My old boss. Playing trombone and singing back up vocals, I was on the road with Leon during the months of October through December of 1981. It was an 11-piece band. Leon assigned me the task of arranging his musical ideas for this large group. I came up with a simple concept that allowed the band members to figure out their parts by ear. Leon approved and called that arranging approach “Brewer’s Law” as a clever way to express his appreciation to me. It was NOT my “law”, of course. It was a fundamental approach to arranging and orchestrating that long pre-dated anything I might’ve invented. Still, I was deeply honored by Leon naming it after me. Important: Leon had a deep knowledge of music theory and could read music at an advanced level. He was outside the norm for a rocker of his generation because he could play by ear and read music, too - and both equally well. Leon showed me once how he had derived his composition, “This Masquerade” from the old Matt Dennis song, “Angel Eyes”. It is a brilliant study in the ingenious ways that a great songwriter can reorganize the musical facets of an earlier work and transform those facets into a new and original piece of music. That’s how great Leon was. I feel so very fortunate to have known him and to have learned from him.
When Leon came out with the ""Carney"" album I went to see him in my City. Leon was the opening act for the group "" Traffic"" and when he did the songs on that album which in their own right , in my opinion were all Hits. That night was the first and last time I seen a musician called back out for (3) encores, I kid you not! When Leon passed on we lost a Great one.🎹
Leon's the man..I feel he's never gotten all the accolades he should have for all his hard work and beautiful songs he's written over the years. I've been a die-hard fan of his since the 60's. I'm happy that Elton John was able to bring him out to a new generation to appreciate this man's enormous talent.
Leon deserved better than life and his old pals treated him in his latter years. Should not have been nearly forgotten. Glad Elton stood tall and helped Leon's star to shine bright once more.
i was driving through Dallas...uh that's in Texas...i was on the 685 going somewhere and i something caught my caught my eye...it was a sign on a roller rink saying "Tonight Only Leon Russell and friends" his friends were Johnny Winter and his brother Edgar....was just amazing show....not bad for 25.00 bucks
Leon said he didn't want to write hits. He wanted to write standards.This song is deceptively simple. But disguises complex changes in his haunting tonality that is so lyrically and melodically perfect, that it appears simple. He is the songwriters, songwriter. The master at his craft....
Thanks for the insight Bruce. I am one who although had his, and JJ's, albums in 1973, still did not appreciate the quality, depth and scope of the talent, and music of both of them - maybe especially with Leon. Having grown up in Tulsa in the '50's and '60's, and lived there on and off through the '90's, it is one of those life regrets to me that I didn't take advantage of going to see both of them playing live in Tulsa when I could have. Just thankful we have them on so many variety of recordings.
Leon just doesn't get the credit he deserves for writing two of the most beautiful songs, This Masquerade and Superstar! Leon does a great concert, too!
We lost a GIANT last November. I'm an Okie so I might be a little biased, but I think Leon was without peer in the music world, given the breadth of his accomplishments. I still remember the 1st time I heard Leon; it was the "Shelter People" album. I was instantly floored. Little did I realize at the time he played on the very 1st album I ever got..."Summer Days And Summer Nights"by The Beach Boys ...under my Christmas Tree a few years before. God bless Sir Elton for reminding the world about such a great musician. RIP Leon.
My Friend being you are an Okie I tell ya Leon's ""Going back to Oklahoma"" you must appreciate that song ,it has always been one of my favorite all time songs,and that album you speak of was Fabulous,Leon was a Genius. Thank You.
Musicians will understand.. this song is very well crafted .. Leon was such a great composer .. this sounds like something from the Gershwin Brothers , but better ..👍❤️
WE DROVE IN A 1966 OLDS 442 W/THE TOP DOWN IN DEAD OF WINTER FROM LONG ISLAND TO THE VILLAGE..FREEZING NITE..HEATER BLASTING..CAUGHT ONE OF THE SHOWS. DAM NEAR TOOK OFF THE FILLMORE'S ROOF. JOE COCKER, LEON, RUSSEL & RITA COOLIDGE W/ MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN. WHAT A LINEUP..WHAT A WILD SOUND..SO MUCH SUPER STAR TALENT. HATS OFF TO BOBBY KEYS, SAX EXTRAORDINARE.
