elton John Not Changing For The Times
Robert Spuhler // Staff Writer

http://kearth101.radio.com/2010/10/27/elton-john-not-changing-for-the-times/

Music,News & Gossip
10/27/2010
12:33 pm

Elton John has a very diverse music collection, and he keeps up with all the newest bands and trends. But the music legend has no interest in changing up what has worked for him all this time, he said.
“I’m always listening to new music,” he explained. “I really love electronic and dance stuff, like Royksopp and Robyn. But I could never do stuff like that because I’m 63 and too old. If I ever tried I wouldn’t be true to myself.”
John stepped outside of his comfort zone recently – slightly – with The Union, a collaborative effort with one of his idols, Leon Russell.

Though John keeps up to date with more modern acts, he admitted that he’d often pop in an old Rolling Stones CD.
“The Rolling Stones album Exile On Main Street is one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll records ever made,” he said. “It was done live, so it’s very loose, a little rough around the edges and isn’t always in perfect time. But that’s the beauty of it, the qualities that make it special.”
Do you think it’s important for someone like John to keep up to date with the Billboard charts nowadays? Or should he feel comfortable just doing his thing – which his fans clearly love?
[Source: Music-News.com]

Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Most Holy of Unions: Elton John and Leon Russell

http://www.fellinlovewithadrummer.com/2010/10/most-holiest-of-unions-elton-john-and.html

Pianists and master songwriters Elton John and Leon Russell will release The Union, an album full of gospel soul and balladry that may make you cry during at least one listen. The ages of John and Russell mean nothing to them at this point; for them, age has no boundaries, only more songs to be sung and stories to tell. The Union, as David Fricke puts it, seems like a "conversation" between two friends. And that's exactly was it is. The album is touching and sassy at times--despite their ages, John and Russell are as sincere and saltier than ever. More importantly, the duo represent the legendary musical friendships that we never had the pleasure of seeing in our generation: Lennon and McCartney, Hendrix and Townsend, Cash and Lewis. However, this perfect union says it best: "Your my best friend. You've shared my crazy ways."

Elton John: 'Michael Jackson Ate On His Own For 10 Years'

Singer says the King of Pop was 'damaged'...

By CJ Rutter on Thursday 28th October 2010
http://www.taletela.com/news/3469/elton-john-michael-jackson-ate-on-his-own-for-10-years



Elton John described a meeting that he had with Michael Jackson, and the 'Candle In The Wind' legend said that the late King of Pop was a "damaged man" as he couldn't grow up and put too much pressure on himself.
John revealed that Jackson used to come to his shows with Elizabeth Taylor and he said that the 'Thriller' hitmaker kept pressuring himself to be better.
John described a time when Jackson visited him at home. Talking to The Daily Telegraph, John said: "[He was] charming, sweet, lovely - but damaged.
"He came down here and we closed all the curtains and had lunch. He said it was the first time he’d sat down and had a meal with people for 10 years. He would always eat on his own.
"Fame infantilises people. You don’t ever grow up. But thank God, I did."
John, who is releasing a new album called 'The Union' next week, also said: "I remember talking to Michael once when he did Thriller and I said, 'How are you going to top that?' He said, 'Oh, the next one's going to do twice as much', and I thought, Michael, it’s not. You can’t. You put so much pressure on yourself."
Check out our pictures of Michael Jackson's children in Hawaii on the first anniversary of their father's death...

Elton John, Leon Russell tuneful

http://www.caller.com/news/2010/oct/29/john-russell-tuneful-stewart-phones-one-in/

Rod Stewart phones one in

• Jesse De Leon/Special to the Caller-Times
• Corpus Christi Caller Times
• Posted October 29, 2010 at 5:23 a.m.

Contributed photos

Elton John’s latest addition to his impressive album list is “The Union” (Decca/Rocket), a collaboration with Leon Russell. HH½

CORPUS CHRISTI — Elton John’s impressive discography reaches back nearly 40 years.
His first collection, Elton John, began an unbroken streak of album releases in 1970 that have included such essential titles as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Blue Moves” and “The One.” The latest addition to that long and impressive list is “The Union” (Decca/Rocket), a collaboration with Leon Russell that finds the often times flamboyant pianist scaling back his musical approach that allows him to focus more sharply on his playing and singing and less on his reliance on lavish studio production.
That more organic sound is largely due to the presence of Grammy-winning producer T Bone Burnett at the control board. Burnett’s deft touch and masterful, understated way of creating the perfect aural backdrop for each track allows John and Russell the luxury of being able to turn in warm, comfortable performances on each of the album’s 16 tracks. Considering Russell’s impressive resume, (he’s got a string of well-regarded albums of his own, as well as having played with George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, just to mention a few), his teaming up with Elton makes sense.
Highlights include the romantic dream that comes to life on “The Best Part of the Day” and the equally sentimental “Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody).” The only misstep is a klutzy “Monkey Suit” that sounds like it was an outtake from one of Elton’s ‘80s albums. Still, from the sound of such interesting entries as the world-weary “There’s No Tomorrow,” the heartbreaking “When Love Is Dying” and the gently rocking “Jimmie Rodgers’ Dream,” it’s clear that the admiration these two piano pros have for each other is personally and musically mutual.
Rod Stewart has traveled a long way from where he started. Initially garnering attention as the gravelly-voiced lead singer of the Faces, the rock and roll showman struck out on his own at the beginning of the ‘70s and met with even greater success as a solo artist largely due to “Maggie May,” his chart topper from 1971. His string of hits continued well into the early ‘90s, and his “Unplugged and Seated” album in 1993 was an unexpected hit that marked a career renaissance for the spiky-haired singer. But as the new millennium approached, Stewart became unsure of which direction he should take. Perhaps the flood of covers albums by more than a handful of artists influenced him to take a similar route, and he opted to take a risk and record an album of standards.
These were songs that came from an era so far removed from the rock and roll territory in which he felt the most comfortable. On the resulting “Great American Songbook” series of albums, Stewart attempted to reclaim songs originally performed by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. The discs were so well received that Stewart eventually released four volumes of the highly successful Songbook series. With the exception of a ‘70s rock covers album he recorded in 2006, Stewart has obviously been more inclined to croon than to rock, and he returns to that old formula on “Fly Me to the Moon: The Great American Songbook, Vol. 5” (J Records), his latest.

