One of the Most Underrated Artists of Rock History.

Leon Russell is the unsung hero of the 50's 60's and 70's. The ultimate session man, he has played on, produced, wrote, or somehow had a hand in many of the most important albums in rock and roll history. From the time he lied about his age at 14 to land a gig in Tulsa, playing behind Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, to touring in support of Jerry Lee Lewis, to the production and session playing on many groundbreaking albums by Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike and Tina, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Ventures, Wayne Newton, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis and many records with Herb Albert, he has been most influential. He can also be heard in the background playing piano on many songs of the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" album, as well as playing on many of Phil Spector's monumental records. His friendship with Eric Clapton and George Harrison let to them both playing on his debut solo album. Russell was also a major figure on the legendary "Concert for Bangladesh".

The dude was everywhere. According to acclaimed producer, Jack Nitzsche, Leon was always there "for the solos and the fancy stuff." He has since extensively toured with Willie Nelson and produced early Tom Petty records. But I think what makes this man so cool is his refusal to ever be pinned down to a single genre of music. While others played it safe for the sake of their careers, Leon became known as the perennial rock "ChameLeon", as fans would call it. They loved it, and critics were confused by it. He has dabbled in country, rock, bluegrass, gospel, circus, jazz, etc...the man is a musical genius.

My first introduction to Leon was off of a vinyl copy of his 1971 album, "Carney". On first listen, Russell immediately evokes notions of the eccentric swamp rock of Dr. John. Without a doubt, I was hooked.

Leon is the rock and roll legend that you either love or never have heard of. Probably one of the most underrated names in rock history.....

Going camping this weekend and I can't stop listening to this one...

Download: Leon Russell -- Out in the Woods

Check it out! Podcast #5

This week's podcast from Shady Groove took a page from Bob Dylan's book. Much like his Theme-Time Radio on SiriusXM, we entertained the idea of having a theme. The theme this week was Animals and Insects. Enjoy!...

Podcast #5: The Yardbirds - Too Much Monkey Business ++ The Rolling Stones - Monkey Man ++ Toots and the Maytals - Monkey Man ++ The John Butler Trio - Zebra ++ The Kinks - Apeman ++ Dire Straits - Lions ++ The Gourds - Lion's Mane ++ Howlin Wolf - The Red Rooster ++ Pink Floyd - Pigs on the Wing ++ The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Little Wing ++ The Doors - Dead Cats, Dead Rats > Break on Through ++ David Bowie - Diamond Dogs ++ Levon Helm - Kingfish ++ Sublime - Badfish ++ The Gourds - Ants on the Melon

Download: Podcast #5

Shady Groove Podcast #4: Heat Wave

Our weekly podcast from Shady Groove......

Podcast #4: The Wailers - Simmer Down ++ Toots and the Maytals - Pressure Drop ++ Joe Pug - Hymn #101 ++ The Rolling Stones - Country Honk ++ Delroy Wilson & Inner Circle - Cool Operator ++ Sharon Jones and the DapKings - Mama Don't Like My Man ++ Ray Charles - Hard Times ++ Van Morrison - Moonshine Whiskey ++ The Wood Brothers - Chocolate on my Tongue ++ The Gourds - Flavor on the Tongue ++ Desmond Dekker - 007 (Shanty Town) ++ The Duke Spirit - 007 ++ Dr. John - Right Place Wrong Time ++ Jacob Miller & Inner Circle - Some Guys Have All the Luck ++ The Black Keys - The Only One

download: Podcast #4

Podcast's 1 and 2

For all you big Shady Groove fans out there....

Podcast #1

Podcast #2

Podcast #3

By the way, shadygrove.blogspot.com also has a podcast. There has been three so far. Check back frequently for more.

Here is the most recent one:

Copa Mundial

Copa Mundial!

Hey ya'all! It's been a few weeks but the Shadiest of all shady grooves is back and in action. If you didn't know by now the Copa Mundial; that is the World Cup of soccer is in full effect. As many around the world focus their sights on the African nation of South Africa, we look to the pitch for the most exciting of all tournaments. Each nation that is represented is hoping that their team will be the one, and only one that can take home the Jules Rimet trophy. With the Cup's knockout round quickly approaching, the world is trying to figure out which nation has the edge.