I love Leon... grew up through my teens into my twenties with him,.... in Oklahoma.... City.... with JJ Cale, Willie Nelson... etc... He was my first ever teen thrill icon... ... I am a piano player... concertina player... and lover of this incredibly talented musician. Saw him last time at the Norman Music Festival... so sad for his loss.... although I know we shall meet in our HEAVEN.... soon.
Amazing composer, performer.. We are lucky to have him.. Elton John did a good thing reviving him and reminding people of who this great man was and is.
what a beautiful soul he was. saw him on old snl playing piano with joe cocker and John belushi. his long fingers, eyes and stature captivated me. rip all three of you
A buddy and I have tickets for a show Leon is doing in Chicago in April. Have loved him since I first saw him in Bangladesh. Bought Carney and fell in love with this song then. Leon is such a wonderful songwriter and pianist. A musical genius. Kudos to Elton John for bringing him to a whole generation that missed him. Tose of us in our 60's were fortunate to see some musical giants in our day, and Leon is up there with the best of them. God Bless you, Leon!
I saw the Mad Dogs & Englishman tour. 1971. And just Leon in 1971. I was saying above, on a post. Leon is such a Heavyweight. When the Bangladesh movie came out --We went every single night, that it showed. Had the LP, the VHS, CD, DVD..and now the DVD Deluxe that Olivia Harrison put together. I LOVE THIS CONCERT. Too bad they removed most of it from CZcams/copyright. I enjoyed pulling it up for a quick view. We have a FACEBOOK page on Claudia Lennear, you might give a view to.. facebook.com/groups/ClaudiaLennear/
beadsandbraids I would have loved to have seen him live back then. The energy and that incredible voice to go along with all that talent is a terrific recipe for a great show. There's a clip on here with Leon and J.J. Cale playing 'Going Down' from probably the mid-70's that I go to for a quick hit every now and then. And I have all but that newest version of Bangladesh too; one of the best concerts ever recorded, imho! Thanks for sharing!
buckfan1969 One night, I was looking for a pic of Teddy Jack..Leons oldest son. I saw this Carney looking pic of Leon & Gary Busey.>>> ( I had seen Gary with Rick Danko/Levon Helm (The Band) Paul Butterfleld..as one band. Roxy night club in Hollywood @1977?. One of the most fun insanely nights ever. Gary is a very adept musician & a wild man. ) So, I find this tulsatvmemories.com/mazeppa2.html Leon & Gary were oddly very good friends. Did local Tulsa TV together. So much..Gary's character Teddy Jack Eddy--is who Leon's son is named after. I love the internet for finding trivia nuggets like this ! Also, in the ground was Guilard Sartain..from that " Hey Vern" bunch. LOL This is rare knowledge to know.
beadsandbraids Just watched The Buddy Holly Story about a week ago; first I'd seen it in 30+ years. Busey is quite a character; just the opposite of Russell in many ways. Maybe that's why they clicked.
I became a fan of singer Leon Russell because of his wonderful voice, for me Leon Russell is the best singer in the United States. I've also been a fan of British singer-songwriter Elton John since I was a child, and in 2010 they made an album about unity. I love Leon Russell, he's now at the side of his heavenly father Jesus Christ.
Leon Russel played with and knew so many of the greats...and they knew his gift for the music! He was forgotten in his later years...a failing resolved when Elton John intervened on Leon's behalf. Two great artists with a range of styles...thank God for both of them...thank Elton for his rescue of a fellow human and artist!
I've had SUCH a crush on Leon since the 60s. Genius. Gifted. And he shared it with rest of us. So many stories. So much music. Thank you, Leon. From the bottom of my heart.
Awe..the voice that is still playing for the soundtrack of my life...thank you for you gifts of beautiful, soulful music...I love you for my life....you are a friend of mine....RIP
Love Leon Russell...sadly didnt discover him until later in my life, but I am happy to hear his incredible song...This Masquerade...and of course, Superstar is just that!
