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quarta-feira, 20 de outubro de 2010
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ELTON JOHN´S CORPORATION
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Elton John reúne famosos em evento beneficente
Elton John diz que compositores atuais são 'terríveis'
BBC Brasil - BBC Brasil
O astro da música Elton John disse, em entrevista à revista Radio Times, da BBC, que os compositores atuais são "bem terríveis" e que ele "não é fã" de programas de calouros. "Os compositores de hoje em dia são bem terríveis e é por isso que tudo soa muito parecido. O pop contemporâneo não é muito inspirador." 
Ele também defendeu sua decisão de cantar no casamento do apresentador de TV americano Rush Limbaugh, que tem um programa de entrevistas e já foi acusado de homofobia. "Eu construo pontes e derrubo paredes", disse o astro de 63 anos. "Eu fiquei furioso quando as pessoas disseram que joguei 40 anos de credibilidade fora por dinheiro. Não. Eu não preciso disso."
"Ninguém ficou mais surpreso que eu quando Rush pediu (para eu cantar em seu casamento). Politicamente, somos opostos. Era uma oportunidade de quebrar o gelo", disse Elton John, que teria recebido o equivalente a R$ 1,6 milhão pela apresentação.
Show de calouros. Durante a entrevista à Radio Times, Elton John disse não gostar de programas de calouros e afirmou que provavelmente não teria durado muito se tivesse participado de um. "Além disso, não quero estar na televisão. Ela se tornou chata e deixa as pessoas com o cérebro lesado e as bundas paralisadas no sofá. Eu gosto do Simon Cowell (criador do programa X Factor), mas o que ele faz é entretenimento televisivo", disse o astro.
"A TV alça você para o estrelato e aí você tem que se manter lá, o que é duro. Leona Lewis e Alexandra Burke (vencedoras do X Factor) estão à mercê da próxima música que elas vão conseguir".
Elton John disse admirar estrelas como Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse e Lady Gaga, mas acrescentou que é "importante que elas escrevam suas próprias músicas para que não fiquem à mercê de ninguém".
O cantor também disse que a estrela revelada pelo programa Britain's Got Talent Susan Boyle é "um fenômeno adorável", mas que ela "pode não entender as pressões do showbusiness".
18/10/10 - 22h45 - Atualizado em 19/10/10 - 04h59
Elton John reúne famosos em evento beneficente
Christina Ricci e Hugh Jackman estiveram no ‘An Enduring Vision’ em Nova York, nos Estados Unidos. Do EGO, no Rio
Elton John e David Furnish
Christina Ricci e Debbie Harry
Hugh Jackman com a mulher Deborra-Lee Furness e o cantor Tony Bennett
«Tive uma grande carreira» - Elton JohnPor Redacção
Aos 63 anos, Elton John está seguro do legado que deixa na música pop e parece mais preocupado em conservar a harmonia que conseguiu conquistar na sua vida pessoal.
«Tive uma grande carreira, mas lixei a minha vida privada por causa das drogas», afirmou o autor de Rocket Man. «Estou demasiado velho para arrependimentos: tudo o que aconteceu, aconteceu por uma razão – mesmo as coisas más», conclui, feliz por ter conseguido «superar as partes más».
Sir Elton John, que viveu demasiado tempo dependente de drogas, tendo mesmo chegado a sofrer uma overdose, em 1975, garante estar «sóbrio há 20 anos». «Têm sido os melhores tempos da minha vida. Sou uma pessoa melhor – esqueçam a carreira. Não tem nada a ver com isso. Estou muito feliz. Deu-me muito trabalho, mas com o amor que recebi do meu companheiro David Furnish e dos meus amigos, vivo a melhor vida que poderia ter imaginado», garante.
Fotos: Elton John reúne amigos na gala «An Enduring Vision», em Nova Iorque
Elton John reuniu vários amigos famosos, esta segunda-feira, em Nova Iorque, para a gala beneficiente «An Enduring Vision».
Acompanhado pelo namorado David Furnish, o cantor recebeu os amigos com música naquela que foi a nona edição do evento eu arrecada fundos para a «Elton John Aids Foundation».
19/10/2010 13h13 - Atualizado em 19/10/2010 13h13 Mãe de Elton John leva objetos do cantor a leilão
http://g1.globo.com/pop-arte/noticia/2010/10/mae-de-elton-john-leva-objetos-do-cantor-leilao.html
Coleção tem bonecos do músico em estilo 'minicraques', crucifixo e terno lilás.
Venda está sendo promovida em conjunto com empresário Bob Halley.
Do G1, com informações da AFP 
Bonecos do cantor e compositor britânico Elton John serão colocados à venda em um leilão promovido pela mãe do músico, Sheila Farebrother, e seu empresário de longa data, Bob Halley (Foto: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
Terno Versace lilás usados por Elton John e um crucifixo em ouro e diamantes doado pelo cantor a seu empresário, Bob Halley, também estão entre os itens do leilão, marcado para esta terça-feira (19) na Inglaterra (Foto: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
Compositores de hoje em dia são "terríveis", diz Elton John
Plantão | Publicada em 19/10/2010 às 11h09m
Reuters/Brasil Online LONDRES (Reuters Life!) - Em uma entrevista publicada nesta terça-feira, o cantor britânico Elton John descreveu os compositores da atualidade como "bem terríveis", a música pop como sendo sem inspiração e programas de reality show na televisão ao estilo "American Idol" como chatos. O cantor de "Your Song" e "Candle in the Wind", um dos artistas de pop mais bem-sucedidos de todos os tempos, acrescentou que a fama instantânea que shows de talento podem trazer não é uma forma de se tornar uma estrela de verdade.