Germany had looked most dangerous before its shocking loss to Serbia. Netherlands, Argentina, and Brazil also looking like they could make a run at it. The US has looked good at times, but since being motivated by a second half, 2 goal comeback vs Slovenia they seem poised to make it to the knockout stage; provided they win against Algeria. Although, many factors in the last few days of the first round could decide which team advances or not. I just hope the US can start the game strong, instead of playing from behind as they usually do.

Not many african nations are having much success, which is a dissappointment to many of the host nation's supporters. The South American nations are doing exceptionally well posting a record of 6-0-3 so far, which is very impressive.

Unfortunately the refereeing has become an issue with several matches outcomes being ill-decided by a referee's decision. The US has suffered significantly following a poor call from a referee in which the US scored a game winner off of a set piece in the 85th minute of the Slovenia game. The call was bogus. Probably a "give back", but regardless it was a poor call. The fact that he remained silent about his incorrect decision instead of admitting he was wrong did not do his character any good. The ref has since been given a poor rating by FIFA and will most likely not be working any more games. I have given him an uncool rating.

Also uncool in my book is the acting that goes on in these games. Many players from every nation could have been given oscars for their flailing antics on the field since the beginning of the cup. Truthfully, they could never get oscar points because most of the dives are so noticeably fake that every viewer in the world knows they are acting. At least make it good acting. It has become the shame of the sport. The not so beautiful game. They need to start fining players for every dive that they take. Screw the yellow cards because they are not working. It needs to be stopped and FIFA really needs to take action.

Now back to the good stuff. All in all I think the play has opened up since the first few games where teams were nervous and content with picking up a draw. We have seen some pretty exciting games and they will only get better. Now that most every game matters there are a lot of nations playing win or go home. It is safe to say that I am definitely having a great time. Lets see some more great goals!

Check out the best goals in the history of the World Cup:

A Visit to Cleveland

So I was just passing through Cleveland and I definitely felt the need to stop at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame to check it out.  First of all, the building is incredible.  What a cool location....in cleveland.  The building is right on Lake Erie; parts of it actually hang over the water.  The same pier also houses a science center, right next door, and the cleveland brows stadium.  In Cleveland though? Cleveland isnt the most happening town.  Its population has actually been on a steady decline over the past 1/2 century, moving from over 900,000 in the early 1940's to a little more than 400,000 today. Regardless, the building was immaculate.  

Why Cleveland? Several other locations were considered; Memphis and NYC being a couple of them. The real reason the Rock Hall landed in Cleveland was most likely the root of all evil today...Money. But, they did also have Alan Freed, the DJ who claimed to coin the phrase, "rock n roll". In actuality he was not the first to use the phrase; though he did bring it to a larger audience.  Plus he organized what is considered the first rock n roll concert, "The Moondog Coronation Ball", in which they sold 20,000 tickets for the 10,000 capacity Cleveland Arena.  Five acts were scheduled that night and they only got through two due to the extra 10,000 concert-goers crashed down the gates and they shut the show down. 

Anyway, the Rock Hall definitely satisfied the soul.  Unfortunately there is always controversy.  Too many bands let in, not exclusive enough, only rock critics involved in the voting.  As far as Im concerned, there will always be people that disagree with who does or does not get into the hall. Here's a few that are eligible that I felt had been left out nonetheless:

John Coletrane

Herbie Hancock

Dr. John

Benny Goodman

Link Wray 

Stevie Ray Vaughn

Willie Nelson

Slim Harpo

Ella Fitzgerald

Albert King

Toots and the Maytals

Dick Dale

Merle haggard

Donovan

The Troggs

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers

Cat Stevens

Clarence Carter

Jethro Tull

Lee "Scratch" Perry 

Kool and the Gang

James Gang

Joe Cocker

King Crimson

The Faces

Derek and the Dominos

Peter Tosh 

Devo

Those are a few.  If you want to dispute your fav's and voice your opinion, visit: http://futurerocklegends.com/index.php

Rock on.