Rod Stewart has been more inclined to croon than to rock, and he returns to that old formula on “Fly Me to the Moon: The Great American Songbook, Vol. 5” (J Records), his latest. H

Stewart wastes no time loosening his tie and getting comfortable behind the microphone with martini in hand to warble on such evergreens as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “I’ve Got the World On A String.” Perhaps the most embarrassing moment here is his version of “Moon River,” Andy Williams’ signature tune. One can’t help but remember Williams’ velvety vocal delivery, and Stewart’s attempt is the album’s most incongruous moment. Unfortunately, throughout much of the rest of the album, it sounds like Stewart is more than mildly removed from the whole affair, as if he’s barely enjoying himself. Of course, one wouldn’t expect anything edgy or gritty from the man who once asked the world if it thought he was sexy, but judging from “Fly Me to the Moon,” the resounding answer this time around would clearly be a “no.”


Preview: BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms 2010 by Michael Hubbard
http://festivals.musicomh.com/pr_electric-proms-2010_1010.htm


BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms: Elton John
The rebranded BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms this year channels all its energy and resources into three nights of programming at the festival's base, Camden's Roundhouse. Each night is headlined by a certifiably huge act of the sort that appeals direct to the audience of the nation's most listened-to radio station, BBC Radio 2.
Elton John opens the series in the week his album The Union, made with Santa Claus-bearded Leon Russell, is released. Russell will be on hand along with assorted other guests to help the knight of the piano through his set. Support comes from Rumer, whose debut album follows the week after and is being talked of in hushed tones as less '70s homage and more companion piece to the greats. Plan B's also about, continuing to build on his change-of-direction success and revisiting the Roundhouse after headlining a Camden Crawl gig there earlier this year.
The middle night is the domain of Robert Plant, whose reconstituted Band Of Joy released an eponymous album earlier this year and who shows no sign at all of needing Led Zeppelin reunions to keep his creativity flowing.
Closing the series is Neil Diamond, whose album of covers, Dreams, is released the week after the festival. Joining him will be Amy McDonald and, oh yes indeed, Lulu.
In past years the Electric Proms has sought to entertain a wide variety of audiences, showcasing new bands, commissioning collaborations and promoting acts whose profiles would be boosted by the exposure. By focussing on radio-friendly artists with giant reputations the series has done much to define itself, though the loss of the edgier, hungrier acts is to be lamented. Yet with the Camden Crawl expanding to a three-day jamboree in 2011, there's room still for all in NW1; having what for all the world looks like a gala series underlines that Camden Town really is the heartland of London's thriving music scene.

BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms takes place from 28 to 30 October 2010 in the Roundhouse, London. Tickets, live broadcasts, post-show highlights and further information are available from bbc.co.uk/electricproms.

Elton John on MJ: “He Was Charming, Sweet, Lovely – But Damaged”

http://mediaoutrage.com/2010/10/28/elton-john-on-mj-he-was-charming-sweet-lovely-but-damaged/

Posted by Media Outrage on October 28th, 2010

Elton John was asked about his relationship with Michael Jackson and he had this to say:
While promoting his new album “The Union,” Elton John was asked about his close relationship with Michael Jackson, and described the late singer as a “damaged” man in the later years of his life.
John, who revealed that Jackson came to his gigs with Elizabeth Taylor, said that he put too much pressure on himself to be successful. Recalling a time Jackson visited his home, John told the Telegraph: “[He was] charming, sweet, lovely – but damaged.
“He came down here and we closed all the curtains and had lunch. He said it was the first time he’d sat down and had a meal with people for 10 years. He would always eat on his own.”
“Fame infantilizes people. You don’t ever grow up. But thank God, I did,” said John.
He continued: “I remember talking to Michael once when he did ‘Thriller’ and I said, ‘How are you going to top that?’ He said, ‘Oh, the next one’s going to do twice as much’, and I thought, Michael, it’s not. You can’t. You put so much pressure on yourself.”

Elton John The Union The album debuts at #3, selling 80,000 copies

 

 

Sugarland Top Kings Of Leon For #1 On Billboard Albums Chart With "The Incredible Machine"

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7020349966?Sugarland%20Top%20Kings%20Of%20Leon%20For

Anthony Jones - AHN Entertainment Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) - Hit country duo Sugarland earn their third #1 album on the Billboard chart this week with the release of “The Incredible Machine.” “The Incredible Machine,” their fourth studio album, sold 203,000 copies in its first week. The duo, made up of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, last hit #1 with their live Wal-Mart exclusive album “Live on the Inside” in 2009 and their previous studio album “Love on the Inside” in 2008.

Sugarland’s tally was enough to beat out the debut from Kings of Leon, who come in at #2 with their latest “Come Around Sundown. Their first album since 2008’s “Only by the Night,” the Kings earn their best sales week and highest chart position with “Come Around Sundown,” which sold 184,000 copies in its first week.

Elton John and Leon Russell earn the next highest debut (there’s seven in the top 10 this week) with their collaboration album, “The Union.” “The Union” earned both John and Russell their highest-charting albums since the 70’s (John with “Blue Moves” in 1976, Russell with “Carney” in 1972). The album debuts at #3, selling 80,000 copies.

Rod Stewart continues to earn top 10 albums with his successful pop standard cover series “The Great American Songbook.” The latest, “Fly Me to the Moon,” comes in at #4 in its first week, moving 79,000 copies. Last week’s #1, Lil Wayne’s “I Am Not a Human Being,” is down to #5 this week, selling 65,000 copies.

The latest soundtrack from the hit show “Glee” comes in at #6. This time, it’s for their tribute to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show. “Glee: The Rocky Horror Glee Show” sells 48,000 copies in its first week, their lowest chart start yet but could climb following Tuesday night’s airing.

Shakira debuts at #7 this week with her latest Spanish-language album, “Sale el Sol.” “Sale el Sol” is her fourth top 10 album, selling 46,000 copies in its first week on the strength of first single “Loca” and its inclusion of worldwide hit “Waka Waka (Time for Africa).” It’s her first album since last year’s “She Wolf.”

Eminem drops down three spots to #8 this week with “Recovery,” selling 43,000 copies. Christian rockers Third Day debut at #9 with “Move,” selling 37,000. Darius Rucker drops down eight spots from #2 last week to #10 with “Charleston, SC 1966,” selling 37,000 copies this week.


