Elton sings til the midnight sun goes down

Posted by arts_reviews

Posted: May 28, 2008 - 10:23 pm

Sir Elton at Sullivan Arena: Anchorage, Alaska, May 28, 2008. Photo: Trenton Yates.
If you have a photo from his Alaska concert or of Elton John roaming around Anchorage or Fairbanks to share, post it HERE.

By LELAND SMITH

Sir Elton John conquered the sold out Anchorage crowd Wednesday night at the Sullivan Arena. Sporting an ornate long jacket with tails embroidered with musical notes and the words “Music Magic” Elton, without a word leaped into “Your Song,” the tender ballad that charted his career path in 1970. He then rose and turned to the crowd and said, it took me thirty years to make it to Alaska; thank God I’m here. This is the 49th state I have played.

Moving quickly through “Sixty Years on”, “I need you to turn to,” and “Daniel,”
Elton showed a powerful vocal and piano style that seems to be a departure from his trademark soft approach found on recordings. Showing off some wild ragtime and blues keyboard embellishments, Elton belted out “Honky Cat,” “Rocket Man,” and “Tiny Dancer and continued to pummel a thrilled and attentive audience who gave him a glowing standing ovation after nearly every song.

The show rarely lagged and any potential lulls were thwarted by Elton giving the
Crowd a sly grin of comic relief or other artistic expression.

Indeed, Sir Elton’s heartfelt delivery and charisma are perfectly matched to express the sentimental human nature of Bernie Taupin’s lyrics. Sir Elton’s body of work has been a cultural zeitgeist for decades now and the songs messages are just as relevant today as they have ever been.

I can remember folks performing “Daniel” way back in High School over thirty-five years ago, so I can’t help but be reminded that many people’s ghost memories may be deeply touched by the music and lyrics. They may remember times, places or loved ones they had shared time with in the past, and relive them while listening to Elton playing back his soundtrack of their lives.

Surprisingly, the lighting and sound were acceptable and enjoyable for once, a factor generally foreign to the Sullivan.

Prior to his encore, Elton signed dozens of autographs and then closed with “I’m Still Standing,” and “Don’t let the Sun go Down on me,” to a thunderous ovation. There is plenty more where this came from folks and the next two shows will not disappoint

To say that the Elton John shows in Alaska are the high point of the concert year is an understatement. Not since Captain Cook trolled these waters, has Alaska been visited by British royalty of this magnitude.

And to all the critics who lambaste Sir Elton, The Rolling Stones and other fine veteran artists because of their age, sexual preferences, or a poor turnout in certain cities. Please, Sod Off!

What did you think of the show? Add your comments, Elton stories and sightings here.

Elton John's Anchorage Playlist follows.

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