Being a college town means Baton Rouge’s citizens attract music and theater acts that are generally geared toward the young and freewheeling.
Tonight, the Varsity Theatre is changing things up with a performance by Leon Russell, whose career spans 50 years in production, writing and recording. Russell is known for his production and work on albums by numerous popular artists in the 1970s such as Joe Cocker, George Harrison and Bob Dylan.
Russell said he tours constantly, demonstrating his love for music and playing for people who come to listen. This current stretch of touring coincides with the release of his latest studio album “Life Journey” scheduled for April.
“It’s some stuff on the album that I’ve done in the past and some stuff that I never did that I always wanted to do, so that’s kind of a collection,” Russell said, in reference to the album’s title.
“Life Journey” contains a combination of original songs and classics covered by Russell such as “Georgia On My Mind” and “New York State of Mind.” Other tracks suggest the album signifies the closing of his long career. The track “I’m Afraid The Masquerade Is Over” is a bold reference to Russell’s popular 1972 song “This Masquerade.”
Russell’s tour has taken him to all parts of the United States, working his way down from New England into the Deep South. Before his stop in Baton Rouge tonight, Russell has already performed in seven other venues, adding to his 11-show March route.
“Each place has its own charm,” Russell said. “They’re all different and I enjoy most of them.”
Before “Life Journey,” Russell had a resurgence in popularity with his collaboration with Elton John on their 2010 album “The Union,” which was supported by a 13-show tour through the U.S. and England.
Despite his glamour-filled career of working with world-famous musicians, Russell has yet to incorporate his friends’ star powers into shows with guest appearances. Instead, Tulsa singer-songwriter Eric Himan is currently fronting Russell.
Because of his long career, the majority of Russell’s fans are middle-aged. This could mean many of Baton Rouge’s student citizens may be put off by Russell’s style. However, Russell said “[crowds] seem to have a good mix. There are a lot of Baby Boomers and also a lot of young people. I have a lot of young people at my shows.” Russell joked. “I think it’s because some of them think I’m Santa Claus.”
Following “Life Journey,” Russell plans to continue work in the studio. No new album is currently in the works, but this doesn’t mean Russell will stop playing.
“I’ve had studios in my houses for 45 years, and I record all the time,” Russell said. “Some of them get heard by more people than others but I sell about eight or 10 albums on the Internet over that period of time.”
Leon Russell is performing tonight at the Varsity Theatre. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $30.