Billboard Top 200 Albums Week Ending November 6th, 2010:
1. The Incredible Machine, Sugarland
2. Come Around Sundown, Kings of Leon
3. The Union, Elton John and Leon Russell
4. Fly Me to the Moon, Rod Stewart
5. I Am Not a Human Being, Lil Wayne
6. Glee: The Rocky Horror Glee Show, Glee
7. Sale El Sol, Shakira
8. Recovery, Eminem
9. Move, Third Day
10. Charleston, SC 1966, Darius Rucker

______________________




FROM BILLBOARD:

Sugarland and Kings of Leon's sets are two of seven new entries in the top 10 this week. Following them at No. 3 is Elton John and Leon Russell's collaboration album, "The Union" (80,000), and at No. 4, Rod Stewart's "Fly Me To The Moon" (79,000).

For John, it's the legend's highest charting set since 1976's "Blue Moves" peaked at No. 3. John last reached the top 10 with the greatest hits set "Rocket Man: Number Ones" in 2007, when it debuted and peaked at No. 9. And, with "The Union's" 80,000 start, it marks John's best sales week since December 2002, when "Greatest Hits 1970-2002" shifted 108,000 over Christmas week. (Also impressive: "Union" earns him his highest frame for a studio effort since "The Big Picture" bowed with 101,000 at No. 9 in 1997.)
As for Russell, he last went higher with the No. 2 set "Carney" in 1972, which spent four weeks in the runner-up slot. It's his highest charting set.

____________________________

The Union in at number 3!

The Union in Billboard album chart at number 3
By the Editor/eltonjohn.com

Elton John and Leon Russell must be grinning today as they rehearse for
tomorrow's Electric Proms concert - their album,
The Union has entered the
American Billboard Top 200 album chart at Number 3. Congratulations to Elton,
Leon and everybody involved with this wonderful album, and thanks to you if
bought the album and helped attain this amazing chart position.

Elton trivia fans may be interested to know that his last album to enter the Billboard chart this high was Blue Moves, back in November, 1976!


_______________________________________________


THE UNIONINTERNET first week peak:

USA Amazon.com n.1
ITUNES: n.6
_______________________________________________



Rolling STONES USA - 5 stars
Uncut - 4 stars
Guardian UK - 4 stars
The Indipendent UK - 5 Stars

Download Elton John & Leon Russell - The Beacon 2010 mp3

Elton John & Leon Russell - The Beacon 2010

http://bootlegtunzworld.blogspot.com/2010/10/elton-john-leon-russell.html

This is an audience recording~

and it sounds pretty damn good!

Elton John & Leon Russell

Beacon Theatre

New York, NY

October 19, 2010

Recorded ,Transferred And Uploaded By Keith Litzenberger 

Recording Location: Loge Row B

Setlist:

Leon Russell

01 Intro

02 Intro #2

03 Tight Rope

04 Prince Of Peace

05 A Song For You

06 Delta Lady

07 Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms 

08 Stranger In A Strange Land

Elton John & Leon Russell

09 If It Wasn't For Bad

10 Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes

11 Hey Ahab

12 Gone To Shiloh

13 Jimmie Rodgers' Dream

14 There's No Tomorrow

15 Monkey Suit

16 The Best Part Of The Day

17 A Dream Come True

18 I Should Have Sent Roses

19 When Love Is Dying

** DISC BREAK **

20 Band Intro

21 Hearts Have Turned To Stone

22 Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody)

23 In The Hands Of Angels

Elton John

24 Burn Down The Mission

25 Levon

26 Tiny Dancer

27 Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun

28 I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues 

29 Your Song

30 Take Me to the Pilot

31 Sad Songs (Say So Much)

32 The Bitch Is Back

Elton John & Leon Russell

33 Hey Ahab

no covers

but TONS of photos

mp3/320k/360mb

DOWNLOAD

http://rapidshare.com/#!download|107|426911797|DINO_EJLR10.rar|358762




password: bootlegtunzworld

Elton John, um compulsivo por discos

Cantor tem 70.000 CDs guardados em 4 casas na Inglaterra

http://veja.abril.com.br/noticia/celebridades/elton-john-um-compulsivo-por-discos

( Larry Busacca Getty Images)

O cantor Elton John se revelou ao jornal britânico Telegraph um compulsivo por comprar discos. Ao todo, ele guarda 70.000 CDs nas quatro casas que mantém na Inglaterra. À moda antiga, o cantor não tem iPod, nem computador, jamais ouviu música em formato virtual. “Todo mundo coloca os discos no telefone. Eu me sinto um velho rabugento, mas escolhi não fazer parte disso.”

Segundo o jornal, Elton John recebe semanalmente uma lista dos discos que estão no topo das paradas inglesas e americanas e também os próximos lançamentos. Então assinala os que quer comprar. Alguns discos são comprados em quatro unidades, um para cada uma de suas casas. Segundo ele, “é uma questão de princípio não aceitar um disco grátis. Não quero ter em nenhum dos meus discos um adesivo promocional de gravadora”.

O discos, assim que chegam, são organizados junto aos demais em ordem alfabética. Os mais recentes são postos de acordo com a mais recente posição no ranking da Billboard. Para se ter uma ideia da paranoia do cantor com seus discos, em 1990, quando foi internado numa clínica de reabilitação com o namorado, Hugh Williams, o médico pediu que cada um listasse o defeito do outro.

Williams não poupou o marido. “Elton bebe muito, usa drogas e é bulímico”. O cantor, por sua vez, devolveu a lista com apenas um ponto: “Hugh sempre deixa os CDs desorganizados”.

Tags: elton john.

Neil Young e Elton John fazem show beneficente nos EUA
25 de outubro de 2010 • 09h47

http://musica.terra.com.br/noticias/0,,OI4753796-EI1267,00.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Um evento beneficente em Mountain View, na Califórnia, reuniu grandes nomes da música neste final de semana. Na noite de domingo, músicos como Neil Young, Elton John e Elvis Costello se apresentaram no Bridge School Benefit.
Ouça Neil Young grátis no Sonora
Os músicos arrecadaram fundos para a escola, uma instituição especial que ajuda crianças com dificuldades de locomoção e problemas de comunicação.
No palco, o compositor Neil Young ainda recebeu a companhia da mulher, Pegi, que cantou junto e ainda ganhou um beijo. O ator Jeff Bridges também se apresentou no evento.

