Elton John Premieres ‘The Most Piano-Orientated’ Album of His Career

Elton John says his long-awaited new studio effort, recorded in two sessions spread out over nine months, offers fans "everything I love about American music: gospel, soul, country," adding: "It's the most adult record I can make at my age."

Slated for September 2013 release, 'The Diving Board' is being produced by T-Bone Burnett, who also helmed John's 2010 collaboration with childhood hero Leon Russell. John, speaking to Rolling Stone after an LA listening party this week, promised a return to the nervy, stripped-down sound of early albums like his classic live trio recording '11-17-70.'

John also confirmed a few song titles, including "Oceans Away," "My Quicksand," "Mexican Vacation (Kids in the Candlelight)," "Home Again" and "A Town Called Jubilee." Long-time John collaborator Bernie Taupin composed lyrics for 13 songs. There are also three instrumentals.

"It's the most piano-orientated record I've ever made," John said. Sidemen on the new project include bassist Raphael Saadiq, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton) and Motown percussionist Jack Ashford.