Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Mellotronists

Leon Russell's Mellotron / Chamberlain usage is a real surprise. I am
not sure if there is any on his 1971 LP "With The Shelter People",
but I think I hear some faint strings on the first track. It starts
well with "Carney" (1972), with half of the LP featuring a
Chamberlain. His next LP "Hanks Back" (1973) using a Mellotron on one
track, 'I Feel So Lonesome I Could Cry'. It is strange for Mellotron
strings to be used in a C&W ballad, but it really works. On his next
LP, "Stop All That Jazz" (1974), there is a great track that uses
very upfront tron strings, as well as a bit of Moog and Rhodes, no
drums or guitar. Superb stuff. The next Lp, "Will O' The Wisp" is his
most synthy, but does feature some great trom strings on one track, a
great countryish ballad about father and son stuff. The real treat
for the tron fan is the 1979 LP with Willie Nelson "One For The
Road". While this may not sound too inviting, the second LP of this
double LP set is wonderful. Willie sings, while Leon play keys; every
song has a huge Tron string sound. Unfortunately, he also uses string
synths, but you can always here the tron. This is a must listen! The
songs are standards like "Danny Boy" and the like. No drums, really
laid back, atmospheric, stuff. Check it out if you haven't already.