Elton returns with Leon Russell collaborative album

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Musical legends Elton John and Leon Russell have collaborated on new album 'The Union', out in the UK on October 25 through Mercury. This highly anticipated album marks the first time the two artists have worked together since 1970. The album was produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, who took home numerous awards in 2009 for his production work on ‘Raising Sand’ with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

'The Union' features songs written by John and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as in combination with the talents of Russell and Burnett. World famous photographer Annie Leibovitz photographed the John and Russell for the front cover.

Recorded live in the studio with John and Russell on dueling pianos, the album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. Icons Neil Young and Brian Wilson provide guest vocals on the 16-track record along with legendary R&B organist Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph and a 10-piece gospel choir.

Russell first met John in 1970 when he attended John's first ever US show at the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. The meeting heralded the beginning of a long friendship and a mutual appreciation between the two artists.

After years of being out of touch, John listened to Russell's music while on safari in Africa last summer and was inspired to reconnect with his idol. "Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him," Russell said. "I'm very happy that he chose me to do this."