"É importante que (cantores de música pop) componham suas próprias canções, para que não estejam à mercê de qualquer um", disse John, de 63 anos, cujo nome verdadeiro é Reginald Dwight, em entrevista à revista Radio Times.
"Compositores hoje em dia são bem terríveis, e esse é o motivo por que tudo parece igual. O pop contemporâneo não é muito inspirador."
Ele disse ser fã de jovens artistas femininas do pop como Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse e Lady Gaga, antes de acrescentar:
"Não sou fã desses shows de talentos. Eu provavelmente não teria durado muito se tivesse participado de um. Me pediram para ser juiz no American Idol. Eu não pude fazer isso porque não vou criticar ninguém.
"Eu também não quero estar na televisão. É algo que se tornou chato, paralisador do corpo e incapacitador de cérebros."
Ele disse que o juiz de "X Factor" e produtor de música Simon Cowell havia descoberto alguns talentos em seus programas, "mas a única forma de se sustentar uma carreira é cumprindo seu tempo em pequenos...bares."
"Eu tinha uma banda aos 17 anos, me tornei compositor com Bernie Taupin e tivemos sucesso apenas depois de seis anos de duras decepções, apesar dos bons momentos."
John está lançando um novo álbum nesta semana, "The Union", com a colaboração de seu herói musical Leon Russell.
(Reportagem de Mike Collett-White)
Aos 63 anos, Elton John está seguro do legado que deixa na música pop e parece mais preocupado em conservar a harmonia que conseguiu conquistar na sua vida pessoal.
«Tive uma grande carreira, mas lixei a minha vida privada por causa das drogas», afirmou o autor de Rocket Man. «Estou demasiado velho para arrependimentos: tudo o que aconteceu, aconteceu por uma razão – mesmo as coisas más», conclui, feliz por ter conseguido «superar as partes más».
Sir Elton John, que viveu demasiado tempo dependente de drogas, tendo mesmo chegado a sofrer uma overdose, em 1975, garante estar «sóbrio há 20 anos». «Têm sido os melhores tempos da minha vida. Sou uma pessoa melhor – esqueçam a carreira. Não tem nada a ver com isso. Estou muito feliz. Deu-me muito trabalho, mas com o amor que recebi do meu companheiro David Furnish e dos meus amigos, vivo a melhor vida que poderia ter imaginado», garante.
Fotos: Elton John reúne amigos na gala «An Enduring Vision», em Nova Iorque
- Elton John reuniu vários amigos famosos, esta segunda-feira, em Nova Iorque, para a gala beneficiente «An Enduring Vision».
Acompanhado pelo namorado David Furnish, o cantor recebeu os amigos com música naquela que foi a nona edição do evento eu arrecada fundos para a «Elton John Aids Foundation».
19/10/2010 13h13 - Atualizado em 19/10/2010 13h13
Mãe de Elton John leva objetos do cantor a leilão
http://g1.globo.com/pop-arte/noticia/2010/10/mae-de-elton-john-leva-objetos-do-cantor-leilao.htmlColeção tem bonecos do músico em estilo 'minicraques', crucifixo e terno lilás. Venda está sendo promovida em conjunto com empresário Bob Halley.
Do G1, com informações da AFP
Bonecos do cantor e compositor britânico Elton John serão colocados à venda em um leilão promovido pela mãe do músico, Sheila Farebrother, e seu empresário de longa data, Bob Halley (Foto: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
Terno Versace lilás usados por Elton John e um crucifixo em ouro e diamantes doado pelo cantor a seu empresário, Bob Halley, também estão entre os itens do leilão, marcado para esta terça-feira (19) na Inglaterra (Foto: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
Compositores de hoje em dia são "terríveis", diz Elton John
Plantão | Publicada em 19/10/2010 às 11h09m Reuters/Brasil OnlineLONDRES (Reuters Life!) - Em uma entrevista publicada nesta terça-feira, o cantor britânico Elton John descreveu os compositores da atualidade como "bem terríveis", a música pop como sendo sem inspiração e programas de reality show na televisão ao estilo "American Idol" como chatos.
O cantor de "Your Song" e "Candle in the Wind", um dos artistas de pop mais bem-sucedidos de todos os tempos, acrescentou que a fama instantânea que shows de talento podem trazer não é uma forma de se tornar uma estrela de verdade.
"É importante que (cantores de música pop) componham suas próprias canções, para que não estejam à mercê de qualquer um", disse John, de 63 anos, cujo nome verdadeiro é Reginald Dwight, em entrevista à revista Radio Times.
"Compositores hoje em dia são bem terríveis, e esse é o motivo por que tudo parece igual. O pop contemporâneo não é muito inspirador."
Ele disse ser fã de jovens artistas femininas do pop como Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse e Lady Gaga, antes de acrescentar:
"Não sou fã desses shows de talentos. Eu provavelmente não teria durado muito se tivesse participado de um. Me pediram para ser juiz no American Idol. Eu não pude fazer isso porque não vou criticar ninguém.
"Eu também não quero estar na televisão. É algo que se tornou chato, paralisador do corpo e incapacitador de cérebros."
Ele disse que o juiz de "X Factor" e produtor de música Simon Cowell havia descoberto alguns talentos em seus programas, "mas a única forma de se sustentar uma carreira é cumprindo seu tempo em pequenos...bares."
"Eu tinha uma banda aos 17 anos, me tornei compositor com Bernie Taupin e tivemos sucesso apenas depois de seis anos de duras decepções, apesar dos bons momentos."
John está lançando um novo álbum nesta semana, "The Union", com a colaboração de seu herói musical Leon Russell.
(Reportagem de Mike Collett-White) Elton John's AIDS Gala
Elton John commemorates friend's death at AIDS benefit
VIDEO IN:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11579966
VIDEO 2:
Elton John: Lindsay Lohan Needs to Ditch Her Family
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/niteside/Elton_John_s_9th_Annual_Aids_Benefit_All__National_.htmlElton John gave Lindsay Lohan some hard-hitting advice on the red carpet to his AIDS Foundation fundraiser in Manhattan Monday night. The British music idol, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions of his own, said the embattled pop starlet needs to go to rehab and get rid of her family, whom he dubbed "enablers."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hqN6qtZBJ6uDfvR63W00QUBVqaUw?docId=4880761
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Sir Elton John, left, and husband David Furnish attend the Ninth Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit 'An Enduring Vision' at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) |
Elton John says he's saddened by 'mean' people saying hurtful things, says US needs kindness NEW YORK, N.Y. — Elton John says he's heartbroken by a mean tone that he says is enveloping America.
John spoke at his annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit Monday night and honoured the memory of AIDS activist Ryan White, who died 20 years ago. The teen contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion and faced ostracism and discrimination. White worked to combat prejudice and ignorance associated with the disease until his death.
John and White became close friends during White's crusade; John said White is the reason why he started his foundation, which has doled out tens of millions of dollars to AIDS-related causes.
However, the legendary singer said some things have not changed since White died in 1990.
"I'm saddened and disturbed to realize we are still dealing with the same problems," John said.
"Ryan White was an amazing boy who had no prejudice, no bitterness," he added. "God do we need that kind of thing in America at this moment."
The British superstar professed his love for the United States, but said there is an increasing hostility in the country that "breaks my heart."
Speaking before a crowd that included Hugh Jackman, Anderson Cooper, Christina Ricci and Billie Jean King, John condemned people who say "ridiculous horrible things" without thinking of the consequences of what they are saying.
Elton John's AIDS Gala
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304510704575562471102461674.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
It's a funny business these charity galas. A single ticket for "An Enduring Vision," the ninth annual benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which took place on Monday at Cipriani on Wall Street, went for $2,500. You don't get much more VIP than that.
MImi Ritzen Crawford for The Wall Street Journal.
So it's amusing to discover that even at an event where tables cost $25,000 and people like Jeffrey Katzenberg bid an extra $70,000 for lunch with the evening's emcee, Anderson Cooper—that better be a damn good cobb salad, by the way—the cocktail hour features its own private room for extra special VIPs who are, presumably Friends of Elton. Sometimes when you're a have, you're still reminded that you're a have not.
A spokeswoman said the area was for "donors and sponsors who have contributed a significant amount to the foundation. As part of that they receive a photo with Elton." Milling about were Petra Nemcova, Ivanka Trump, Debbie Harry and a host of other people you probably wouldn't recognize. They probably wouldn't speak to you anyway.
When queried about her camouflage jacket, Ms. Harry, for instance, would only say it was Comme des Garcons and that "I've always been really into camouflage." A reporter said he didn't know that factoid. "Well, you're just a kid," she said.
Does Elton John read American Songwriter? If he did, he’d know that when it comes to great songwriters, our talent pool is pretty stocked. But the usually shy and reserved Englishman had this to say about the current generation of tunesmiths –”Songwriters today are pretty awful, which is why everything sounds the same. Contemporary pop isn’t very inspiring.”
To be fair, he was probably talking more about John Mayer and Taylor Swift than say, Justin Townes Earle and Conor Oberst. John, in an interview with the Radio Times, went on to say that he approved of artists like Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. “It’s important they write their own songs, so they’re not at the mercy of anyone,” he opined.
Elton John and Leon Russell’s new album The Union, which was produced by T Bone Burnett and features unimpeachable songwriters like Neil Young and Brian Wilson, hits stores today.
Postcard from the road: Elton John, Leon Russell hit the stage
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-10-20-eltonleonpost20_ST_N.htm
The Union
On 'The Union,' Elton John is reunited with his old idol, Leon Russell.Nothing brings out the best in somebody like the will to impress his idol.
Ask Elton John. As a young hopeful, the pianist worshiped Leon Russell, a fellow czar of the 88s whose career preceded his. The criminally underrecognized Russell turns up on virtually every important pop recording from the early '60s to the mid-'70s, from Phil Spector's grandest hits to the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" to the Stones' "Let It Bleed." He led Joe Cocker's brilliantly ragtag "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" and stole the show at George Harrison's "Bangladesh" concert.
As a solo star, Russell wrote and sang standards like "A Song for You," "Superstar" and "This Masquerade" -- all warbled in every airport lounge and bowling alley to this day. Russell continues to tour avidly, but he hasn't had a high-profile platform in far too long.
That's where Elton comes in. The pair played together on a brief tour in 1970, then lost touch. Four decades later, Elton tracked down his old hero to entice him into making a tandem CD. The result proves moving for more qualities than just its backstory.
The Elton/Leon tête-à-tête doesn't attempt to revive either star's days of spit and vigor. There's no hot piano-on-piano action here. Instead, "The Union" captures the men as they are now: older, wiser and full of grace. Ballads -- good ones -- dominate, showing their mutual honed craft. "If It Wasn't for Bad," the kickoff track, is classic Leon -- wry and rooted in American soul. It's the sole song he wrote alone, due to medical problems just before the recording, so it's no surprise that Elton/Bernie Taupin compositions dominate, or that Elton seems to take more lead vocals.
Unfortunately, at this point Elton isn't as emotive a singer as his elder. Still, he and Taupin worked hard to make their songs sound like something Russell would've written way back when.
Cuts like "Gone to Shiloh" or "Jimmie Rodgers' Dream" might have turned up on mid-period Russell albums. Other pieces have the feel of Elton's most country-leaning album, "Tumbleweed Connection."
The lyrics make sweet use of the stars' ages. A song like "There's No Tomorrow" takes on a more literal meaning in their hands, since they may be starting to run low on them.
It's far from the stars' athletic prime. But there's a twilight sweetness to this release, forming a likable gesture of gratitude from one piano man to one who paved the way.
“The Union” is an unusual thing: a duet for four male voices. This might seem like an impossible equation but most art takes shape on at least two levels — the obvious one driven by star personalities and the crucial substratum where producers, songwriters or other key players assert themselves.
Stepping out of each other’s way, the best collaborators break their own patterns and surprise themselves. That happens for Elton John and Leon Russell, the stars of this rambling, charming album, and for producer T Bone Burnett and lyricist Bernie Taupin too.
The featured conversation here is between the superstar who smiles invitingly on the cover, eyebrow arched and fingers tinkling his grand piano, and the waylaid elder maverick who leans back defiantly against a battered old upright. In the liner notes John states that he’d approached Russell in hopes of returning his hero to the prominence he deserves, but from the sound of “The Union” it seems that his main motive was simply to play some fine boogie-woogie piano with him. The mood throughout is buoyant and mischievous. Hooks and polish matter less than the conversational exchange of rhythmic patterns and vocal lines. 
Not tired, boys? We crossed the Atlantic, we are in South America!!!! Brazil, ahhhh those so much passionate eltonites from Brazil. Hi there!!!!!!!!!! Hi girls, miss ya so much!!!
Leila Santiago!!!!! So nice to see you too!!! Oh, that’s wonderful!! “It was marvellous when I was in Las Vegas to see "Red Piano" in 2008. I can see Elton. I sat in third row and vision angle was Elton and Guy Babylon. I laugh all the time because I fulfilled my dream”. “Song From America”: I love it, pretty beatiful. I didn't know anything about this song, but it's an incredible song, thanks Leila. Milton Nascimiento is a great artist for sure, I know about him "Nada sera como antes" or "Tudo che voce queria ser", great songs, classics, but not this one. “The translation is the message to Ben: Song of America”. Thanks!!!
Vera Rio!!!!!! “It's a simple message but "... it's the best I can do ...", with love for this wonderful boy!” Ahhhhhh wonderful!!!!!!! You’re so kind too!!! “I love going to the beach, enjoy the sun, walk in the sand. I also like reading (any literary genre) and being with friends to talk, listen to good music and relax from the stressful routine of work. At last but not at least, to contact with other Elton's fans (in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil and around the world via the web). After all we just form a big family!”. Right, you’re a big family!!! Muito Grato, Brazil!!!!!
NEW YORK – Elton John says he's heartbroken by a mean tone that he says is enveloping America.
John spoke at his annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit Monday night and honored the memory of AIDS activist Ryan White, who died 20 years ago. The teen contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion and faced ostracism and discrimination. White worked to combat prejudice and ignorance associated with the disease until his death.
John and White became close friends during White's crusade; John said White is the reason why he started his foundation, which has doled out tens of millions of dollars to AIDS-related causes.
However, the legendary singer said some things have not changed since White died in 1990.
"I'm saddened and disturbed to realize we are still dealing with the same problems," John said.
"Ryan White was an amazing boy who had no prejudice, no bitterness," he added. "God do we need that kind of thing in America at this moment."
The British superstar professed his love for the United States, but said there is an increasing hostility in the country that "breaks my heart."
Speaking before a crowd that included Hugh Jackman, Anderson Cooper, Christina Ricci and Billie Jean King, John condemned people who say "ridiculous horrible things" without thinking of the consequences of what they are saying.
____
http://www.ejaf.org/
Michael has in the past admitted to spending much of his time holed up at his north London mansion smoking dope all day - and the Rocket Man is adamant the former Wham! star needs to ditch his hermit-like existence if he is to turn his back on drugs.
He tells Britain's Radio Times, "I haven't got a thing against him. He's a huge talent. I love him, and what he does in his life is none of my business, but he should get out more.
"I helped Rufus Wainwright in 2002 when crystal meth addiction had turned him temporarily blind, my guitarist Davey Johnstone, who's now six months sober, and Eminem, two years sober. They all asked me.
"I had a great career, but I f**ked up my private life doing drugs. Once you give up drugs, as I did, you assume everyone else has, but it's more prevalent now than ever, and the drugs are particularly dangerous today."
Elton John this week hosted 'An Enduring Vision,' the ninth annual benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
A spokeswoman said the area was for "donors and sponsors who have contributed a significant amount to the foundation. As part of that they receive a photo with Elton." Milling about were Petra Nemcova, Ivanka Trump, Debbie Harry and a host of other people you probably wouldn't recognize. They probably wouldn't speak to you anyway.
When queried about her camouflage jacket, Ms. Harry, for instance, would only say it was Comme des Garcons and that "I've always been really into camouflage." A reporter said he didn't know that factoid. "Well, you're just a kid," she said.
http://forum.yellow-sub.net/viewtopic.php?p=105155
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Inscription: Lun 2 Nov 2009 15:46 Messages: 56 Localisation: Centre, mais un peu à gauche quand même |
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Elton John Thinks Modern Songwriters Are “Pretty Awful”
http://www.americansongwriter.com/2010/10/elton-john-thinks-modern-songwriters-are-pretty-awful/
Does Elton John read American Songwriter? If he did, he’d know that when it comes to great songwriters, our talent pool is pretty stocked. But the usually shy and reserved Englishman had this to say about the current generation of tunesmiths –”Songwriters today are pretty awful, which is why everything sounds the same. Contemporary pop isn’t very inspiring.”
To be fair, he was probably talking more about John Mayer and Taylor Swift than say, Justin Townes Earle and Conor Oberst. John, in an interview with the Radio Times, went on to say that he approved of artists like Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. “It’s important they write their own songs, so they’re not at the mercy of anyone,” he opined.
Elton John and Leon Russell’s new album The Union, which was produced by T Bone Burnett and features unimpeachable songwriters like Neil Young and Brian Wilson, hits stores today.
Postcard from the road: Elton John, Leon Russell hit the stage
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-10-20-eltonleonpost20_ST_N.htm
  |  | |
 Enlarge | By Jason DeCrow, AP | |
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| Musical legends: Leon Russell and Elton John kicked off their national tour Tuesday night at New York City's Beacon Theatre. | ||
By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY
A perfect Union: Veteran singer/songwriter/pianists Elton John and Leon Russell celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed new duets album, The Union, with a joint concert Tuesday night before a sold-out audience at New York's Beacon Theatre.
Behind the music: John and his longtime hero Russell, who met 40 years ago, reunited in 2009, after an emotional rediscovery of Russell's music prompted John to call him. For Union, they also enlisted John's longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin, and uber-producer T Bone Burnett.
The crowd: For veteran fan Richard Georgeou, 66, of Hudson, N.H., it's the 82nd time he's seen John in concert. "In Boston in 1970, they announced him as Elton James." Pal Claude Bernardin, 53, co-author of the encyclopedia Rocket Man: Elton John From A-Z, loves the new album. "I will probably cry tonight."
The start: John, elegant in a long black coat, describes the night as the "culmination of a remarkable journey ... (Leon) was my idol, he was my mentor, he was everything I wanted to be as a singer/songwriter and piano player."
A grand greeting: Collaborator Russell enters to a standing ovation, goes to the piano and sings Tight Rope, Prince of Peace and A Song for You (his modern standard that's been covered by Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway), the early highlight. He switches on the boogie for Delta Lady and Stranger in a Strange Land. Pronounces John: "They love you, Leon."
Piano men: The two sit at facing pianos to play The Union more-or-less straight through, starting with If It Wasn't for Bad, featuring muscular piano and horns. They segue from Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes (a classic John-Taupin soaring ballad) into the fervid boogie stomp of Hey Ahab.
Elton's pick: John introduces the richly plaintive Gone to Shiloh as one of his favorites, a song about the Civil War. Neil Young appears on the album version, but "you're going to have to put up with me." Twangy Jimmie Rodgers' Dream is followed by the darkly soulful There's No Tomorrow.
Can you feel the love tonight: While John offers a few quips between tunes, both remain seated and express themselves through dynamic, passionate performances.
Old souls: "This is a song that might apply to Leon and myself," John jokes, introducing the stately, spirited Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody). Russell performs the gospel-flavored song that concludes the album, his In the Hands of Angels.
John's solo turn: It's just Elton and the band, singing and playing a glorious Burn Down the Mission (the crowd goes wild), Levon and Tiny Dancer— just three of John's classics on which Russell's soulful influence is clearer. It's like he's paying homage to his idol through the music.
Happy anniversary: Noting that it's the 40th anniversary of his arrival in America, John launches into a string of songs from his eponymous 1970 album, starting with Your Song and Take Me to the Pilot.
The tribute plays on: John revisits post-'70s hits I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues and Sad Songs (Say So Much), both with a little extra kick for the occasion, bringing the crowd to its feet.
New to you: Thanking the crowd for its "time and patience" in listening to 14 new songs, John performs an exuberant The Bitch Is Back. "We haven't rehearsed an encore," he says as Russell returns to the stage, "so we're going to have to play something we played before," Hey Ahab.
Next stops: The pair's upcoming U.S. dates include Los Angeles (Nov. 3), Phoenix (Nov. 6) and Tulsa (Nov. 12).
The Union
Elton John and Leon Russell's 'Union' review: Twilight sweetness from one piano man to another
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2010/10/20/2010-10-20_elton_john_and_leon_russells_union_review_twilight_sweetness_from_one_piano_man_.html?r=entertainment Elton John and Leon Russell's 'Union' album offers up old musical heroes in the twilight of their careers.
On 'The Union,' Elton John is reunited with his old idol, Leon Russell.
Ask Elton John. As a young hopeful, the pianist worshiped Leon Russell, a fellow czar of the 88s whose career preceded his. The criminally underrecognized Russell turns up on virtually every important pop recording from the early '60s to the mid-'70s, from Phil Spector's grandest hits to the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" to the Stones' "Let It Bleed." He led Joe Cocker's brilliantly ragtag "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" and stole the show at George Harrison's "Bangladesh" concert.
As a solo star, Russell wrote and sang standards like "A Song for You," "Superstar" and "This Masquerade" -- all warbled in every airport lounge and bowling alley to this day. Russell continues to tour avidly, but he hasn't had a high-profile platform in far too long.
That's where Elton comes in. The pair played together on a brief tour in 1970, then lost touch. Four decades later, Elton tracked down his old hero to entice him into making a tandem CD. The result proves moving for more qualities than just its backstory.
The Elton/Leon tête-à-tête doesn't attempt to revive either star's days of spit and vigor. There's no hot piano-on-piano action here. Instead, "The Union" captures the men as they are now: older, wiser and full of grace. Ballads -- good ones -- dominate, showing their mutual honed craft. "If It Wasn't for Bad," the kickoff track, is classic Leon -- wry and rooted in American soul. It's the sole song he wrote alone, due to medical problems just before the recording, so it's no surprise that Elton/Bernie Taupin compositions dominate, or that Elton seems to take more lead vocals.
Unfortunately, at this point Elton isn't as emotive a singer as his elder. Still, he and Taupin worked hard to make their songs sound like something Russell would've written way back when.
Cuts like "Gone to Shiloh" or "Jimmie Rodgers' Dream" might have turned up on mid-period Russell albums. Other pieces have the feel of Elton's most country-leaning album, "Tumbleweed Connection."
The lyrics make sweet use of the stars' ages. A song like "There's No Tomorrow" takes on a more literal meaning in their hands, since they may be starting to run low on them.
It's far from the stars' athletic prime. But there's a twilight sweetness to this release, forming a likable gesture of gratitude from one piano man to one who paved the way.
Pop & Hiss
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October 19, 2010 | 12:47 pm
“The Union” is an unusual thing: a duet for four male voices. This might seem like an impossible equation but most art takes shape on at least two levels — the obvious one driven by star personalities and the crucial substratum where producers, songwriters or other key players assert themselves.Stepping out of each other’s way, the best collaborators break their own patterns and surprise themselves. That happens for Elton John and Leon Russell, the stars of this rambling, charming album, and for producer T Bone Burnett and lyricist Bernie Taupin too.
The featured conversation here is between the superstar who smiles invitingly on the cover, eyebrow arched and fingers tinkling his grand piano, and the waylaid elder maverick who leans back defiantly against a battered old upright. In the liner notes John states that he’d approached Russell in hopes of returning his hero to the prominence he deserves, but from the sound of “The Union” it seems that his main motive was simply to play some fine boogie-woogie piano with him. The mood throughout is buoyant and mischievous. Hooks and polish matter less than the conversational exchange of rhythmic patterns and vocal lines.
John imports his soft-hearted way with big melodies and the brio that makes the world love his sweeping gestures. Russell contributes the slippery wisdom culled from years spent as an arranger and studio player as well as a frontman, especially during the early- to mid-1970s, when classic-rock stars like himself felt entitled to blur the lines between country, blues, soul and swing. Russell’s wryness, akin to Willie Nelson’s, tempers John’s lovable bluster. An elite crew recorded live in the studio, including cameo players Neil Young and Brian Wilson on vocals, Jim Keltner on drums and Marc Ribot on guitar, support the overwhelming mood of confidence.
Burnett brought the project to fruition, and what’s great is that he didn’t craft it to death — unlike the hushed sanctity of the Alison Krauss-Robert Plant award winner “Raising Sand,” this album is shaggy and full of fun. John’s longtime partner Taupin also does some of his best work in years, crafting snappy lines that add up to interesting tales, even when he’s indulging his dangerous passion for historical reenactment. The album might have been more sharply edited; around track 11 it starts to feel like the gathering has peaked. But it makes sense that everyone wanted to linger. Party talk is rarely this good.
— Ann Powers
Elton John and Leon Russell
“The Union”
Decca Records
Three stars (Out of four)
Burnett brought the project to fruition, and what’s great is that he didn’t craft it to death — unlike the hushed sanctity of the Alison Krauss-Robert Plant award winner “Raising Sand,” this album is shaggy and full of fun. John’s longtime partner Taupin also does some of his best work in years, crafting snappy lines that add up to interesting tales, even when he’s indulging his dangerous passion for historical reenactment. The album might have been more sharply edited; around track 11 it starts to feel like the gathering has peaked. But it makes sense that everyone wanted to linger. Party talk is rarely this good.
— Ann Powers
Elton John and Leon Russell
“The Union”
Decca Records
Three stars (Out of four)
Elton John AIDS Dinner: Anderson Cooper Lunch Goes for $60K
By: Roger Friedman in Celebrity // October 19th, 2010 at 12:38 AM UTC
It looks like Dreamworks founder Jeffrey Katzenberg is going to have a lively lunch with Anderson Cooper.
Katzenberg spent $60,000 to dine with Cooper at Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation dinner in New York.
Before the auction Cooper joked that the winner of the date wouldn’t get much “action” on a first date.
The crowd at Cipriani Wall Street–decked out in jewels and black tie–loved the joking around. They raised millions more for the charity. In the crowd were David Furnish, who puts the whole thing together and is quite amazing; Joanne Woodward; Tony Bennett; Hugh Jackman and wife Debra Lee Furness; Clive Davis; Nikki Haskell; “Gossip Girl” star Matthew Settle; Lorraine Bracco; Kevin Zegers; director Baz Luhrmann and costume designer wife Catherine Martin; Donna Karan; Bill and Tani Austin of the Starkey Hearing Foundation; and lots of well heeled fans who came to hear Elton put on a 45 minute solo acoustic set on piano with Leon Russell as a guest star.
And they got what they wanted: Elton dedicated “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” to the legendary Woodward, who he said he’d never met but always admired. The rest of the set was vintage Elton. He rocked the gigantic marble former bank with: “Sixty Years On” and “The Greatest Discovery” from his debut album–40th anniversary next month. “It feels like 40 minutes,” Elton said. And then: “Levon,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Philadelphia Freedom.” He played “When Love Is Dying,” an instant classic from the new album. All on piano, by himself, simply spectacular.
Then Sir Elton introduced Russell, calling him “my hero” and “my idol.” Russell sat down at the piano and played a little bit of “Amazing Grace,” and then a full version of the most celebrated song he’s written, “A Song For You.” Russell’s white hair is like spun silk or cotton candy. It seemed electrified and flew around a bit in the light. Leon Russell has never been so appreciated.
Last night, as tonight at the Beacon Theater, Cameron Crowe is filming for some kind of documentary. And tonight’s show, with Elton and Leon debuting their extraordinary album, “The Union,” is going to be the hottest ticket anywhere.
Katzenberg spent $60,000 to dine with Cooper at Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation dinner in New York.
Before the auction Cooper joked that the winner of the date wouldn’t get much “action” on a first date.
