A Poem Is a Naked Person

Leon is shown in his element-from a hand-held camera, behind-the-scenes without any adornment or attempt to glamorize the subject. Nevertheless, it comes off as a tribute to his musical power and ability to transfix his audience. George Jones and Willie both contribute songs that are as powerful as Leon. Just great music throughout.

For some reason, Leon held up the film's release for decades. According to the Bill Janovitz bio, Leon objected to a scene of a python eating a baby chick and his proximity in the narrative to this scene. His reservations were unfounded however. He is the Master of Space and Time throughout this great film.

Besides Jones and Willie, a who's who of great Nashville players drift in and out like Pete Drake, David Briggs, Charlie McCoy. Even JJ Cale-another artist on Leon's record label, Shelter-is somewhere in the film, but I couldn't find him.

The director, Les Blank, attempted to make a documentary about Leon Russell and the whole crazy scene he surrounded himself with at the height of his fame. There is a lot of room for error in this type of story, but not here. It all works, especially if you like the music in the first place.