Elton John Premieres ‘The Most Piano-Orientated’ Album of His Career

[That 70s Guy]

ultimateclassicrick.com




Elton John says his long-awaited new studio effort, recorded in two sessions spread out over nine months, offers fans “everything I love about American music: gospel, soul, country,” adding: “It’s the most adult record I can make at my age.”

Slated for September 2013 release, ‘The Diving Board’ is being produced by T-Bone Burnett, who also helmed John’s 2010 collaboration with childhood hero Leon Russell. John, speaking to Rolling Stone after an LA listening party this week, promised a return to the nervy, stripped-down sound of early albums like his classic live trio recording ’11-17-70.’

John also confirmed a few song titles, including “Oceans Away,” “My Quicksand,” “Mexican Vacation (Kids in the Candlelight),” “Home Again” and “A Town Called Jubilee.” Long-time John collaborator Bernie Taupin composed lyrics for 13 songs. There are also three instrumentals.

“It’s the most piano-orientated record I’ve ever made,” John said. Sidemen on the new project include bassist Raphael Saadiq, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton) and Motown percussionist Jack Ashford.

 

[Soot and Stars]

I'm glad to hear this! It's perfect timing as I just bought the first five albums in a box set and I'm loving it! Hopefully the new stuff matches that!

 

[LG]

This project actually interests me if it's a return to his roots album. Bernie being involved adds the essential ingredient that made old Elton John so good.

Sooty I'm glad you are enjoying his early works, I had a feeling you might.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

I've been looking forward to the next Elton album since "The Union" came out. I hope he continues the string of putting out quality music that he started with "The Captain and the Kid".

 

[Big Ears]

Sorry to be the spoiler, but Elton John never did anything worth a light without the sadly departed Gus Dudgeon.

 

[LG]

Well Bernie Taupin being involved gives me hope that this is good Martin, I do respect what Gus and Elton accomplished together but now that he's gone someone else will have to fill that role.

 

[Big Ears]

I don't think Bernie Taupin has ever written bad lyrics for anyone (Starship, Heart, Alice Cooper, Nelson), although I haven't heard the David Ackles album.

 

[LG]

I don't think Bernie Taupin has ever written bad lyrics for anyone (Starship, Heart, Alice Cooper, Nelson), although I haven't heard the David Ackles album.

I didn't know Bernie wrote for that many other people, never heard of Ackles though.

He is one of the best lyricists period.

 

[Big Ears]

I've heard OF Ackles, but never actually heard him. I was hoping someone who knows him would chime in.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

I've heard OF Ackles, but never actually heard him. I was hoping someone who knows him would chime in.

Dun DA! Good thing I'm here. I got into David Ackles originally because of Bernie. His "American Gothic" album is a outstanding diamond in the rough. If you ask me, it has all of the necessary components to be a defining album in the folk/singer songwriter branch of music but simply never lived up to what it could have been. It's highly acclaimed but that never translated into sales.