Masterful, Beautiful! Go Elliott!

Wild ecstatic props to Rg at Yaminions for a Fantastic diary, 'Then You May Take Me To The Fair'! Simply Outstanding! Way to go, Rg! A Beauty! A Classic! Just like Elliott's magical performance! Masterful! Thank you so much! And thank you CA24, Tia, Brandon and Laclos for exquisite pictures and video that, like Rg's eloquent piece, capture the vibrant energy and soulful beauty of Elliott! 'Elliott Yamin is right at home. There is a startling moment that occurs at the end of the bridge during the performance of Elliott Yamin’s 11 o’clock number, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”, that I caught while listening to his solo concert debut at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond. At a climactic pause in the music, a female audience member can be heard vocally exhaling, having been obviously caught up in the rapture of Elliott’s desperate musical plea and haunting cry, followed by a collective release from the rest of the audience.

Not only were these shout-outs the result of Elliott’s beautifully lush vocal and its successful connection to melody and lyric, but of the ultimate connection between performer and audience that stems from an honest commitment to the music and a riveting, yet relaxed stage presence. These elements, honed by Elliott during his three-month sojourn on “American Idol” (AI), which led to his emotionally-fraught third place finish, and further refined during his sixty performances on a national concert tour with AI this past summer, were solidified by occasional jam sessions with AI winner Taylor Hicks’ band - the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra (LiMBO) - the splendid Birmingham-based combo that shadowed the AI tour and subsequently backed Elliott for his most auspicious and triumphant homecoming event. For me, the most exciting prospect of Elliott’s first full-length production since leaving the confines of his AI contractual obligations, was the opportunity to hear that voice - the one that awoke me out of a late-winter stupor last February and dazzled me from the moment I first heard it. Once again, I was met by that rich and warm clarion tone complemented by a dark and husky flavor that rides just slightly under the surface of its current, along with a buttery vibrato, giving it a presence of singed luster. Elliott, along with the perfect meld of LiMBO’s styling, delivers an astonishing and eclectic mix of soul, R&B, and classic rock. Jumping into a teasing cover of Bill Withers’ “Use Me”, Elliott throws out to a rapturous reception the trademarks of his vocal prowess that will color his entire set for the evening: the growl that attacks key lyrical phrases, bent tones, melismatic runs and scats that enable him to squeeze every last emotion out of a song. I also believe Elliott has the most flexible larynx I’ve ever heard. He then soars into a gorgeous and atmospherically ringing “Ready For Love’ with exquisitely blended head tones never before heard on AI. He redefines that song.

A rendition of Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” is both stirring and passionately tender, followed by a rockin’ version of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Empty Arms”.

The set is dominated throughout by tunes in the style of Elliott’s favorite singer Donny Hathaway, including “Little Ghetto Boy”, "I Believe To My Soul" (Elliott’s final competitive number sung on AI), the previously mentioned “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” and “What’s Goin’ On”.

While Elliott’s voice may be heavily influenced by, and hauntingly evocative of, Hathaway, the scald of his dusky undercoat lends those songs a unique and dramatic edge. His “hipper version” of his finale “What’s Goin’ On” reads as a hopeful paean, peppered by his exuberant and endearing scat while echoing the saxophonist’s embellishments. Elliott’s humble spirit was on display throughout with gracious acknowledgments to his fans and family, the local radio stations and the JDRF, as well as his enormous respect and admiration for his band during a scathing and ramped-up encore of the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post”.

His bluesy wailing leads me to liken him to a male version of Janis Joplin. A conclusion I glean from listening to him sing these last six months is that his voice is accessible to any genre, any style, and can even cross over one style into another. That the crowd at the fair to see Elliott was made up of his hometown fans, and fans from across the country and some even from England, it should be a testament to the reach this extraordinary young man has and the possibilities that await beyond that victorious night in Richmond. I've mentioned before how I consider Elliott to be a singing prodigy. Just listening to this brilliant compendium once again confirms my earlier assertion. Right now there just doesn't seem to be anybody else for me that can equal what he does when he sings. And so, when the next venture, and anxiously-awaited solo CD comes out, then, again, you may take me to the fair.' Wow! Bring it, Rg! Another stellar, magnificent piece! A Masterpiece! Thank you so much! Tell it like it is, baby! Thud! Yes! Outstanding! Many have raved about Elliott. Michael Orland, the pianist for American Idol, described E as 'extremely talented, and such a good kid. Elliott developed unbelievable learning skills and an intense work ethic during the contest. He was the one who evolved the most physically. I think he is on his way to becoming the greatest performer because he's got this incredible instrument - his voice! He was the one who grew so much from week to week. We're going to see much more from him in the future. More than any of the others, Elliott would sing something and I would get goose bumps. I think it's because he feels what he is singing - and he makes us feel it too.' Amen. Absolutely! Elliott is a remarkable talent with incredible bluesy soulful artistry! E is magnificent! And Elliott truly moves us with his amazing soulful spirit and ability and touches us deeply..right down to the core.. Elliott is a profound, timeless classic whose artistry and presence will endure.. and continue to move and touch us with it's beauty and eloquence. E shines and will continue to shine ever so brightly! We're ready to hear a lot more of Elliott's brilliant vocal styling.