Elvis Is Alive And She's Beautiful - by Steve Barile

Steve Barile presents Imelda May with his co-authored book " Elvis - Something For Everybody".
Katz Deli, NYC 7-27-11.

Few singers, if any, have earned the esteemed privilege of mention along side of the truly unique versatility and individuality of the exalted one......Elvis! Some have occasionally sparked thoughts of comparison to my mind but invariably fall short.

Upon viewing a recently released dvd, I made the discovery of the latest singer to fall victim to my comparison to The King. Miss Imelda May.

The opportunity to experience her live act presented itself in the way of a concert in New York City's Central Park on Thursday past. Briefly stated, her performance was nothing short of remarkable! As the alabaster tigress eagerly saunters on stage to the hard-driving strains of good ole rock and roll, one becomes immediately transfixed. Wearing a skin-tight Batman dress (!), six inch heals and sporting a hairdo and make-up that's an extremely becoming combination of a retro and futuristic look, the Dublin native opens her throat. The opening hard rocker called "Pulled the Rug" was penned by Imelda, as is most of her material and is the high-energy opener of her newly released cd entitled "Mayhem."

The precise synchronization of her band lead by accomplished guitarist Darrel Higham (Imelda's husband), chugs along like a runaway freight train. Drummer Steve Rushton seems to be having a party of his own and is only slightly overshadowed by the intensity of upright bassist Al Gare. Rounding out Imelda's sound is trumpeter Dave Priseman who provides the unique fusion of jazz to the set. At the close of her next selection, the steamy "Love Tattoo" from the album of the same name, Imelda greets the crowd with a delightful and charming brogue which makes even her speaking voice sound melodic. She then immerses herself in a Howlin' Wolf cover called "Poor Boy." Her blues delivery is as authentic as it gets, and her commitment to this piece raises the neck hairs.

Next is Johnny Burnette's rockabilly classic "Train Kept a Rollin." Proceeding to rock her way through much of the "Mayhem" record, she then slows up to briefly explain the autobiographical" Kentish Town Waltz" which demonstrates her musical versatility and exemplifies the beauty in her voice and ability as a composer. The set moves on to include a calypso sounding "Big Bad Handsome Man," the pop sounds of "Tainted Love" and an inclusion of her own gospel composition "Proud and Humble" which is again reminiscent of Elvis. So with the musical dexterity of Presley, she genuinely delivers rock and roll, blues, ballads, rockabilly and gospel. We also have YouTube evidence of Imelda's feel for country music ("Walkin' After Midnight.")

Check her out and be warned. You will fall in Love.

by Steve Barile