Leon Russell - A Song for You

Starring:Leon Russell
Studio: First Look Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Not Bad, But Could Have Been Excellent
A Musical Biography Of Rock & Roll Legend
Disappointing
Leon Russell: Master Of Space , time, and Baby-boomer music
THE MASTER OF SPACE AND TIME

Leon Russell - A Song for You
Starring: Leon Russell
Manufacturer: Classic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Leon Russell & the New Grass Revival
Edgar Winter - Live on Stage, Featuring Leon Russell
Leon Live
JJ. Cale featuring Leon Russell - In Session at the Paradise Studios, L.A. 1979
Mad Dogs & Englishmen - Joe Cocker

ASIN: B00006JMPZ
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad, But Could Have Been Excellent.......2004-11-20

I believe it was Cher (of all people) who was asked a few years ago what her favorite musical memory from her never-ending career was. Her response was watching a very drunk (and possibly unclothed - can't remember that detail) Leon Russell dancing on a grand piano during a mid 60s recording session. It's too bad that no film from that little episode was available for inclusion on this DVD, as it would have fit nicely with its' narrated documentary feel.

Fans of Leon are just going to have to wait a little longer for a truly definitive DVD to hit the market. In the meantime, this one does a nice job serving as either an introduction to the uninitiated and as a decent career summary for fans.

My biggest problem with the DVD is pretty much the same as other reviewers have stated - the inclusion of a little too much footage from the 90s and not enough from the prime early to mid 70s era. Granted there is some very nice footage of Leon and the "Shelter People" in a TV studio playing songs from his first solo album, but there isn't nearly enough film of Leon and his full band in a true concert setting. During the early 70s, Leon was one of the top concert acts in the entire country! For those of us who never got to see Leon until he was part of Willie Nelson's band, video from those earlier days is a holy grail of sorts. That criticism aside, the concert footage included here is (cheesy effects aside) absolutley riviting - especially Jumpin' Jack Flash.

I also have some minor issues with a few mistated facts that crop up in the packaging and as part of the narration. Who ever wrote the liner notes on the packaging refers to Leon's career as "illustrious, yet almost anonymous". Is he kidding? He obviously wasn't around during that (although somewhat brief) time in the early 70s when Leon was HUGE! He was arguably as popular and as well known as any rock star on the planet! And then there's that ever popular trend of assuming that Leon's song "Roll Away the Stone" is the same tune recorded by Mott the Hoople. It's not. Why didn't someone just take 5 minutes and listen to those songs before including that in the script? A little fact checking never hurts when researching someone's career for a project like this.

Petty grievances aside, any one watching this DVD can't help but be impressed by the astounding number of major artists Leon has played for, written for, or produced. The list starts with former Beatles, the Stones, the Beach Boys and just gets longer and better. And the songs! "This Masquerade", "A Song for You", and "Superstar" can't be considered anything but modern standards! And don't even try to start naming all the great rock songs Russell's written - there's just too many.

No doubt, this is worth having in your collection. I just can't help but think it could have been that much better with a little more vault raiding and research. In the meantime, I'll just hope that more concert video from '71 or '72 is out there somewhere and that it will make it onto DVD eventually. That is something I'll stand in line to buy!

A Musical Biography Of Rock & Roll Legend.......2004-09-17

When I purchased this DVD, I was expecting a concert. Well, there is plenty of concert footage, informal studio sessions, all wrapped around the narrated story of Leon's life and his influence spanning four decades of music. I was surprised by the previous author's review. He/she claims to be a Leon fan, then gives this DVD a 2 star rating? I'm not sure the review was about this DVD as I think any TRUE fan of Leon Russell will see this for what it is, a musical biography of one of the best there ever was. It is a pity that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hasn't yet inducted him into the "club".

If you ever enjoyed Leon throughout his extensive career, this DVD is a must own for your collection.

Disappointing.......2004-07-10

First let me say that I've been a fan of Leon Russell's since 1971. My very first concert was Leon Russell and B.B. King in Arlington Texas. I wasn't old enough to drive yet but I got my parents to take me there from Dallas. I would say that the album that I have spun more times than any other in my collection would be Asylum Choir or perhaps Leon Russell and the Shelter People. So, you know I'm a fan.