THE NEW ELTON JOHN PICS

THE NEW ELTON JOHN PICS

http://eltonjohnspics.blogspot.com/2010/10/elton-john-and-leon-russell-live-from.html










http://eltonjohnspics.blogspot.com/2010/10/elton-john-and-leon-russell-live-from.html

Elton John and Leon Russell Form Perfect 'Union'

http://www.billboard.com/news/elton-john-and-leon-russell-form-perfect-1004118675.story#/news/elton-john-and-leon-russell-form-perfect-1004118675.story

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Artists in this Article

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Elton John

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Leon Russell

Talk to Elton John and it's likely that sooner rather than later, he will tell you that Leon Russell is his idol. Which isn't an unexpected statement to make, considering that the next entry in John's discography without end is "The Union," a duet album with the 68-year-old Russell, produced by T Bone Burnett, to be released Oct. 19 by Decca.

But John doesn't have to swear on the family Bible that he's not just blowing celebrity smoke. "Leon Russell is my idol" is like a mantra John recited unprompted during interviews throughout his career. In 1970 and 1971, from Rolling Stone to Melody Maker to Georgia Straight, a weekly in Vancouver, British Columbia, it was always "my idol."

From the late 1960s through 1972, piano player, songwriter, singer, performer, producer and bandleader Russell seemed to be everywhere: Playing sessions with Delaney & Bonnie; writing classics like "A Song for You" and "Superstar"; putting together the large band, arrangements and songs for Joe Cocker's famed Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. And on his own Shelter Records (formed with former partner Denny Cordell), Russell had a productive career as a solo artist, with hit singles ("Tight Rope") and albums ("Carney"), a deserving legend in his own time.

Elton John and Leon Russell Release First Single from Collaborative Album

And then that time passed. Russell never stopped working, though in relative obscurity. And so John sees "The Union" as the first step in a long-term project with a purpose: To restore Russell to what he and many others believe is his rightful place in the rock pantheon, secure him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-and get him more comfortable travel accommodations.

"I want to make sure he has a great career ahead of him," John, 63, says in a phone interview from Europe. "I don't want him driving around the country doing five shows a week in his bus any more. I just want him to be comfortable, have a new publishing deal, get him back into public consciousness and keep him there."

Russell certainly appreciates the efforts John has been making. "Between he and his manager, Johnny Barbis, they treat me like a king," Russell says in a phone interview from his home in Nashville. He jokes that at 68, he's "too old to be on the road," then qualifies that.

"I'm happy to have a job," says Russell, whose touring schedule in September listed such gigs as Tavern on the Main in Wise, Va.; Voodoo Lounge in St. Louis; and Knuckleheads in Kansas City, Mo. That's quite a contrast from New York's Madison Square Garden in 1971, where he was a pivotal player and performer on George Harrison's 1971 "Concert for Bangladesh," rock's first all-star benefit extravaganza. Russell's spotlight revival-style version of the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" just about stole the show from Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and all the others who were the piano player's peers.

The road now is far less glamorous. "It would be better if we had a slightly better bus, but it's what we do," Russell says. Yet he sounds like a man who's comfortable in his own skin wherever he is. "I'm always home," he says. "It's just that every day when I wake up I'm in a different location. I appreciate Elton trying to raise my [travel] class, though."

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

John's dedication to elevating the autumn years of his longtime idol is the result of an epiphany in January 2009 in South Africa, at a wildlife and game preserve where the singer/songwriter and his partner David Furnish and friends have started each new year on safari for the past seven or so years. "No, I do not shoot the animals, 100% no," John says, appalled at the thought. "That's so barbaric . . . I would kill someone who shot animals."

Furnish played a Russell recording and John began to weep, as the music transported him back to the days of miracle and wonder at the outset of his career. "It was the most artistic and creative time you could ever imagine," John says. And he deemed it an injustice that Russell, who galvanized so much of the creativity of the late '60s and early '70s, was no longer getting the attention he deserved.

After calling Russell, John phoned Burnett, to whom he had never spoken, but whom he knew was the person to produce the album.

"It's hard to do a duets record that doesn't sound forced," John says. "I wanted it to be like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' 'Raising Sand,' " which Burnett produced.

Burnett also won an Academy Award in March for his work as composer and producer of the music in the movie "Crazy Heart." The film featured Jeff Bridges as an aging country star who gets back on his feet with the help of a former protégé turned superstar.

"Leon's career in recent years has been like 'Crazy Heart' without the drugs and booze," John says. "Not bitter, not the slightest bit bitter, but maybe he lost his confidence."

Russell was reportedly a little dazed when sessions for "The Union" began last winter. He had been out of the hospital for only about a week following brain surgery to correct a leak of spinal fluid from his nose, according to John. He and Russell appeared at the MusiCares tribute to Neil Young on Jan. 30, and the next night Russell performed at the Grammy Awards with the Zac Brown Band.

Though Russell has recorded prolifically through the years (his buoyant 2008 gospel album, "A Mighty Flood," is a recent treat), it has been some time since he's been surrounded by such first-class talent in the studio. Besides the two highly regarded piano players, Burnett brought most of his usual crew of musicians, including guitarist Marc Ribot, bassist Dennis Crouch and drummers Jim Keltner and Jay Bellerose. Keltner has not only worked with Burnett for 40 years: He was the man with the sticks on many of the records and tours that Russell helped make famous.

The 14 songs on "The Union" were written by John, his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, Burnett and Russell, in different combinations. The seven new John/Taupin compositions, especially "Gone to Shiloh," "Hey Ahab" and (with Burnett) "Jimmie Rodger's Dream," evoke the jaunts through early Americana they took on such '70s albums as "Tumbleweed Connection."

Russell has co-writes with Taupin ("I Should Have Sent Roses") and with John ("A Dream Come True"), but his solo compositions bookend the album: The bouncing, bluesy "If It Wasn't for Bad" kicks off the record, and the delicate, spiritual "The Hands of Angels" closes it.

There's one song on which all share credit, along with 71-year-old soul-gospel shouter from Atlanta the Mighty Hannibal (aka James Shaw). On the album, it's called "There's No Tomorrow," which is a three-word chorus from the Mighty Hannibal's best-known tune, "Hymn No. 5," a chilling antiwar song released in 1966 as the fighting in Vietnam was accelerating.

