Purchase from https://iancoulson.com/music.php Released – July 2023 Reviewed – 18th July 2023 by Rockin Rebel.
Ian Coulson is a top-class Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Ian is Based Notting Hill in Central London, Uk and has been a tribute act for over ten years. The Album was recorded at the famous Rays vintage recording studios which offers to be the UK’s only existing authentic Vintage Mono Recording Studio, using original 50s equipment. Arrangements by Ian along with Rob Glazebrook who also mixed and mastered the album along with AWGH. Using the finest high quality live backing band that give the true and authentic sun studio sound. Being an Elvis fan for over 45 years, I really look forward to hearing this tribute album. So, let’s go turn up that collar, curl the lip and shake to Ian’s personal tribute to the king.
Band Members Ian Coulson vocals Sam French upright bass Rob Glazebrook Lead guitar Nick Simon Drums
Track by track review. Blue Moon of Kentucky (Bill Monroe), The first thing that hits you is the sound. Sam Phillips really did create a brilliant sound and it is replicated here. The band gives a real good version of the 1954 original recording. Ian’s vocals get close to that young southern style of Elvis’s. timing is key to these early tracks and Ian hits them every time, great opening track.
Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Lloyd Price) One of Elvis’s early recordings for RCA Victor in 1956. Ian’s version is strong with his vocals giving it a real 50s vibe. His natural voice has a close resemblance to early Elvis. What I hear is pure heart felt tribute from an Elvis fan. Great choice of tracks maintaining that early rock n roll style.
I Don’t care if the Sun Don’t Shine. (Mack David) Going back into 1954 with another classic Sun track. Once again, the vocals capture the style that Elvis wanted to obtain, they worked hard to give a rock n roll sound using the instruments they had, and the band once again reproduce that very sound that a backing track could not achieve. The closeness allows Ian to Bring forward a higher vocal to match the original. Fun fact, this track was released after just nine days of recording it and was the flip side to Good Rockin Tonight. Great version Ian.
Blue Moon (Rodgers/Hart) Described as the first of the cross over recordings of early Elvis. The haunting twanging of the bass really does give this bluesy ballad a dark feel, Ian uses his vocals well on this track by pushing his vocal range. Elvis’s version goes into a very high falsetto and Ian gives a great version. But in no way fails the track. Not many tributes even attempt it. Well done mate.
Just Because (J. Sheldon, S. Robin and B. Sheldon) There is many ways to try and sing like Elvis, snarly or deep voice and high tremor, but Ian gets the feel for the lyrics and how he believe Elvis wanted to sing it. You can’t hide the vocals on these early tracks behind instruments like in today’s music. Ian gives a authentic vocal and very close to the original. Elvis recorded it at sun studios in Memphis in September of 54 but didn’t get released until 1956 on his first self-titled album for RCA.
Good Rockin Tonight (Roy Brown) Roy was a very influential writer during the beginning of rock n roll with this track, and as been sung by many a great artist. Not just from the rock n roll world but R&B singers alike. famous for Elvis fans for the “well well well” which of course became a famous line for Elvis. Getting the right key to open this track will set the vocal range for its entirety. And Ian smashes it. The live backing is musically spot on. Great rocking version.
I Forgot To Remember To Forget (Kesler/feathers) This track gave Elvis his first national No1 and of course the last track released on the sun label. It was more a country style than rockabilly but the guitat and bass from the blue moon boys soon made it a cross over track. Ian gives outstanding vocals on this track and sounds very relaxed with this cover.
Trying To Get To You. (McCoy/singleton) Elvis himself loved this track and it’s been sung live on many a concert. Elvis really rocks this track during the sit-down section on the Singer presents Elvis’s show (68 special). Ian once again produces a high-quality version. Great vocal intro to a great cover.
Baby I Don’t Care (Lieber and Stoller) Recorded in 1957 for the film, jailhouse Rock. Elvis takes charge of the bass guitar on the original recording, something that was very rare indeed. Ian gives a great rendition of this rockabilly classic. He gives it what I call the Elvis snarl. The band providing a stunning backing as usual. A short track of one minute forty-five seconds but will pack a dancefloor.
That’s Alright Mama. (Arthur Crudup) If your'e going to do a early part of the career of the king. Then there is no better track to end with than the song that started it all. July 5th will always be a date in the memories of every Elvis fan, the day he recorded this track. And Ian does not disappoint on his version. His vocals are superb and really does hit the feeling of the Kings version. Well done to Ian and the team for recording a very honest and respectful album and “THAT’S ALRIGHT” with me.
Summary: Truly great release from a great singer that gives his all in a tribute not only to Elvis but his dedication to continuing the name of Elvis. No wonder this guy is performing all over the place and a full diary of future gigs. Hopefully a second album will soon be released with more classic songs. To book Ian Coulson as your Elvis Tribute act, call now on 07976 321407 or email icoulson@aol.com
Recommendation: Yes, it’s a good album for music fans along with Elvis fans.
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