I saw Leon a couple months back in Malibu. I'm going to be honest. First off, he's lost his voice. Some would argue that he never was a great singer, but certainly he was a terrific vocal stylist. I wouldn't say that he is anymore. But what disappointed me was that he seems to be stuck in creaky technology from the 80's. His electronic piano uses patches from way back when, and frankly, it sounds mighty cheesy. There's lots better stuff out there these days but he's still running his keyboard from a Powerbook 170 like I had around 92. It sounds hokey. Come on, man, that was maybe the best you could do then, but it sure isn't now. I came away feeling that he's lost his sense of taste, esthetic judgement, and artistic restraint. The sounds he was cranking out, particularly on "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" were particularly cheese ball.

Now, the DVD, it's mostly the same way. On the plus side are video recordings of him playing with the Shelter People in 1970. That's what I wanted to see when I ordered this DVD. But that's only about a third of the disk. The rest is relatively recent footage, with cowboy hat and sans voice. Now fire up the ol' Video Toaster and throw in lots of cheese ball video effects. Seriously. they use lots of "star field" effects and some solarizations. Top it off with bad and very obvious canned applause. It is not what I'd consider to be a professional job. It looked like the work of a high school television and film department.

I'm going to compare this DVD to Leon's song, "Back to the Island". The song has a beautiful melody. The way the verse rises and falls, slowly leading you on. Its one of the most masterfully written melodies I think I've ever heard. And then comes the chorus and crank up the damn hokey tropical bird sounds. It's a fine song marred by hokiness. This DVD is marred likewise.

Leon Russell: Master Of Space , time, and Baby-boomer music.......2004-03-25

I cannot say enough concerning this music DVD. I always was a BIG fan of Leon, and this is a true god-send to people of this ilk. It has early 70's studio footage of him and "The Shelter People" performing, some concert footage from back in the good old days, and more recent concert/performance footage. The disc is just crammed full of this great musician and sonwriters massive talent.
Buy it, wait 'till your spouse and kids leave the house, crank up the 5.1, open the first bottle of a six pack of Guinness, and have a great time!

THE MASTER OF SPACE AND TIME.......2004-01-16

Being a 30 year plus fan of the master of space and time I was pleasantly surprised by the blending of documentary and performance of a legendary artist. Don't believe it check out the special feature Leon's rock family tree.

Average customer rating:

Great Documentary.....Now
DON'T BUY. THAT'S ALL.
PRESS RELEASE FOR ALL LEON RUSSELL FANS
This DVD is being recalled
A Song For You Has Been Recalled

Russell Leon: A Song For You
Starring: Leon Russell
Manufacturer: Classic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Mad Dogs & Englishmen - Joe Cocker
The Concert for Bangladesh (Limited Deluxe Edition)
Willie Nelson/Leon Russell: Most Famous Hit Live

ASIN: B000069HXT
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Description

Leon Russell's career has spanned over 50 years and is still going strong. A legend within the rock industry, Leon Russell is the ultimate rock n roll musician, and his career includes collaborations with a who's who of music icons, including the Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan. This DVD is a spectacular and rare collection, portraying his legendary career. The production team was personally invited to Leon's home in Nashville, to explore a mammoth archive of film material which included TV shows, live performances and studio footage of his many famous collaborations. This DVD features 95 minutes of unique footage re-mastered for DVD with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, taken from the original master video and multi-tracks which were recorded during Leon's studio sessions and live performances over the past thirty years. 105 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

Great Documentary.....Now.......2004-03-25

In light of the reviews posted on this site, I would like to start with, "calm down everyone, the sync has be corrected".

I purchased this DBD February 2004 and was not dissapointed. The previous "out of sync problem" has definitely been corrected.

I love this walk down the memory lane of Leon Russell's career. It is a MUST for every Leon fan and I have been watching it every chance I get. This is an exceptional compilation of clips spanning his entire career, on stage, in the studio and at home.

My only criticism would be that the narration occasionally steps on the beginning of a clip, as in the case of shootout on the plantation.

I hope there is enough material for another Leon DVD.

DON'T BUY. THAT'S ALL........2002-08-08

The materials are good. But the picure and the sound are totally out of sync. It makes you want to call for the doctor. Never buy.