"Leon started playing that song in the studio; he said, 'Do you know that Mighty Hannibal song?' " Burnett recalls. "It's got an incredible chorus, but the words were spoken about Vietnam, and it just wouldn't work with Elton and Leon singing about Vietnam. So we called him up and asked if he would mind co-writing a song with us. Elton picked up the phone and said, 'Hello, I'm Elton John. I'm a piano player and songwriter, and we'd like to write some new words for 'Hymn No. 5.' "

Russell got a chuckle when he got on the phone with the Mighty Hannibal. "He said, 'Leon, you're my idol too. You came to Atlanta 20 years ago and went on the radio and said, 'Welcome to Atlanta, home of the Mighty Hannibal.' "

Next: Russell Recalls His Star-Crossed First Meeting with John

The album is a natural blend of John's and Russell's styles, which weren't so dissimilar to start with. Each of them helped reinvigorate and redefine the place of piano in the rock and pop of the guitar-dominated early '70s.

Russell, from Tulsa, Okla., was a teenager when he moved to Los Angeles and became a studio musician, a brick in Phil Spector's Wall of Sound and frequent participant in early Beach Boys sessions. He was a slim, lanky Mr. Everything with shoulder-length silver hair and onstage, at times, a top hat. His breakout was as a piano player on Delaney & Bonnie's "Accept No Substitute," the 1969 album that helped create the Southern rock explosion of the '70s.

"It seemed the core of that time for me," Burnett says. (When Delaney & Bonnie went on tour with Blind Faith, Eric Clapton so preferred their music to his own that he quit Blind Faith and signed on for 1970's "Delaney & Bonnie and Friends On Tour With Eric Clapton.")

John became a star almost instantaneously in 1970, thanks to the rarest of combinations: relentless hype by his American label, Universal/MCA, and talent that could match (and at times surpass) the expectations raised by the hardball promotion.

In one of rock's great upstart-meets-idol moments, Russell was one of many members of Los Angeles' rock royalty who thronged the 300-seat Troubadour for John's career-rocketing U.S. debut in August 1970.

"We had tried to get Elton for Shelter Records, but we missed him by a couple of weeks," Russell says. They did some shows together, John opening for Russell, at New York's Fillmore East in 1971. "I went out to watch one of them and said, 'My career's over. This guy is so much better than me,' " Russell recalls.

Russell's career wasn't over. But the music culture that had universally embraced both John and Russell was becoming sliced and diced by tightly formatted radio stations. Indulging his musical curiosity, Russell released a pure honky-tonk country album introducing an alter ego on "Hank Wilson's Back, Vol. I" in 1973: a fine record that may have diluted what would now be called his "brand" and sowed more confusion the following year when he released the self-explanatory "Stop All That Jazz."

In fact, it's a reasonable question to ask Decca GM Paul Foley: How will his label-Universal's adult and classical imprint-sell this classy collaboration by two artists whose sales heyday was decades ago?

"What we do is adult music," Foley says, "whether it's a PBS show, Broadway cast album or Sting's 'If on a Winter's Night' [on Universal's Deutsche Grammophon]. We're experienced marketing to people without a hit single or MTV."

Media coverage will focus on mainstream outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, "CBS Sunday Morning" and "The View."

Decca has already had events with key retailers in Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Austin and Amarillo, Texas, Foley says, with listening sessions and viewings of an electronic press kit excerpted from footage by Cameron Crowe. The former Rolling Stone wunderkind turned film director ("Almost Famous," "Jerry Maguire") had his cameras rolling through the recording sessions for "The Union" and plans to screen his documentary about the event in February 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival.

Foley says the album will be in Best Buy and Target circulars during street week and will be sold at Starbucks, but there aren't any retail exclusives. But there will be a deluxe edition with two bonus tracks and a longer DVD version of Crowe's press kit.

At retail, Russell can count on the enthusiasm and good will of record store owners like Terry Currier of Music Millennium in Portland, Ore. Currier regards the first rock concert he ever saw-a Russell show in 1973 at Portland Memorial Coliseum-as a life-changing event. Currier was a high school senior. When a guidance counselor asked where his college applications were, Currier told him, "I'm 17 years old, an assistant manager of a record store making $2.25 an hour . . . It doesn't get any better than this."

With Russell and John such longtime personal favorites, Currier will pull out the stops for the album in the alt-rock magnet of Portland. "We will be putting up displays, giving it good in-store play, telling our customers through our e-mail newsletter and Facebook and just talking it up to those who shop our store."

There will also be a John/Russell tour beginning Oct. 19 at New York's Beacon Theatre. After a stop in London to play the Roundhouse on Oct. 28, Russell and John will hit select American cities again from Nov. 3 (Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles) through Nov. 21 at the Lakeland (Fla.) Center.

But John says he isn't through with Russell, not by a long shot: They expect to do more North American dates in 2011 and plan to do more recording as well.

"I want to make a record of 1950s songs, recording live with an orchestra, having Leon play piano and me just sing," John says. "I should have gotten in touch with him, maybe years before, but I'm a great believer that everything happens at the time it's supposed to. This is just such a joyous thing. I want to see his smile when he sees his name on the charts again."

ELTON JOHN COVER ROGÉRIO MARTINS

Out

22

Nelly Furtado prepara novo álbum de originais
http://www.myway.pt/#/noticia/nelly_furtado_prepara_novo_album_de_originais_1810/

Tiago Prata - 2010.10.22 - 00:13

Nelly Furtado já tem metade do próximo disco de originais pronto,que tem como título provisório “Lifestyle”, e deve sair em 2011.

“’Lifestyle’ é definitivamente inspirado por muita da música que está a sair agora”, declarou Nelly Furtado.

Este álbum será o primeiro de Nelly a contar com apenas canções em inglês, e tem estado a ser gravado principalmente com Salaam Remi, mas Nelly também já experimentou reggae com o produtor Stupid Genius e já trabalhou com Michael Angelakos, dos Passion Pit.

Nelly Furtado também trabalhou com Elton John numa versão de “Crocodile Rock” para o filme de animação “Gnomeo e Juliet”, que estreará em 2011.


