Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Elton John may enlist producer Mark Ronson to work on his next
studio album, which is being penciled in for release in late 2009
by Universal.
"They like each other and know each other well. There's been lots
and lots of conversation, but nothing is finalized yet," a source
close to the artists tells Billboard.
The as-yet-untitled album will be the follow-up to 2006's "The
Captain & The Kid," which has sold 151,000 copies in the United
States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
As usual, John is busy with numerous projects. His collaboration
with the Killers and the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant, "Joseph,
Better You Than Me," is available through the new (RED)WIRE digital
service, and will see wide release on Dec. 16.
Meanwhile, John is the first guest on Elvis Costello's new show,
"Spectacle," which premiered tonight (Dec. 3) on the Sundance
Channel. And his New Year's Eve show at London's O2 Arena will be
broadcast live on ITV1.
As previously reported, John and Billy Joel will reprise their
successful co-headlining tour beginning March 2 in Jacksonville,
Fla.