|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Elvis Presley's Band Members Join Joey Figgiani Joey Figgiani, a fresh new face on the Tennessee music scene, is set to release "Under The Memphis Sun" on Three Minute Records, August 15, 2005. The album includes updated versions of classic and rare Elvis songs recorded with engineer/guitarist James Lott at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis and with Elvis' band members DJ Fontana and The Jordanaires at 16th Ave Sound in Nashville. Figgiani is dedicated to maintaining and furthering the power, importance, and integrity of Elvis' music. "My intention with this album is to keep the Elvis flame burning for all fans of his music, but also reintroduce new generations to his incredible work." Under the Memphis Sun is comprised of inspired versions of eleven classic and rare Elvis songs. From the rocking "That's All Right" recorded at Sun Studio to Joey's touching version of "Peace in the Valley" backed by the Jordanaires, Under the Memphis Sun preserves the dignity and legacy of the original songs while tastefully updating them for today's audience. DJ Fontana played drums on "You’re So Square, " "Mean Woman Blues, " and "Don’t Ask Me Why." The Jordanaires backed Joey on "Peace In The Valley, " "Don’t’ Ask Me Why" and "Fire, " a Bruce Springsteen song originally written for Elvis." The album also includes "Mystery Train, " "Blue Moon of Kentucky, " (with Sun Studio Chief Engineer James Lott on lead guitar) along with tender takes on "My Happiness, " "Blue Moon, " and "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" (with Joe Fick of The Dempsey’s on upright slap bass). The rare cut, "How the Web Was Woven" is an homage to Elvis' great range and sure to surprise those who only know Elvis as a guy in a white jumpsuit. An avid admirer of Elvis' early work, Joey holds over 50 Presley songs in his repertoire. With acoustic guitar in tow, a bus trip to Tennessee one summer led to his recording in Sun Studio in Memphis, where Presley got his start. "To stand there and sing into a microphone, knowing this was where Elvis made history was just incredible." In one take, Joey recorded a moving version of his original song, "Three Year Century, " wowing studio engineer, James Lott. This Spring, Joey returned to the legendary studio to record Under The Memphis Sun with Lott. Figgiani has developed a loyal following across the country. The Ottawa Times (Illinois) described him as "a talented crooner who belts out Elvis hits and other songs with a knack that would make the "King" himself proud." Entertainment publication, The Source, (New York) referred to Joey’s music as "a sound that oozes sweet melodies and rhythms with just enough bleakness to recall early Hank Williams and Springsteen’s "Nebraska." "Under The Memphis Sun" has already captured the ears of Pat Wolfe from KDHX, St. Louis who has been playing tracks on the station for several weeks. "Joey Figgiani is one of the best new singer-songwriters I have heard in the last 15 years. Following in the footsteps of Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen, Joey will impress you with his depth and versatility, and his live shows are a must-see. Make no mistake: Joey Figgiani has a bright future in the music industry!" write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |