Leon Live
Leon Russell · 1973
107 min · 19 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of blues, rock, and gospel with dynamic instrumentation and soulful vocals that capture the spirit of live performance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Delta Lady — This track exemplifies Russell's ability to fuse rock with soulful melodies, showcasing his distinctive piano work and emotive vocal delivery.
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Roll Away the Stone — A powerful anthem that combines elements of rock and gospel, it's a highlight of the album that captures the energy of Russell's live performance.
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Might Quinn Medley: I’ll Take You There / Idol With the Golden Head / I Serve a Living Savior / The Mighty Quinn Start here — This medley showcases Russell's improvisational skill and ability to weave together diverse influences, creating an extended piece that reflects his musical versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures a vibrant live performance but lacks a tightly cohesive flow due to its varied pacing and extended jams.
What we noticed
- Instrumentation varies significantly between tracks, with shifts from piano-driven ballads to full-band rock arrangements.
- Several tracks include extended instrumental sections, allowing for dynamic solos and audience interaction typical of live performances.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic live performance energy
- medleys that invite participation
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- soulful moments of reflection
- celebratory anthems for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefers short standalone tracks
- seeks consistent tempo throughout
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Russell's reputation with a strong live performance showcasing his eclectic style.
- Career context
- Released in 1973, 'Leon Live' came during Leon Russell's commercial peak following his successful self-titled debut in 1970. At this time, Russell was already establishing himself as a versatile artist, blending genres and showcasing his skills as a live performer. This album serves as a testament to his growing popularity and the creative synergy he fostered with a talented backing band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Cocker· Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Crystal Closet Queen
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to addressing societal perceptions with bold imagery and candid honesty.
This lyrical approach reveals Russell's knack for storytelling, using vivid language to challenge conventions while exploring themes of identity.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Might Quinn Medley: I’ll Take You There / Idol With the Golden Head / I Serve a Living Savior / The Mighty Quinn Start here 11:43
- 2 Shoot Out on the Plantation 4:50
- 3 Dixie Lullaby 3:07
- 4 Queen of the Roller Derby 1:53
- 5 Roll Away the Stone 3:56
- 6 It’s Been a Long Time Baby 3:19
- 7 Great Day 3:07
- 8 Alcatraz 4:18
- 9 Crystal Closet Queen 6:33
- 10 Prince of Peace 4:27
- 11 Sweet Emily 3:07
- 12 Stranger in a Strange Land 4:57
Disc 2
- 1 Out in the Woods 9:15
- 2 Some Day 3:19
- 3 Sweeping Through the City 2:29
- 4 Jumping Jack Flash / Youngblood Medley 16:09
- 5 Off Thee I Sing / Yes I Am Medley 10:26
- 6 Delta Lady 3:54
- 7 It’s All Over Now Baby Blue 6:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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