Symphonic
Elvis
[album]
“Elvis
Presley died thirty
years ago on 16 August.
Since then, his memory
has never faded...”
TO COMMEMORATE THE THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY of his death (2007), Warner Classics
and Jazz are releasing Symphonic Elvis — a collection of The King's
greatest hits, transformed into twelve fantastic and uplifting orchestral arrangements.
Symphonic Elvis features the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by
Italian Ettore Stratta. Guest appearances by Elvis's former band members include
guitarists (and Elvis's first manager) Scotty Moore and Reggie Young, pianist
Bobby Wood, bassist Mike Leech, saxophonist Boots Randolph and harmonica wizard
Charlie McCoy.
The Legend lives on in this delightful tribute. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra
is America's premier Southern orchestra but there is a very personal link to
Elvis. Since 1993, they have marked the singer's birthday (January 8) with an
Elvis Birthday Concert featuring symphonic arrangements of Elvis tunes.
The idea for Symphonic Elvis has its roots in 1968 when Elvis was involved
in a tele-vision show and sang with an orchestra. He was so impressed with the
results that it is very likely he would have appreciated this excellent jazzy,
catchy album.
You don't have to be an Elvis fan (isn't everybody?) to be charmed by Symphonic
Elvis. But if you are, you will recognise his well-known hits: including
a spirited Return to Sender, relaxing Love Me Tender, melodious
Heartbreak Hotel, soulful Are You Lonesome Tonight, and jive-inspiring
That's All Right. Pure Elvis it is not — and neither is it meant
to be.
As Elvis admirer Cliff Richard would say: "put on your dancing shoes; dance
away your blues…"
• Symphonic Elvis is on sale now (Warner
Classics & Jazz).
“Elvis
Presley died thirty