The crowd at Cipriani Wall Street–decked out in jewels and black tie–loved the joking around. They raised millions more for the charity. In the crowd were David Furnish, who puts the whole thing together and is quite amazing; Joanne Woodward; Tony Bennett; Hugh Jackman and wife Debra Lee Furness; Clive Davis; Nikki Haskell; “Gossip Girl” star Matthew Settle; Lorraine Bracco; Kevin Zegers; director Baz Luhrmann and costume designer wife Catherine Martin; Donna Karan; Bill and Tani Austin of the Starkey Hearing Foundation; and lots of well heeled fans who came to hear Elton put on a 45 minute solo acoustic set on piano with Leon Russell as a guest star.
And they got what they wanted: Elton dedicated “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” to the legendary Woodward, who he said he’d never met but always admired. The rest of the set was vintage Elton. He rocked the gigantic marble former bank with: “Sixty Years On” and “The Greatest Discovery” from his debut album–40th anniversary next month. “It feels like 40 minutes,” Elton said. And then: “Levon,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Philadelphia Freedom.” He played “When Love Is Dying,” an instant classic from the new album. All on piano, by himself, simply spectacular.
Then Sir Elton introduced Russell, calling him “my hero” and “my idol.” Russell sat down at the piano and played a little bit of “Amazing Grace,” and then a full version of the most celebrated song he’s written, “A Song For You.” Russell’s white hair is like spun silk or cotton candy. It seemed electrified and flew around a bit in the light. Leon Russell has never been so appreciated.
Last night, as tonight at the Beacon Theater, Cameron Crowe is filming for some kind of documentary. And tonight’s show, with Elton and Leon debuting their extraordinary album, “The Union,” is going to be the hottest ticket anywhere.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Next Stop: Brazilian B-Day Party
Not tired, boys? We crossed the Atlantic, we are in South America!!!! Brazil, ahhhh those so much passionate eltonites from Brazil. Hi there!!!!!!!!!! Hi girls, miss ya so much!!!“Happy Birthday Ben.....Hope your day is great and I wish you many blessings in the years ahead!!!!!!!!!!”
Ahhhh that great Ana Sousa. “Living in South America is hard for an Elton fan, not only because he does not perform here regularly, but also because it’s very difficult to find items related to him, except for his albums. I would say to all of the Elton fans around the world to never lose an opportunity of attending one of his concerts. They are the best, you won’t regret. It’s the best experience you can ever live.” Right!!!! That’s true!!!!
Ahhhh that great Ana Sousa. “Living in South America is hard for an Elton fan, not only because he does not perform here regularly, but also because it’s very difficult to find items related to him, except for his albums. I would say to all of the Elton fans around the world to never lose an opportunity of attending one of his concerts. They are the best, you won’t regret. It’s the best experience you can ever live.” Right!!!! That’s true!!!!
Leila Santiago!!!!! So nice to see you too!!! Oh, that’s wonderful!! “It was marvellous when I was in Las Vegas to see "Red Piano" in 2008. I can see Elton. I sat in third row and vision angle was Elton and Guy Babylon. I laugh all the time because I fulfilled my dream”. “Song From America”: I love it, pretty beatiful. I didn't know anything about this song, but it's an incredible song, thanks Leila. Milton Nascimiento is a great artist for sure, I know about him "Nada sera como antes" or "Tudo che voce queria ser", great songs, classics, but not this one. “The translation is the message to Ben: Song of America”. Thanks!!!
Vera Rio!!!!!! “It's a simple message but "... it's the best I can do ...", with love for this wonderful boy!” Ahhhhhh wonderful!!!!!!! You’re so kind too!!! “I love going to the beach, enjoy the sun, walk in the sand. I also like reading (any literary genre) and being with friends to talk, listen to good music and relax from the stressful routine of work. At last but not at least, to contact with other Elton's fans (in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil and around the world via the web). After all we just form a big family!”. Right, you’re a big family!!! Muito Grato, Brazil!!!!! 
1 comments:
- LAS said...
- Happy Birthday, Ben. I hope you like my message. Because when I heard the song "Song of America" I remember my father. Who died in 1984. He had cancer. Leila from Brasil.
Elton John says America needs more compassion
NEW YORK – Elton John says he's heartbroken by a mean tone that he says is enveloping America.
John spoke at his annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit Monday night and honored the memory of AIDS activist Ryan White, who died 20 years ago. The teen contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion and faced ostracism and discrimination. White worked to combat prejudice and ignorance associated with the disease until his death.
John and White became close friends during White's crusade; John said White is the reason why he started his foundation, which has doled out tens of millions of dollars to AIDS-related causes.
However, the legendary singer said some things have not changed since White died in 1990.
"I'm saddened and disturbed to realize we are still dealing with the same problems," John said.
"Ryan White was an amazing boy who had no prejudice, no bitterness," he added. "God do we need that kind of thing in America at this moment."
The British superstar professed his love for the United States, but said there is an increasing hostility in the country that "breaks my heart."
Speaking before a crowd that included Hugh Jackman, Anderson Cooper, Christina Ricci and Billie Jean King, John condemned people who say "ridiculous horrible things" without thinking of the consequences of what they are saying.
____
http://www.ejaf.org/
19 October 2010 12:09
Elton John - Sir Elton Urges Michael To 'Get Out More'
SIR ELTON JOHN has urged GEORGE MICHAEL to emerge from his self-imposed isolation and kick his drug habit by socialising more with pals.
The Faith hitmaker walked free from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, England last week (11Oct10) after serving 27 days of an eight-week sentence for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of drugs, stemming from an incident in July (10). Michael has in the past admitted to spending much of his time holed up at his north London mansion smoking dope all day - and the Rocket Man is adamant the former Wham! star needs to ditch his hermit-like existence if he is to turn his back on drugs.