ELTON JOHN COVER ROGÉRIO MARTINS

dia 23/10/2010
restaurante costela brasileira
www.costelabrasileira.com.br

dia 26/10/2010
Shopping Tatuapé-São Paulo
show da Alpha FM 18:00hs

dia 30/10/2010
HSBC-São Paulo
no show do All You Need is Love





shows Especiais no Aniversário do Shopping Metrô Tatuapé
http://www.otoupeira.com.br/secao_texto.asp?id=3421&cat=15

Um dos shoppings mais importantes da região Leste completa 13 anos este mês, e para celebrar a data, presenteará o público com uma programação especial de shows.

A praça de eventos do Shopping Metrô Tatuapé será palco das performances covers de três nomes de peso da música internacional. As apresentações fazem parte do projeto Domingo Musical, que há quatro anos promove a cultura na região, levando aos clientes importantes atrações artísticas dos cenários nacional e internacional.

O primeiro show acontecerá na terça-feira, 26 de outubro, com o grupo Rocket Man, que apresentará um repertório de músicas do excêntrico cantor inglês Elton John, um dos maiores artistas vivos, com mais de 200 milhões de álbuns vendidos. Entre os hits interpretados pelo talentoso artista cover Rogério Martins, estarão "Skyline Pigeon", "Nikita", "Your Song", e "Sacrifice".

Na quarta-feira, 27 de outubro, é a vez da banda Bee Gees One Cover subir ao palco. Crianças, jovens e adultos poderão curtir uma verdadeira viagem no tempo com as performances de músicas dos irmãos Gibb. A apresentação abrangerá todas as fases dos 40 anos de carreira do grupo, levando para o público, arranjos, figurinos, instrumentos, atuações de palco e, principalmente, harmonia vocal particular, sua marca registrada.

A Jazz Big Band apresentará um tributo ao cantor norte-americano Frank Sinatra, no dia 28 de outubro, quinta-feira. Em celebração à vida e obra do artista tido como a voz do século XX, o show "Sinatra – O Homem e a Música" contemplará a união da voz de Luiz Mirabelli e cantores, com os acordes de orquestra e banda. Sucessos inesquecíveis como "Fly me to the moon", "My Way" e "New York, New York" prometem deixar a apresentação emocionante.

A programação especial de aniversário é aberta ao público e as apresentações ocorrem na Praça de Eventos, no piso Tatuapé. A estrutura conta com uma área VIP com 200 assentos, mas é possível assistir aos espetáculos dos outros andares do Shopping.

Para ter acesso a esta área, é necessário retirar uma senha antecipadamente no SAC. As senhas são limitadas e distribuídas aos clientes por ordem de procura.

No dia do show, não há distribuição de senha. Mais informações podem ser obtidas por telefone: (11) 2090-7420.

da Redação OToupeira - redacao@otoupeira.com.br

Publicado em: 20/10/2010
 

Elton John and Ray Cooper - Teatro Antico Taormina (24 September 2010)

Elton John and Ray Cooper - Teatro Antico Taormina (24 September 2010)

Author: thekid1402 | 22-10-2010, 07:38 | Views: 1
http://turbofile.org/music/38190-elton-john-and-ray-cooper-teatro-antico-taormina-24-september-2010.html

Elton John and Ray Cooper - Teatro Antico Taormina (24 September 2010) 1CD | Unknown Rip | FLAC(tracks), No CUE, No LOG | 2:23:35 | Covers Scans | 995 MB Genre: Pop, Rock

Live and direct FM radio broadcast by Radio2 RAI [second channel of italian national radio] from Teatro Antico, Taormina (Italy) on friday 24 September 2010, 21:14 hours.

TRACKLIST

01-intro 3.07
02-The One 6.30
03-Sixty Years On 4.53
04-The Greatest Discovery 5.00
05-Border Song 3.41
06-The Ballad Of The Boy In The Red Shoes 4.29
07-The Emperor's New Clothes 4.23
08-I Guess That's Why They Called The Blues 4.43
09-Rocket Man 9.25
10-Tiny Dancer 6.41
11-Philadelphia Freedom 6.10
12-Your Song 4.15
13-Funeral For A Friend 4.57
14-Tonight 6.33
15-Better Off Dead 2.57
16-Levon 7.42
17-Gone To Shilo 5.15
18-Indian Sunset 7.02
19-I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself 3.30
20-Daniel 4.07
21-Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word 4.04
22-Take Me To The Pilot 10.25
23-Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me 6.08
24-Benny And The Jets 7.05
25-Crazy Water 5.41
26-encore break 2.36
27-outro 2.16

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The Union
http://store.gotdownloads.com/elton/

Vinyl / Four sides, 180 grams

Sold Out

Get notified when more arrive!

• Exclusive Limited Edition Autographed Elton John and Leon Russell "The Union" Vinyl.
• Signed on the front cover in silver marker by Elton John and Leon Russell. Sold in a black metal frame with plexiglass, certificate of authenticity and numbered hologram sticker. Finished frame size is 12 1/2" x 12 1/2".

Elton John spiked to play piano
http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?locID=1.65.68&article_id=46789

22.10.10

Sir Elton John's friends once spiked his dinner with cocaine to make him play the piano all-night.

In a new documentary focusing on how he became a superstar in America, the singer-and-pianist reveals his pals put the class A drug in his food to improve his performance.

Elton, 63, said: "I left at 7.30 in the morning and I thought, 'I've never stayed up until 7.30 before but I feel really good!' Years later I learned they had put cocaine in my food."

Rocker Danny Hutton, who played in US rock band Three Dog Night, admitted he was behind the spiking, saying: "I might have forgot to tell him. Well it certainly didn't hurt him. He went on to be quite successful."

The documentary, titled 'Madman Across The Water: The Making Of Elton', charts Elton's rise from an unknown British musician to a huge star in the late 60s and early 70s.

Talking about how he found himself hanging out with the biggest stars of the day - including Bob Dylan and Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson - Elton said: "In two months I met some of the greats of the music world, it was joyous."

Elton has also confirmed he has recorded a duet with Lady Gaga, titled 'Hello, Hello,' which will appear on the soundtrack of Disney film 'Gnomeo and Juliet', which is being produced by Elton's husband David Furnish. Gaga and Elton previously collaborated together for a performance at the Grammy Awards in January.

Elton is to play a show in London next Thursday (28.10.10) as part of the BBC Electric Proms concerts.