What a wonderful performance. Saw Leon in Milwaukee this last April. He didn't do This Masquerade, but he did a long set of solo pieces that were just great. All I could think was what a privilege to see this great artist, who nearly died a few years ago, just after Elton John started helping him get back on his feet and in the spotlight where he belongs. We are all blessed that he is back in action, sounding better than ever!
Leon, It was the highlight of my life to understand and truly listen to your muzak. I know I speak for myself and millions of others who say "God Bless you and thank you for you lyrics and muzak"
Leon showed up at the Colosseum in Richmond, VA, in the early 70's. That was a Rock & Roll show - Brown Sugar on stage and On The Air - where is that Green Les Paul now?
Leon is such a great talent, haven written so many hits for other artists that no one knew he has written going back to the 50's! Please check out my rendition of this hit made popular by George by searching "Mike sings This Masqureade", and tell me what you think. thank you, and thank you Leon
My old boss. Playing trombone and singing back up vocals, I was on the road with Leon during the months of October through December of 1981. It was an 11-piece band.
Leon assigned me the task of arranging his musical ideas for this large group. I came up with a simple concept that allowed the band members to figure out their parts by ear. Leon approved and called that arranging approach “Brewer’s Law” as a clever way to express his appreciation to me.
It was NOT my “law”, of course. It was a fundamental approach to arranging and orchestrating that long pre-dated anything I might’ve invented. Still, I was deeply honored by Leon naming it after me.
Important: Leon had a deep knowledge of music theory and could read music at an advanced level. He was outside the norm for a rocker of his generation because he could play by ear and read music, too - and both equally well.
Leon showed me once how he had derived his composition, “This Masquerade” from the old Matt Dennis song, “Angel Eyes”. It is a brilliant study in the ingenious ways that a great songwriter can reorganize the musical facets of an earlier work and transform those facets into a new and original piece of music.
That’s how great Leon was. I feel so very fortunate to have known him and to have learned from him.
Paul Brewer he was so good ... a legend long before his death ❤️
So cool, thank you for sharing this beautiful story 🤠
Yes, Leon never gets the credit for all he did...yet, people still discover him on a daily basis...even now in 2020
I discovered Leon Russell as a child with the Carney album in 72.......I was 9
@@GuitarZombie try to keep it relevant
RIP Leon
"This Masquerade" is probably one of the most beautiful songs ever.
but what it speaks to ...
I agree.
Yes so beautiful
When Leon came out with the ""Carney"" album I went to see him in my City. Leon was the opening act for the group "" Traffic"" and when he did the songs on that album which in their own right , in my opinion were all Hits. That night was the first and last time I seen a musician called back out for (3) encores, I kid you not! When Leon passed on we lost a Great one.🎹
Thanks for sharing that man. ✌
Happy Birthday, Master!
Leon's the man..I feel he's never gotten all the accolades he should have for all his hard work and beautiful songs he's written over the years. I've been a die-hard fan of his since the 60's. I'm happy that Elton John was able to bring him out to a new generation to appreciate this man's enormous talent.
+Connie Bliss Here, here!!!
I so agree, Connie. The man is truly underrated. His tune "Lady Blue" still gives me chills to this day.
One of my favorite songs. I still have the 45.:-)
Never gotten the accolades? He's in the Rock & Roll HOF, The Song Writers HOF, & the Grammy HOF. Doesn't get much bigger than that.
Same, Connie. He deserved more from this world.
Leon deserved better than life and his old pals treated him in his latter years. Should not have been nearly forgotten. Glad Elton stood tall and helped Leon's star to shine bright once more.
Yes, very glad. And eternal thanks to Elton, as well as Leon himself.
i was driving through Dallas...uh that's in Texas...i was on the 685 going somewhere and i something caught my caught my eye...it was a sign on a roller rink saying "Tonight Only Leon Russell and friends" his friends were Johnny Winter and his brother Edgar....was just amazing show....not bad for 25.00 bucks
Leon said he didn't want to write hits. He wanted to write standards.This song is deceptively simple. But disguises complex changes in his haunting tonality that is so lyrically and melodically perfect, that it appears simple. He is the songwriters, songwriter. The master at his craft....
