He may be known for his string of pop hits, but Elton John is opening a new chapter of his recording career on his forthcoming new album. Billboard.com reports that Sir John is pairing with a fellow music legend, singer, songwriter and sideman Leon Russell for a new album titled The Union. “I thought, ‘The world isn’t screaming for another Elton John record and I’m not screaming for it either unless it’s going to be different,'” said John at the launch party for the record at the Electric Cinema in West London on July 5. “In the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, the record companies always said we had to have a single and I think I fulfilled my brief. But at 63, the singles chart isn’t one I’m going to be in very often. To me now, it’s all about writing albums and trying to be mature.”

John and Russell toured the U.S. together way back when, but it took John’s rediscovery of Russell’s music some 40 years later to spurn the recent collaboration. Back in the ’60s and ’70s, Russell played keyboards for artists like the Beach Boys and Phil Spector and also penned songs like “This Masquerade,” “Delta Lady” and “A Song for You.” Calling Russell his “idol,” John described the recording process as a “humbling and moving experience” and is hoping the exposure from The Union will shed light on Russell’s solo work. Russell has continued touring but health issues have plagued him in recent years and John told Billboard.com, “There’s no point doing this record if it doesn’t bring his work to light. I want him to be comfortable financially. I want his life to improve a little.”

The pair of icons worked with John’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin as well as producer T Bone Burnett, and The Union also features guest spots by Brian Wilson and Neil Young. The 16-track album will arrive in the U.S. on Oct. 19 via Decca Records and Oct. 25 in the U.K. via Mercury. John reveals that he plans to hit the road with Russell in support of The Union in 2011, but fans don’t have to wait until then to see the Rocket Man live, as he has scattered summer Viagra Professional dates lined up through the end of July. Check online for Elton John tickets to see him in cities like Prince George, BC; Yakima, Wash.; Tucson, Ariz.; Chula Vista, Calif. and more.

John recently caused quite a stir when he performed in Israel in the wake of several other artists-such as Elvis Costello and the Pixies-canceling their shows. John took the stage at a Tel Aviv stadium in front of nearly 50,000 fans on June 17, according to the Associated Press, telling the crowd, “Ain’t gonna stop me from coming here, baby. That is what we do. We do not cherry-pick our consciences, OK?” Prior to the gig, John defended his decision to perform saying, “I have always believed that music inhabits a world set apart from politics, religious differences or prejudice of any kind.”

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Category: Music
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