Elton John will release his 33rd studio album, ‘Wonderful Crazy Night,’
worldwide on February 5, 2016 on Virgin EMI Records. The album will feature the
infectious and upbeat lead single, “Looking Up”. ‘Wonderful Crazy Night’
was co-produced by Elton and T-Bone Burnett and recorded at The Village in Los
Angeles.
‘Looking Up’ is the perfect trailer for what is sure to be hailed as
another masterful entry into one of the most distinguished album catalogues in
history. The song’s upbeat rhythm and lyric are fueled by rock guitar and a
killer piano motif that conjure echoes of some of Elton’s best-loved hits. It
also has all of the refreshing enthusiasm and spirit of creativity that go with
him every time he sets foot in a studio.
John and Burnett oversaw 2013’s acclaimed ‘The Diving Board,’ a top
five success in both the UK and US, and the historic 2010 alliance with
Elton’s early inspiration Leon Russell, ‘The Union.’ But there are other
collaborations on ‘Wonderful Crazy Night’ that connect back to the formative
days of his towering career.
First and foremost, the new record marks the continuation of
Elton’s incredible, inexhaustible songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.
The ten outstanding and evocative new co-writes represent the latest fruits of a
friendship that now dates back 48 years.
‘Wonderful Crazy Night,’ signals Elton’s reunion with other trusted
allies, too. Drummer Nigel Olsson, with whom he’s been working since his late
1960s breakthrough, and guitarist Davey Johnstone (who first played with him in
1971 and became a full band member the following year) are both on board, for
the first time since ‘The Captain & the Kid’ in 2006. Five tracks
feature appearances by another time-honored associate, percussionist Ray Cooper,
and they’re joined by bassist Matt Bissonette, keyboard player Kim Bullard and
percussionist John Mahon.
Other highlights on ‘Wonderful Crazy Night’ include ‘A Good Heart,’
‘Tambourine’ and ‘The Open Chord.’ A superbly live and spontaneous
spirit permeates an album that’s about to become another landmark in an
unrivalled catalogue.