Tumbleweed Connection [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

'Tumbleweed Connection', issued in late 1970, is the second in the series of three highly orchestrated, dramatic albums produced by Elton John just as his career was taking off in America and before he became well known in Britain. The black 'Elton John' album established him as a major new talent, and this reputation was consolidated and developed in 'Tumbleweed', which contains several bluesey rock numbers but fewer orchestrated songs than its predecessor. However, the album contains no hit singles and thus tends to be known only by dedicated EJ aficionados.

Like the 'Madman' album which followed it, 'Tumbleweed' was very lavishly packaged originally, with numerous line drawings, and sepia photos of Elton and his co-writer Bernie Taupin and their musical associates, and most of this artwork is reproduced in this CD reissue. The album gives the impression of being loosely conceptual, with many of the songs seeming to relate to aspects of rural life in the American Civil War, although this is never explicitly stated. Throughout the album, certainly, there is a sense of nostalgia for mythical images of 19th century America, a subject which clearly interested Taupin, and the musical influence of the early albums by The Band is also evident.

Two songs in particular represent something of a stylistic departure for Elton in that the piano is not used. 'Come down in time' is a little known EJ song but one of his most sensitive ballads, with a haunting arrangement using harp, string bass and the oboe of Karl Jenkins (now well known for his 'Adiemus' orchestral composiitons) as well as the rich orchestration of Paul Buckmaster. 'Love song' is particularly unusual in that it was not written by Elton, but by English folk singer Lesley Duncan, who plays guitar and sings harmonies on the track.

Although many of the songs on the album feature a relatively large group of session musicians, 'Amoreena' shows the beginnings of the stripped-down, hard-rocking band (including drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray) which would work on Elton's recordings from 1972 - 75. In my opinion the three orchestrated songs are the best of the album, with perhaps the most memorable track being the anthemic 'Burn down the mission', in which Elton's distinctive piano and vocal styles combine with both rock band and orchestra in a glorious driving finale to the original album.

This remastered edition also contains two additional tracks. 'Into the old man's shoes' was the B-side to the single 'Your song' and is very similar in sound and sentiment to the rest of 'Tumbleweed'. The second is in stark contrast - an early version of the song 'Madman across the water' which features extensive guitar solos by Mick Ronson from the then David Bowie band. This song was later re-recorded quite differently for the 'Madman' album.

I have always suspected that certain musicians resent being told by fans that one of their earlier albums remains a great favorite. I've always imagined that they would prefer that their fans share and appreciate their development and evolution: "this is my latest and it therefore represents my best work!" However, the album listener is not burdened by the pains of artistic growth. Rather, the music that I heard at a certain time in my life remains frozen in time and memory. For me, Tumbleweed Connection is the best album Elton John ever recorded.

It has been a long time since I actually sat down and listened to the album. But I purchased Tumbleweed Connection after someone dismissed John as merely a great showman and performer for whom the performance overshadows the music. I mentioned Tumbleweed Connection as an argument and got a blank stare. That is a shame because I had forgotten how good it was. Every song works, starting with Ballad of a Well-Known Gun through Burn Down the Mission. The only song in which John did not collaborate with Taupin, Love Song by Lesley Duncan, is a beautiful, haunting melody that remains one of my favorite John tunes.

Tumbleweed Connection was John's third album and was initially released in 1970. It also represents the height (for me) of John's collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Taupin was, by all accounts fascinated by life in the post-Civil War south and west. It should also be no surprise that Taupin was almost certainly influenced by The Band's album released that same year, "The Band", which contained songs such as Up on Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Ironically the Band's album is ranked number 45 on the Rolling Stone list of greatest albums while Tumbleweed Connection comes in at number 463.

The album did not spawn any `big hits' and none of the songs from Tumbleweed Connection have made it onto any compilation of John's greatest hits. However, Tumbleweed Connection when taken as a whole is, in my opinion, a great album. Any fan of John would do well to add this to their collection. I would also recommend Tumbleweed Connection to those who may be prone to dismissing John as simply a `performer'. I think listening to Tumbleweed Connection may just change your mind.

Highly recommended. L. Fleisig

I have most of Eltons albums and this is the one I've played the most over the years. Heavily influnced by The Band, this captures Elton at the start of his golden period. I don't think he's ever beaten this album. However Yellow Brick Road this is not! Country/blues/folk is where this album takes its roots from.
Eltons Piano playing is heard at its best on this album, high in the mix a lot of the time, and not drowned by other keyboards as on later albums. Listen to Amoreena which has plenty of great gospel/blues licks. Another favourite on this album is My Fathers Gun, not to mention Burn Down The Mission which Elton still plays to this day (35 years later).
This could almost be classed as roots music now. It sounds absurd doesn't it, Elton John roots music, but people forget that behind the glitz and the showman, Elton is primarily a songwriter and musician. Listen to this album and forget the newspaper headlines!