Back in February 2020, before COVID-19 changed the world as we knew it, a group of musicians set up inside Leon Russell’s famous Paradise Studios to record the first full album there since 1979.
Following in the footsteps of household names such as Leon Russell, The Gap Band, J.J. Cale, Bob Dylan, and Freddie King, the band recorded seventeen tracks mostly live in the studio with minimal overdubs. The resulting album ‘Back to Paradise: A Tribute to Okie Music’ captures the early vibe of the studio with a new energy.
Stepping into the shoes of their musical heroes may have been a daunting task, but, after one listen it’s clear that the band had a good time making this record. Highlights range from the light rock of Dwight Twilley’s ‘I’m On Fire’ – given a new energy here by Sarah Frick, to the spiritual version of the Tom Skinner and Don Morris classic ‘Blind Man’ covered here by Dustin Pittsley, or John Fullbright perfectly capturing the wry humour in his version of Leon Russell’s ‘If The Shoe Fits’. The music is timeless, perfectly executed, and uplifting.
Other standout moments include Paul Benjaman’s cover of J.J. Cale’s ‘I’ll Make Love To You’, Steve Ripley’s ‘Crossing Over’ performed by John Fullbright, Charlie Red and Briana Wright’s funky cover of The Gap Band’s ‘I Yike It’, and Jesse Aycock’s sultry take on Junior Markham’s ‘Black Cherry’.
Obviously a labour of love to make, ‘Back to Paradise: A Tribute to Okie Music’ is the feel good album we need right now.