HOME > TV GUIDE > A night in with Elton John

A NIGHT IN WITH ELTON JOHN

Elton John

Saturday October 23,2010

By BBC2, from 9.45pm

ALL right, so he’ll never match the impact of his 70s heyday – the golden era of Rocket Man, Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting, Crocodile Rock and that one about the bloke travelling tonight on a plane and seeing the red tail lights heading for Spay-ee-ay-aiiin – but even at the age of 63, Sir Elton John remains a fine entertainer.

Here’s a whole evening of programmes devoted to the man himself, including a documentary, Madman Across The Water, taking a detailed look at his early years and featuring chats with, among others, Bernie Taupin, T-Bone Burnett and Leon Russell (with whom Elton has joined forces for his new album The Union).

There’s also his Electric Prom for Radio 2, plus a trawl through the archives in Elton John At the BBC.

CDs of the week: Elton John, Taylor Swift and Bryan Ferry

Evening Standard   22.10.10

POP

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23890559-cds-of-the-week-elton-john-taylor-swift-and-bryan-ferry.do
Elton John & Leon Russell
The Union
(Mercury)
****  4 stars
There are precious few heartwarming tales in the frostily commercial world of high-end popular music, so it is my pleasure to bring you one. Elton John, as a relative whippersnapper, was a terrific fan of Leon Russell, the American country singer who, long ago, organised the bacchanalian revue that was Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour.

Russell had been an inspiration to John as vocalist, pianist and songwriter, so the latter called on the former — who had fallen into a condition of callous neglect and benign decay — and suggested that they make a record together. The Union is that record.
The extraordinary fact is that far from being a condescending gesture from a superstar to one deserted by the limelight, this collaboration has rejuvenated both parties. Elton John is at his friskiest for years, particularly on the timeless and jaunty R&B of Hey Ahab and Monkey Suit.
Russell has responded equally well, banishing the memory of his lost years with the glorious syncopation of the opening If It Wasn't For Bad and the heartrending ballad I Should Have Sent Roses, which features the best lyrics a similarly rejuvenated Bernie Taupin has produced within an elephant's memory.
In short, The Union gives you two masterful talents for the price of one. Production is masterminded by the peerless T-Bone Burnett and the large cast of supporting musicians is as outstanding as one would expect of the best that (Elton's) money can buy.
This is an album of old-fashioned excellence and will adorn your collection when much else in it has withered.
PETE CLARK

October 22, 2010 · 12:08 PM

Sir Elton John sparks new residency rumors in second visit in two weeks

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2010/oct/22/sir-elton-john-sparks-new-residency-rumors-second-/

By Robin Leach

Sir Elton John performs during the 2010 Andre Agassi Grand Slam benefit concert at the Wynn on Oct. 9, 2010.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com

For the second time in just two weeks, superstar Sir Elton John is back in Las Vegas -- for charity. But I’m hearing solid rumors that the legendary entertainer has begun seriously thinking of a return residency here.
Just 14 days ago, the pianist and singer-songwriter wowed Andre Agassi’s guests at the 15th Annual Grand Slam at the Wynn. Now this weekend, he’s set to dazzle again as the headliner of an all-star lineup for Justin Timberlake’s Shriners Hospitals for Children.
In recent years, Elton didn’t have too many complimentary things to say about Las Vegas, but times have changed and as the years ticked on -- he’s often said favorable things about Sin City nowadays. Maybe he’d like to cut back on his traveling and settle here?

Rock Nation: Being an EJ Member Experience

http://benbabylonnumber1.blogspot.com/2010/09/rock-nation-being-ej-member-experience.html 

"It was the best, most fun show I've ever done. I feel......amazing....and loved.... Loved by all my friends who came......" first Ben's reaction was glory: he succeed. The Rock Nation concert, featuring Elton John band members: Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson and John Mahon, paid tribute to Elton himself but also to the late and unforgettable Guy Babylon. For the occasion, Ben joined the band playing keyboards and singin' three of his own songs.

"We played a bunch of Elton John Songs, and Davey played on 4 of them, and John played on two, and Nigel sang on a bunch. In the beginning, I played No Goodbyes on the Road with John. And then I brought out Davey and Jesse for "write your own song", and then I brought out Nigel for "Goodbye Superman". All of it sounded amazing....." explained me an euphoric Ben Babylon, while adding: "I cannot express how amazing I feel!". That will be an unforgettable experience for him, for sure. Two very influential people in Ben Babylon's life, Chasen Hampton, the musical director at Rock Nation School, and Tony Avalon, the owner of the school, were at his side.

Rock Nation is a private rock-music school in Los Angeles owned by Tony Avalon, son of the famed actor/singer Frankie Avalon. The school produces several tribute shows several times a year, focusing on the music of different rock stars. But rarely do actual musicians from bands being honored perform in the shows. “Everybody in the audience was blown away, and the kids were awesome,” Avalon said. “Having them play with rock stars that I looked up to when I was growing up was amazing. It was a night to remember.”

As Ben introduced before, John Mahon joined him on “No Goodbyes on the Road,” a poignant reflection on how people are often too busy to say goodbye to each other. Next up was the happier “Write Your Own Song,”. Then, Davey Johnstone and his electric guitar brought new energy to the superb “Goodbye Superman,” the beautiful song that the young Babylon wrote in the days following his father’s untimely passing, just over one year ago; that brought Nigel Olsson to the stage. “It means a lot to me, to be here for Guy,” Davey Johnstone said, before the show. “He was my closest bud in a musical sense, and in a sports sense. Whenever we were touring, we would discuss basketball and soccer as much as music. I miss him dearly". “Guy was an influence on all of us musically and as a friend,” agreed Mahon. “It is a fitting tribute to him, for us to actually play on stage with his son.” “Ben has come a long way through a tough time,” Olsson added. “It’s very impressive to see him rock out.”

"Ben did a pretty good job with the "Funeral For A Friend" intro" explained Jan Kemp from www.guyfan.net website, who attended the show. "That was the first song once Nigel, John and Davey left the stage. There were six separate bands of kids who then performed, and Ben played keys throughout the night. Ben also did a great job on Philadelphia Freedom and I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" reminded Kemp.