Thanks for the insight Bruce. I am one who although had his, and JJ's, albums in 1973, still did not appreciate the quality, depth and scope of the talent, and music of both of them - maybe especially with Leon. Having grown up in Tulsa in the '50's and '60's, and lived there on and off through the '90's, it is one of those life regrets to me that I didn't take advantage of going to see both of them playing live in Tulsa when I could have. Just thankful we have them on so many variety of recordings.
@@josephhitt4444 Took the words right out of my SOUL.
Leon said that he didn't want to write hits, he wanted to write standards. Thank-you for sharing that with us. What a gift he was.
Dear Lord, some of those chords just kill me💔😭
Leon Russell, I miss you.
Masterful.
It’s because of his originality and authenticity that he is so accessible. Mr Russell is a master of time and space. 🕊
Leon just doesn't get the credit he deserves for writing two of the most beautiful songs, This Masquerade and Superstar! Leon does a great concert, too!
Add "A Song For You" in that lineup. The Temptations cover in 1975 is killer.
+Foster Mac thanks friend. I wasn't aware the Temps recorded it as well. Must check it out.
"A Song for You" was recorded by 100 + artists. I've loved this man since the first time I heard him in 1972. R.I.P. Leon
Kissmy Asta. actually i really think he does. yesterday today and tomorrow
He also said the song paid him a fortune in royalties each year. He was very happy with that.
We lost a GIANT last November. I'm an Okie so I might be a little biased, but I think Leon was without peer in the music world, given the breadth of his accomplishments. I still remember the 1st time I heard Leon; it was the "Shelter People" album. I was instantly floored. Little did I realize at the time he played on the very 1st album I ever got..."Summer Days And Summer Nights"by The Beach Boys ...under my Christmas Tree a few years before. God bless Sir Elton for reminding the world about such a great musician. RIP Leon.
You might be a bit biased, as many of us 'Okies' are about Leon. But if you are, so was/is Elton John, who called Leon "...the Master." e'nuff said.
My Friend being you are an Okie I tell ya Leon's ""Going back to Oklahoma"" you must appreciate that song ,it has always been one of my favorite all time songs,and that album you speak of was Fabulous,Leon was a Genius. Thank You.
How well these words reflect the world we are in...
Farewell to genius
He had such a talent for writing music. Nobody sings it like Leon.
Musicians will understand.. this song is very well crafted .. Leon was such a great composer .. this sounds like something from the Gershwin Brothers , but better ..👍❤️
Probably the most underrated star from the 60's and 70's...RIP Leon
The Master of Space And Time hisself.
Leon is thrilling the heavenly hosts now. One of the greatest of all times.
WE DROVE IN A 1966 OLDS 442 W/THE TOP DOWN IN DEAD OF WINTER FROM LONG ISLAND TO THE VILLAGE..FREEZING NITE..HEATER BLASTING..CAUGHT ONE OF THE SHOWS. DAM NEAR TOOK OFF THE FILLMORE'S ROOF. JOE COCKER, LEON, RUSSEL & RITA COOLIDGE W/ MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN. WHAT A LINEUP..WHAT A WILD SOUND..SO MUCH SUPER STAR TALENT. HATS OFF TO BOBBY KEYS, SAX EXTRAORDINARE.
RIP Mr. Russell. Was an honor to greet you when I was a volunteer usher in the early 2000s. You put on a great show. You'll be sadly missed.
Truly ,the "Master of Space and Time". Leon Russell
Stan
Another great Tulsan, who contributed to the music industry.
I love Leon Russell. Saw him in '77 at the Universal amphitheater. Him and his wife were facing each other both at the keyboards. Beautiful.
Fabulous, voluptuous piano sound, what a pianist he was.
He sure could write beautiful tunes - as well as being a True legend of the Pop side of the bussiness as well - Loved him & his God given gifts -
Leon Russell's music is a distinct American sound. Prairie Noir.
I learned something new today. Leon Russell. My goodness.
I love Leon... grew up through my teens into my twenties with him,.... in Oklahoma.... City.... with JJ Cale, Willie Nelson... etc... He was my first ever teen thrill icon... ... I am a piano player... concertina player... and lover of this incredibly talented musician. Saw him last time at the Norman Music Festival... so sad for his loss.... although I know we shall meet in our HEAVEN.... soon.
