TOMMY EMMANUEL performs Leon Russell s This Masquerade, Impromptu Rendition

Acoustic guitaristTommyEmmanuel performs Leon Russell s This Masquerade for the very first time in his career. With no practice, It was played at The Church Studio, Leon Russell s former recording studio. This impromptu rendition was a charming tribute to Leon, honoring his extraordinary musical abilities in the church that he converted into a recording studio in 1972. This Masquerade was written byLeon Russell. It was originally recorded in 1972 by Leon for his albumCarneyand as aBsidefor the album s hit single Tight Rope. The song was then covered onHelen Reddy s 1972 album, I Am It was then recorded by American vocal duo, the Carpenters, for their 1973 album Now Then and as theBsideof the Carpenters s single Please Mr. Postman. Three years later, This Masquerade was recorded by American singer and guitaristGeorge Benson, who released it on his 1976 album, Breezin. Benson s version, featuringJorge Daltoon piano, was released as a single and became the first big hit of