The Asylum Choir
The Asylum Choir was an American rock duo active in the late 1960s. It was composed of keyboardist Leon Russell and guitarist Marc Benno.[1]
History
Essentially a studio musician gathering, the Asylum Choir was formed around 1967 and the group's debut album was issued in 1968.[2] A second album was recorded in 1969, but the album did not see release until late 1971 because of contract disputes.[2] The duo had long since disbanded, but the second record sold well due to Russell's successful solo career, peaking at #70 on the Billboard 200 in 1972. Benno also became a successful solo artist later in the decade. He also played guitar on The Doors album, L.A. Woman.[1]
Russell used his creativity by writing and arranged each song. Russell recorded and played back a sped-up trumpet section. He use a multitrack recording of himself playing: piano, guitar and drums on each song. Benno using multi-track recording was on vocals, guitar and bass guitar.[3]
Discography
- Look Inside the Asylum Choir (Smash Records, 1968)
- Asylum Choir II (Shelter Records, 1971)
References
- Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 62. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
- Biography, AllMusic
- "Leon Russell, the Neglected Genius". Artmusiclounge.wordpress.com. July 20, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2019.