I know a group of fans here feel cynicism towards reviews that seemingly gush and glow over the most current album and the most current show and the most current appearance and...
But readers here know that there have been times when I have had great seats but have thought Elton wasn't totally on or vice versa. With that in mind, I would have to say that Elton's performance at Peoria was the best I have experienced in at least 10 years, if not the more than 25 years I have followed Elton.
What was so great? For starters, Elton's playing was superb! I've always loved 11/17/70 for Elton's playing (as has Bruce Hornsby) and Elton said of that album that that was the best he ever played. Last Tuesday night matched and surpassed that. Elton was totally on. I was especially taken by Elton's timing and nuances. When you go to one of these shows, if you haven't already, be certain to pay attention not only to Elton's notes and chords, but also the spaces he leaves between. There were some spaces he left in some songs for even just lingering an extra beat that really sent chills up my spine. Other times there places where he embellished or changed chords that really made me appreciate some old 70s classics in a truly new light, with a new interpretation.
Then there was Elton's voice; Elton too had reached new heights in intoning subtle nuances and pauses, creating new subtle interpretations of Taupin's lines which I had only heard one way for many years. Based on past discussion on The 22nd Row, I know that I am in the minority here in preferring Elton's voice of today over that in the 70s; however, what I love about Elton's voice and why I personally prefer it is that Elton more experienced than ever in using his voice interpretively and emotively.
Truly, this is a show that clearly demonstrates Elton's growth as a performer, vocalist and musician.
Return to the concert details.