Elton John records album with 'musical hero' Leon Russell

Elton John is putting the finishing touches to his new album, recorded with 70s country-rock star Leon Russell. Sir Elton and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin have written 15 tracks, ranging from "Stones-like rockers" to a "Sinatra-like weepy". According to Taupin's website , Russell "has always been one of Elton's musical heroes and influences when it comes to piano styling". The long-haired, big-bearded American toured with acts including BB King and the Stones, and as a member of Phil Spector's studio group, played on hits like River Deep, Mountain High and the Byrds' Mr Tambourine Man. In the 70s Russell had minor hits in the US and Canada, including 1979's One for the Road, with Willie Nelson. For this new album, Russell "will be featured on a 50/50 basis", according to Taupin, writing and performing his own material for the project, as well as writing and performing on the pair's own songs. After a "marathon writing session" in November, the 76-year-old joined Sir Elton at a Los Angeles studio last month to record vocals. "Don't expect to hear the old [Elton and Bernie] sound ," Taupin said. "This is organic recording unlike anything you've heard from our duo before." Acclaimed roots producer T-Bone Burnett is helming the sessions, and guitarist Marc Ribot also appears. Songs include rockers, country-tinged ballads, gospel, and a track that's "something torn from the grooves of In the Wee Small Hours". Russell, 67, underwent brain surgery in January but "his playing is masterful as ever", Taupin said. The album does not yet have a title or release date.