Many of Guy Babylon’s friends and relatives were in the audience, including his widow, songwriter Kathy Babylon, his parents, Graham and Mary, and his sister, author Donna Babylon. Also present were VIP guests from music, film and television: actor/singer Frankie Avalon; keyboardist Lindsay Vannoy, who has worked with Elton John, Ann Wilson, Alice Cooper and others; composer and music producer Max Di Carlo, who has worked with Elton John; television writer/producer Charlie Bowyer; and film producer/director Peter R.J. Deyell. “After watching him (Ben Babylon) perform, it’s clear that he really understands music,” Deyell said. “When he plays keyboards, his whole body is playing. He is very aware of what he is doing at every moment, and what the other musicians on stage are doing. He is really terrific.”



Everybody agreed. The sold-out show brought hundreds of people to the famed Canyon Club near Los Angeles. Young students, in the two hours show, played a selection of Elton's best tunes. The set list is listed as it follows:



No Goodbyes on the Road
(by Ben Babylon; performed by Ben Babylon and John Mahon)
Write Your Own Song
(by Ben Babylon; performed by Ben Babylon, Davey Johnstone and Jesse Johnstone)
Goodbye Superman
(by Ben Babylon; performed by Ben, John, Nigel, Jesse Johnstone and Davey Johnstone)

Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Bennie and the Jets
All the Young Girls Love Alice
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
The Bitch is Back
I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
Crocodile Rock
This Song Has No Title
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
I'm Still Standing
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Philadelphia Freedom
Rocket Man
Take me to the pilot
Saturday Night's All Right

Information about Ben Babylon is available at www.BenBabylonMusic.com and www.BabylonMusic.biz.

Information about Rock Nation is available at www.RockNationSchool.com.

Elton John and Leon Russell: The Union – review

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/oct/21/elton-john-leon-russell-union-review?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Elton's gospel-tinged team-up with pop legend Leon Russell is a credit to them both, says Alexis Petridis

• 
• • Alexis Petridis
  • guardian.co.uk, Thursday 21 October 2010 15.30 BST
  • Article history

 

 

Elton John and Leon Russell It was easy to miss Leon Russell's cameo appearance on last Saturday's X Factor, dedicated to songs by the judges' musical heroes. For one thing, his name wasn't mentioned. For another, it was hard not to be distracted by news that Simon Cowell's musical heroes apparently include Kelly Clarkson and Boney M; here was a pretty jaw-dropping insight into his record collection. Mind whirling with the thought of what an all-back-to-mine listening session round Simon Cowell's might entail – you rather picture him sagely announcing he's going to hit you with an obscure old-school dance classic ("this one's strictly for the heads") then playing the Grease Megamix – it was easy for even the most knowledgeable music fan to overlook Russell's contribution to the evening: much fuss was made about the emotional power and loveliness of A Song for You, performed by John Adeleye, but no one credited the 68-year-old Oklahoman who wrote it in 1970.

Buy it from

1. Buy the CD
2. 
3. Elton John & Leon Russell
4. The Union
5. Mercury
6. 2010

You could argue that's Leon Russell's current standing all over. Some of his songs are enshrined not merely within the pantheon of classics, but among the stuff known even by people whose only interaction with music comes via Magic FM – he also co-wrote the Carpenters' exquisite Superstar – but hardly anyone associates them with him. It's hard to name another figure who once seemed so central to the rock aristocracy – performing with George Harrison and Eric Clapton, helming Joe Cocker's ascent to superstardom, his songs covered by Bob Dylan and Ray Charles – who has vanished so completely from the public consciousness, a victim of bad business deals, changing times and his own reticence.
In recent years, you could find Russell playing some pretty unprepossessing-sounding venues: The Snail Pie Lounge, Glenville; The Snorty Horse Saloon, Springfield; the Safeway National Barbeque Championships. Enter Elton John, who, while Russell has been busy rocking Gater's Sports Bar and Grill, Gun Barrel City, has been engaged in a clearly heartfelt and largely successful attempt to claw back his own musical credibility. There have been well-reviewed back-to-basics albums, relentless patronage of young artists – it sometimes feels as if no group of teenagers stumbling through Wild Thing in a garage is safe from Sir Elton bursting in and telling them what an inspiration they are to him – and now a chance to rescue an old hero from the environs of the Hog Pit Pub, Midland.
John has audibly taken to the task with relish: "You came like an invasion, all bells and whistles blowing," he sings at his new collaborator on Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes. "Your songs have all the hooks, you're seven wonders rolled into one." If it's touching to hear one of the most successful artists of all time momentarily reduced to gasping fanboy, the album works because it feels like a partnership, rather than an indulgence on John's part or an act of gratitude on Russell's. The sound – gospel-infused blues and country – tends more obviously towards the latter's style than the former's, although, in fairness, it's not that far removed from the pre-glam John of 1970's Tumbleweed Connection. Moreover, the stellar guestlist, including Bono and Brian Wilson, clearly has its roots in John's address book, and there are moments when the melodies could no more obviously be his if they turned up in a pair of sunglasses with windscreen wipers on them. As a result, The Union finally succeeds in doing what John has been tentatively pushing towards for the last decade, stripping his music of the glitzy sheen that's built up over 40 years and often threatened to consume it entirely: nothing here sounds like it could be extravagantly staged by David LaChapelle.
In place of the flamboyance and glitter, there are homages to Stax soul (I Should Have Sent Roses) and The Band (Gone to Shiloh); an eeriness that's bound up with Russell's weathered, drawling voice; dark intimations of mortality – There's No Tomorrow borrows its funeral tone and tune from the Mighty Hannibal's dirge-like 1966 single Hymn No 5 – and the encroaching twilight of their careers on The Best Part of the Day. The latter, full of show-must-go-onisms, sounds rather hokey in theory: in practice, there's something moving about hearing two artists who've enjoyed wildly differing fortunes coming to the same conclusion.
It's fair to say that not many people come to an Elton John album looking for death and eeriness: you do wonder what the people who pay to see him sing The Bitch Is Back next to a inflatable banana that looks like a willy will make of it, and what resuscitating effect it might have on Russell's career – not enough to catapult him to the attention of The X Factor crowd and supplant Boney M in Simon Cowell's affections, perhaps, but enough to ensure the Snorty Horse Saloon is but a memory for the foreseeable future. On those terms – and indeed on any others you'd care to mention – The Union is quite a triumph.