Customer Reviews

Will O'The Wisp

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Will O' The Wisp is one of the best albums of the 1970s. A unique combination of gospel and rock, Will O' The Wisp is ideal for laying back and turning up the volume. I truly think it is an aural feast for your ears. The better your stereo system is the more you will enjoy this startling record. Most of the lyrics concern love and are sensual in nature. Leon's biggest hits such as Lady Blue and Back to the Island are on here too but what I enjoy are the beautiful,ethereal gospel harmonies bursting forth from the heavens, Leon's make-your-head-spin synthesizer and other numerous surprises. I can't recommend an album any better than this one.

Will O' the Wisp is Leon's fifth solo recording and one of his most complete. Leon offers a beautiful mixture of songs from the romantic "Lady Blue" to the Caribbean overtones of "Back to the Island." Another interesting fact is actor Gary Busey plays drums on several tracks under the pseudonym Teddy Jack Eddy. Will O' the Wisp contains the work of another actor, Gailard Sartain. Sartain's artwork gives the album a very mystical cover. To date when Leon performs live, tracks from Will O' the Wisp are some of the most favorite of the fans.

Talk about reliving the past.
This C.D. brings the carefree seventies back to life. In the turmoil that we live in today this is such a welcome change. A little blues, a little joy, and a little sexy Lady Blue hits the spot.

Although most critics seem to list 'Carny' as Leon's best work, I'll cast my vote for this extraordinary, endlessly pleasing gem from the mid-70's. With its beautiful and somber piano introduction, through the Japanese flutes, barrelhouse rockers, incredible vocals by both Russell and Mary McCreary and some of the coolest synthesizer sounds of that era (right up there with Stevie Wonder), this has been a must-have in my collection for nearly twenty-five years.

The other reviewers say that this was one of the best albums of the 70s, but I will go as far as saying it's one of the best albums EVER. My father owned this album when I was a kid, and he'd dance (a la Bill Cosby) to it with my sisters and I. It takes me back, it cheers me up. But beyond that, it's good, meaty music--rock, soul, peace, and passion all rolled up. Blue Bird and Back to the Island are two of my absolute favorites. ENJOY.

I never appreciated the musical genius of Leon Russell when I was a teen, but as a 50 something looking back at this album...listening to some songs for the first time...this is a masterpiece. Leon is one of a long list of underappreciated musical masters I have discovered late in life. Thank goodness I dd!

I have been thinking about this album for years now. I have it on vinyl but havn't been able to play it for at least 20 years.
I listened to it just now, or should I say the edited version, and am now going to buy it on CD. It is an amazing album. Everyone should have it in their collection.

Although, Leon Russell's work covers the gamut of musical genre, this it the one album of his that really touches my soul. I've owned this album in every format possible. From vinyl, 8-track, cassette, to CD and it never fails to bring a warm feeling to my heart, even on the most cloudy, dismal days. While, Leon hit it big with his classic "Lady Blue" and "Bluebird," to me, these are just two of the man's truly moving masterpieces in the collection of jewels that populate this album. Do yourself a favor and take a trip "Back to the Island" to spend some time in a "Little Hideaway" just "Laying Right Here In Heaven." I promise it will "Make You Feel Good" even on your worst day.

This album has some of the best music Leon Russell has ever done, and that says a lot. It has some of my all-time favorite love songs.

This is a very good CD, but not a typical of Leon Russell. It has a flavor of blues to it with a southern drawl. I recommend it..it is easy listening and it seems to be from the heart.