PRESS RELEASE FOR ALL LEON RUSSELL FANS.......2002-08-05

PRESS RELEASE FOR ALL LEON RUSSELL FANS

It has been brought to our attention, that our DVD release in the USA of Leon Russell's 'A Song For You' has a sound fault with the sync.

Our Distributors in the USA are recalling the stock from the retailers and replacement stock will be issued within 14 - 21 days.

Any consumer that has purchased the disc, and is experiencing sync problems on the sound, should return the disc to the retailer..

We apologise for this problem and any inconvenience caused; and assure all our customers that this is not standard practice for this company, we take great care in Quality Control to make sure such problems never arise. Unfortunately, no company is perfect and in the complicated process of DVD production, this problem has slipped through the net.

For your information, we are also releasing on DVD next month, Leon Russell and the New Grass Revival Live and also JJ Cale and Leon Russell in Session.

This DVD is being recalled.......2002-08-03

The manufacturer is recalling this DVD because of the sync error. A corrected version will be available in a few weeks. Contact your place of purchase for a refund or exchange. This DVD was released in Australia and the UK a couple of months ago. Friends of mine there raved about it. Highly recommended to any Leon fan or those that want to learn more about the Master of Space and Time.

A Song For You Has Been Recalled.......2002-08-02

I've contacted the manufacturer and they have issued the following statement:

PRESS RELEASE FOR ALL LEON RUSSELL FANS
From : Robert Garofalo
Managing Director
Classic Pictures Entertainment Limited
31 July 2002

It has been brought to our attention, that our DVD release in the USA of
Leon Russell's 'A Song For You' has a sound fault with the sync.

Our Distributors in the USA are recalling the stock from the retailers
and replacement stock will be issued within 14 - 21 days.

Any consumer that has purchased the disc, and is experiencing sync
problems on the sound, should return the disc to the retailer..

We apologise for this problem and any inconvenience caused; and assure
all our customers that this is not standard practice for this company,
we take great care in Quality Control to make sure such problems never
arise. Unfortunately, no company is perfect and in the complicated
process of DVD production, this problem has slipped through the net.

For your information, we are also releasing on DVD next month, Leon
Russell and the New Grass Revival Live and also JJ Cale and Leon Russell
in Session.

Many thanks

Product Description

Comman features in both dvd: Animated Menu, Track Selection, NTSC. - Other features in Leon Russell - A Song For You : Leon's Rpock Family Tree. - Audio Option: Dollby Digital 5.1 Surround, Dollby Digital 2.0 Stereo. - Other features in Leon Russell And New Grass Revival : Biography, Bonus Audio Tracks :- 1. Cajun Love Song 2. Dancing with angels 3. I will fly away 4. La La 5. Randy Lynn Rag 6. Out In The World 7. Roll Over Beethoven 8. Uncle Penn 9. Lead Highway Blues. *Bonus Tracks Include PCM Stereo Option. Track List of Leon Russell And New Grass Revival: 1. Over the rainbow 2. I've just seen a face 3. One more love song 4. I am a pilgram / columbus stockade 5. Jesus will take me home 6. Stranger in a strange land 7. I want to be at the meeting 8. I believe to my soul 9. Prince of Peace 10. Rollin my sweet baby's arms 11. Wild Horses 12. Right Before my eyes something strange 13. amazing grace 14. Jumpin' jack flash 15. Truck driving man 16. down in the caribben 17. Jambalaya 18. A song for you Line UP: Leon Russell (Piano/Vocals), Courtney Johnson (Banjo/Vocals), Cutis Burch (Guita/Vocals/Dobro), John Cown (Vocals/Bass), Sam Bush (Vocals/Mandolin/Fiddle) Track List of Leon Russell - A Song For You: 1. Song for you 2. Hummingbird 3. This Masquerade 4. Delta Lady 5. Jumpin' Jack Flash 6. Tightrope 7. Crystal Closet Queen 8. I am so Lonesome 9. Sweet Willie 10. My Cricket and me 11. Jessues will take me home 12. Stranger in a strange land 13. Back to the Island 14. Mystert Train 15. Jambalaya 16. Prince of peace 17. One more love song 18. Life and more 19. Out in the woods 20. Magic Mirror 21. Will the circle be unbroken 22. Lady Blue 23. Shoot Out on the plantation 24. Over the rainbow 25. Song for you

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