This was AWESOME!. It had been 30 years since I'd last heard Elkie live. What would she be like? Had the voice held out? Was she now a frail old lady of 66? Would anyone turn up?
They turned up - boy did they turn up! Hall One was packed up to the rafters - this seems to be the norm for this tour - Sold Out notices everywhere.
Deservedly so. The voice, like Lilac Wine, has matured, ripened with age.
Age? What's that? This chick looked younger now than she did all those years ago (at least from Row P she did!)
And the agility! Elkie strutted and moved like a teenager before giving out with that rusty nail edged voice.
The old faves were here, Lilac Wine, Pearl's a Singer, Sunshine After The Rain, Fool if you Think it's Over etc plus belters like Gasoline Alley, Nights in White Satin and tender moments such as Perry Como's first hit Till The End of Time. Elkie explained that it was number one the year she was born - 1945. I think Perry would have liked Elkie's version - maybe even been a little jealous! If Billie Holiday had been around today she may have sounded like Elkie!
There were also selections from her latest CD - Powerless.. (Xmas hint here...)
There were also selections from her latest CD - Powerless.. (Xmas hint here...)
Our girl looked stunning. A diva style gown for the first set, and, let's face it, she's a diva's diva, contrasted with the slinky black number (see CD cover) she wore for the second set. She looked good in both.
The band provided great backing with Stevie Jones blowing some outstanding jazz/rock tenor.
This was some gig - I fell in love with Elkie back in 1980 doggone it but here I am in love again with the same sweet you!
Lance.
Totally agree with every word written. Elkie is looking great and sounding great.Love her doing Freddie Kings "Tore Down" Her new "Powerless",cd is sooooo good. Her version of "To Make You Feel My Love" is just the best. I heard a French person say " if Elkie Brooks was French she be be made a national treasure" sounds good to me.
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