THIS MASQUERADE / LEON RUSSELL

So hard to believe but he was one of the original Crypt-Kickers from Monster Mash. Leon was a regular at Gold Star Studios and joined with Johnny McCrae, Gary Paxton, Rickie Page, and Terry Berg to form the group for back up on the song. What a talent he is.

Grew up with LR , van morrison, an dylan to name a few of the masters. Theres more but my point is there aint much unique sounds like the legends..cant forget willie, neil young, cash. gettin' the message?

Agreeing with catherinetodd His songwriting abilities "are" phenomenal.
I actually love all 3 versions. This one is more bluesy/jazz. The other versions are more pop ballad. Leon doing this and lady blue are his best vocals.

Are we really happy here with this lonley game we play looking for words to say searching but not finding understanding anyway were lost in this masquerade ?

It's sad that Leon is better known as a studio musician to most people, he is such a talented guy.

I agree with 12rosebud12 on Carpenter's great rendition of this song. Russell wasn't always the best performer of his own songs, but his lyrics sure struck a chord. His songwriting abilities were phenomenal.

George Benson made this song a huge hit! Take a listen to George Benson!

Have to agree with Travieso. Russell is one of the great but unrecognized talents in rock history. Studio player in the 1960s (Gary Lewis and the Playboys "This Diamond Ring" among others) plus his own career. One of the great Tulsa talents, with JJ Cale

Yes Leon wrote it. Just because "everybody else just sings this song", doesn't mean they don't feel it. How can you measure someone else's feelings that you don't know? Or the stimulous of their encounter? Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this song and Leon. I hope you can enjoy others.

nice song bring back memories