He tells Britain's Radio Times, "I haven't got a thing against him. He's a huge talent. I love him, and what he does in his life is none of my business, but he should get out more.
"I helped Rufus Wainwright in 2002 when crystal meth addiction had turned him temporarily blind, my guitarist Davey Johnstone, who's now six months sober, and Eminem, two years sober. They all asked me.
"I had a great career, but I f**ked up my private life doing drugs. Once you give up drugs, as I did, you assume everyone else has, but it's more prevalent now than ever, and the drugs are particularly dangerous today."
19 October 2010 08:14
Elton John - Russell Grateful For Elton
Russell Grateful For Elton
Rock and blues legend LEON RUSSELL has publicly thanked pal ELTON JOHN for rescuing him from obscurity, revealing fellow pianist BRUCE HORNSBY did the same thing - but failed to respect the old-timer.
The ageing singer/songwriter, who inspired Elton when the Brit was starting out in the late 1960s, has bounced back from surgery for a brain fluid leak to record new album The Union with the Rocket Man.
And he insists the call to record an album with his old friend came at a very good time.
Russell tells USA Today, "It's nice to have somebody come back to the rest area of life and pull in and pick you up.
"Bruce Hornsby tried but he didn't want to let me do Leon Russell. He wanted to show me what I was doing wrong."
The ageing singer/songwriter, who inspired Elton when the Brit was starting out in the late 1960s, has bounced back from surgery for a brain fluid leak to record new album The Union with the Rocket Man.
And he insists the call to record an album with his old friend came at a very good time.
Russell tells USA Today, "It's nice to have somebody come back to the rest area of life and pull in and pick you up.
"Bruce Hornsby tried but he didn't want to let me do Leon Russell. He wanted to show me what I was doing wrong."
19 October 2010 16:22
Elton John - Sir Elton's Fears For Boyle
SIR ELTON JOHN fears SUSAN BOYLE's fame will be fleeting, because she is too fragile to endure the "rigours of showbusiness".
The Scottish singer shot to fame on hit TV show Britain's Got Talent last year (09) and her debut album, I Dreamed a Dream, broke records as it topped charts across the world.
Her upcoming second record, The Gift, already looks set to be another big hit after topping pre-order lists ahead of its release on 9 November (10).
But Sir Elton is adamant that Boyle, who was admitted to London clinic The Priory suffering from exhaustion after finishing second on the TV show, won't be able to cope with the demands of superstardom.
He tells Britain's Radio Times, "Susan Boyle was an endearing phenomenon, but I fear she might not understand the rigours of showbusiness."
Her upcoming second record, The Gift, already looks set to be another big hit after topping pre-order lists ahead of its release on 9 November (10).
But Sir Elton is adamant that Boyle, who was admitted to London clinic The Priory suffering from exhaustion after finishing second on the TV show, won't be able to cope with the demands of superstardom.
He tells Britain's Radio Times, "Susan Boyle was an endearing phenomenon, but I fear she might not understand the rigours of showbusiness."
But, does it really matter? This was a night for fund-raising for AIDS research, for applauding Mr. Katzenberg and his wife, Marilyn; Tamara Mellon, and Ukrainian power couple Victor and Elena Pinchuk for their "enduring vision.""You have made the difference and you continue to make a difference," Sir Elton told the crowd. This was after showing a short film that provided a tribute to Ryan White as well as portrayed the things his charity, which has raised more than $220 million since its inception, does regularly.
"We have an amazing repeat rate," Sir Elton's partner, David Furnish, said in an interview. "At least 95 cents of every dollar goes to the field, and we have a four-star Charity Navigator rating. We have friends underwrite the videos, too, so we can make people see where their money is going. They're more inclined to be charitable that way. More so than if we bash them over the head with statistics."
As much as, of course, this was an evening about helping the world, it was hard to ignore the amount of good publicity a gala such as this can bring to Sir Elton. Is it a coincidence that the next day marked the release of "The Union," an album of duets with Leon Russell? (Mr. Russell performed a song after Sir Elton gave a surprisingly long, heartfelt set.) Or that part of the live auction involved showing the trailer for Sir Elton's and Mr. Furnish's new animated film, "Gnomeo and Juliet," which features the singer as a purple sequin-clad and piano-playing garden gnome? Disney will release the film in 2011 and a pair of tickets to the already-scheduled Los Angeles premiere went for $60,000.
(Of how this promotion might look to the evening's honoree, Mr. Katzenberg, whose animated allegiance now lies, of course, with Dreamworks, Mr. Furnish said: "We would have loved to work with Jeffrey, but we have a first look deal with Disney and they snapped it up first.")
Though Hugh Jackman, Christina Ricci and Joanne Woodward were in the audience, it was the Pinchuks who made the most of an impression. They accepted their honor with glee and Ukrainian humor. Mr. Pinchuk, a media mogul, has been described as "the second-richest man in Ukraine." Ms. Pinchuk, who is active in AIDS organizations, was wearing a royal-blue Pamella Roland gown and lots of fancy jewelry. She said she and her husband had just arrived from Ukraine the day before. They spent the day with their 19-year-old son, had Chinese food and went to sleep.
"We didn't do any crazy things," she said. "We fly back to Ukraine tonight."
Ms. Pinchuk explained that Sir Elton's White Tie and Tiara Ball in the U.K. has inspired her to create more of a social life in her country. When asked how often she gets to put on a fancy gown, she made a face of surprise. "In Ukraine?" she asked. "Not very often. A few times a year. I could go to many parties, but there aren't many interesting parties."
Did she have a favorite Elton John song? "I can't choose! I can't choose!" she said, flustered. Then the singer took to the piano and started to play a few bars. "It's Elton's concert! I can't miss it! I can't miss it! I can't miss it!"
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