May you rest in peace. You was a amazing musician
i just LOVE Leon Russell. What more can i say.
I love this stripped down, just Leon and the Piano rendition. Lovely.
Rest in Peace Beautiful Man : (
Love the Carney album. Just played it a few days ago. Hauntingly beautiful songs. Wish he was still around. 😢
Miss him terribly.......
Oh this is SO good!!!
Bellísima canción!!. y ese piano suena espectacular!!. Bravo Russell!!..
Wow fantastic song writer, love this song and love his voice is AMAZING LOVING the style he sings in my book I love it
Amazing composer, performer.. We are lucky to have him.. Elton John did a good thing reviving him and reminding people of who this great man was and is.
It doesn't get any better than "just" Leon and his piano for me! Lovely rendition... thanks so much for the post!
Leon you are the greatest piano-man who ever touched the keys!
what a beautiful soul he was. saw him on old snl playing piano with joe cocker and John belushi. his long fingers, eyes and stature captivated me. rip all three of you
R.I.P Mr Leon !!!
此方が本家本元,マスカレード、天才でしたね。
A buddy and I have tickets for a show Leon is doing in Chicago in April. Have loved him since I first saw him in Bangladesh. Bought Carney and fell in love with this song then. Leon is such a wonderful songwriter and pianist. A musical genius. Kudos to Elton John for bringing him to a whole generation that missed him. Tose of us in our 60's were fortunate to see some musical giants in our day, and Leon is up there with the best of them. God Bless you, Leon!
I saw the Mad Dogs & Englishman tour. 1971. And just Leon in 1971. I was saying above, on a post. Leon is such a Heavyweight. When the Bangladesh movie came out --We went every single night, that it showed. Had the LP, the VHS, CD, DVD..and now the DVD Deluxe that Olivia Harrison put together. I LOVE THIS CONCERT. Too bad they removed most of it from CZcams/copyright. I enjoyed pulling it up for a quick view. We have a FACEBOOK page on Claudia Lennear, you might give a view to.. facebook.com/groups/ClaudiaLennear/
beadsandbraids I would have loved to have seen him live back then. The energy and that incredible voice to go along with all that talent is a terrific recipe for a great show. There's a clip on here with Leon and J.J. Cale playing 'Going Down' from probably the mid-70's that I go to for a quick hit every now and then. And I have all but that newest version of Bangladesh too; one of the best concerts ever recorded, imho! Thanks for sharing!
buckfan1969 One night, I was looking for a pic of Teddy Jack..Leons oldest son. I saw this Carney looking pic of Leon & Gary Busey.>>> ( I had seen Gary with Rick Danko/Levon Helm (The Band) Paul Butterfleld..as one band. Roxy night club in Hollywood @1977?. One of the most fun insanely nights ever. Gary is a very adept musician & a wild man. ) So, I find this tulsatvmemories.com/mazeppa2.html Leon & Gary were oddly very good friends. Did local Tulsa TV together. So much..Gary's character Teddy Jack Eddy--is who Leon's son is named after. I love the internet for finding trivia nuggets like this ! Also, in the ground was Guilard Sartain..from that " Hey Vern" bunch. LOL This is rare knowledge to know.
beadsandbraids Just watched The Buddy Holly Story about a week ago; first I'd seen it in 30+ years. Busey is quite a character; just the opposite of Russell in many ways. Maybe that's why they clicked.
this is music history where are you people you 23 you are lost to the love of music may god hellp you
Besides his writing music, he was the best piano player. Such a talented man. RIP Leon.
Such a great musical talent
No words can do justice to how remarkable Leon was. #RIP 🎶❤️🎶
I became a fan of singer Leon Russell because of his wonderful voice, for me Leon Russell is the best singer in the United States. I've also been a fan of British singer-songwriter Elton John since I was a child, and in 2010 they made an album about unity. I love Leon Russell, he's now at the side of his heavenly father Jesus Christ.
Farwell Leon, you will always be with me in your music.
One of thee all time classic songs!
Pete Woodroffe Music
George Gershwin must be be turning in his grave out of envy to not have written this great song. Leon! Leon! Leon!
