On a distant shore (2017)/ Leon Russell

"Recorded prior to his November 2016 death, "On a Distant Shore" isn't a strict return to the chintzy, homemade digital productions Russell specialized in prior to his 2010 Elton John-assisted comeback "The Union", but it's a far cry from the warmth of the 2014 solo affair "Life Journey". With producer Mark Lambert, Russell favors a clean, crisp sound, one that is in the same ballpark as his albums from the 2000s. Coming after the burnished "The Union" and "Life Journey", this brightness is a bit jarring, but it enhances the low-key California swing of "This Masquerade" -- a song happily in the vein of latter-day Steely Dan -- and can work well on a barrelhouse blues, too. When more elements are added into the production, like the backing band and synthesized orchestra on "Just Leaves And Grass," the album starts to wobble because it's clear it was done on the cheap. Consequently, the album doesn't feel as suitable a career capper, but as a coda it's not bad." (S.T. Erlewine, Allmusic: 3 uit 5 sterren)