Elvis Tribute-Echoes Of The King-El Gamble

CD Review - "Echoes of the King"
It's time to dust off your blue suede shoes. The latest album from Australia's legendary El Gamble, the Aussie with the Elvis voice, is the best of his career!
From the opening lines of the first track, Elvis' 1960 'B" side, "Make Me Know It", you can just feel you are in for a special treat with this album.
Its strengths lie in El Gamble's amazing vocal ability, a potent song mix and strong production values. The balanced blend of ballads, rockers, gospel and 60s pop offers a near perfect blend of music all sung in great style. An added bonus is the inclusion of tracks we rarely hear. How long is it since you've heard the haunting "Fool", the bluesy "It Feels So Right" or Elvis' last single release before his death, "Way Down"?
Those who like to relax to Elvis' love songs are well catered for with very strong versions of the perennial favorite, "Love Me" (replete with audience reaction) and the monologue infused, "Are You Lonesome Tonight?". Pop lovers are transported back to a simpler, bygone time as El Gamble makes us smile while he impressively delivers "Good Luck Charm", "His Latest Flame" and "The Girl Next Door Went A Walking".
Also on offer is a great rendition of the late 50s classic ballad, "A Fool Such As I", one of Elvis' favorite gospel tracks, "Lead Me, Guide Me", and a rousing medley comprising "Heartbreak Hotel", "Hound Dog" and "All Shook Up".
In the middle of the album the artist treats us to several big ballads including "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Let It Be Me". Closing the album are two more powerful songs, the Marty Robbins' penned "You Gave Me A Mountain" and an emotional, flute based, "An American Trilogy".
There are many standout tracks on "Echoes of the King". El Gamble's vocal is exquisite as he soars into the heavens on "I Believe", while he brings the house down with a pumping version of "Johnny B. Goode", a recording which will have you dancing in the aisles. "If I Can Dream" is eerily reminiscent of Elvis' closing number from the '68 Comeback Special while "Early Morning Rain" is so delicately sung that you can feel the light drizzle falling down.
Symbolising its title, the use of "echo" on the recordings works very well giving the album a nice feel. Similarly, on many tracks there are nice touches with innovative use of orchestral instruments, backing vocals and sounds.
Verdict: "Echoes of the King" is possibly the best Elvis tribute artist release of 2006. Australia's award winning El Gamble, on the eve of his return to live performing, has recorded a stunning 20 track compilation of adrenalin fuelled Elvis ballads and rockers. If you only buy one Elvis tribute album this year "Echoes of the King" won't disappoint. It is an album you will play time and time again.