FANTÀSTICO TEMA !! R.I.P.
Love him so much sounds great this is after he's stoke Amazing RI P SIR LEON. 😗☝️🌹🇨🇱🇺🇲
The one and only! Also a major part of the Wrecking Crew! You are missed brother!
An American treasure.
Another of the greats who can never be replaced.
un maestro de mucho peso influencia,pero que pocos han apreciados su talento
A one of a kind artist. Leon left us his gifted treasures for our souls. RIP.
this song helped me thru so many heart breaking relationships...RIP Leon.
Lovin' Leon since the daze of "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour! He's PRIME!
PLZ CHECK OUT MY PRIOR COMMENTS AB OUT THE "JOE COCKER, JEFFERSON AIRPLANE & JOHN MAYALL& THE BLUES BREAKERS(WITH LATE JOHNNY ALMOND
Leon Russel played with and knew so many of the greats...and they knew his gift for the music! He was forgotten in his later years...a failing resolved when Elton John intervened on Leon's behalf. Two great artists with a range of styles...thank God for both of them...thank Elton for his rescue of a fellow human and artist!
It's all about Being your Self - good message Leon. Thanks.
OUR LOSS LEON...GOD BLESS US EVERYONE....
I've had SUCH a crush on Leon since the 60s. Genius. Gifted. And he shared it with rest of us. So many stories. So much music. Thank you, Leon. From the bottom of my heart.
Ihave always loved Leon.Got to see him twice at a small venue in Houston,once he had Edgar Winter with him. It was INCREDIBLE!!!
Ah Leon, you will be here with us always through the genius of your music. RIP, you done good, real good.
A very nice version of his original song.
Fantastic.....2020....rip love you forever
You are absolutely right. Nobody can sing this song like the composer. Thanks to Karen and George.
Love your songs, playing and singing. RIP
Awe..the voice that is still playing for the soundtrack of my life...thank you for you gifts of beautiful, soulful music...I love you for my life....you are a friend of mine....RIP
One of his very finest, rock in peace Leon.
Love Leon Russell...sadly didnt discover him until later in my life, but I am happy to hear his incredible song...This Masquerade...and of course, Superstar is just that!
I miss him SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much........
What a wonderful performance. Saw Leon in Milwaukee this last April. He didn't do This Masquerade, but he did a long set of solo pieces that were just great. All I could think was what a privilege to see this great artist, who nearly died a few years ago, just after Elton John started helping him get back on his feet and in the spotlight where he belongs. We are all blessed that he is back in action, sounding better than ever!
R.I.P. Mr. Russell!
Beautiful recording. Beautiful song.
Great Musician, Writer and Performer RIP
Absolutely a musical genius. I love you, Leon Russell, forever.
RIP Leon.
Miss you, Leon (RIP). Your songs are masterfully original.
Paino style....so captivating....
Leon, It was the highlight of my life to understand and truly listen to your muzak. I know I speak for myself and millions of others who say "God Bless you and thank you for you lyrics and muzak"
@bodeswell35 Whatever. Leon would probably have laughed at the 'Muzak' comment.
Leon showed up at the Colosseum in Richmond, VA, in the early 70's. That was a Rock & Roll show - Brown Sugar on stage and On The Air - where is that Green Les Paul now?
I'm drawn to this song like a moth to a flame.
the legend
Leon is such a great talent, haven written so many hits for other artists that no one knew he has written going back to the 50's! Please check out my rendition of this hit made popular by George by searching "Mike sings This Masqureade", and tell me what you think. thank you, and thank you Leon
!972 I fell in love with this song, seems like ages ago but the song lives in my heart life fresh and new.
Awesome
Yep. As good as it gets. RIP LR. Thank you.
First time I saw him in concert, Jackson,Ms. 1974 ??
Greatest piano player
RIP LEON LOVE YOU❤😭
The greatest songwriter ever...rip Leon Russel...
Beautiful as always....I Love Leon !
渋い曲。 ほれました。
Great song in all genres.
Needs to be redone as This Mask Charade!!!
RIP sir.
Beautiful! Truly one of a kind. Love you Leon.
Amazing 😳😊
this is a timeless classic from the beautiful Mad Dog.....