Pages

Thursday, March 6, 2008

There is only one original

Turned out impersonator Justin Shandor didn't look too much like the king, he was kind of shorter and heavier. But he sang very much like Elvis did, and at the end of the show he got standing ovations.

That's about sums up yesterdays concert with Justin Shandor, Glen D. Hardin, some other American musicians and the Swedish Cadillac Band. The local theatre were they performed was about half full, but the audience enthusiasm more than made up for that.

Justin did two sets, one as Elvis in the 50's and one as the Elvis we know from the the 70's. I think he did a better job as the early Elvis, maybe because he himself is so young. Also, that part was more fun as it's a bit more unusual seeing someone doing the 50's stuff like "Hound Dog" with the slow ending.

That said, Justin Shandors impressive vocal range was more evident on the 70's material. No surprise then that he got standing ovations after "How Great Thou Art" and "Unchained Melody."

It's always with mixed feelings I watch an impersonator. On the one hand is the (hopefully) close resemblance with the real thing, on the other the fact that no one can ever look or sound like Elvis because his style was unique.

All in all, it was an enjoyable evening and Justin Shandor did a good job. But I have to admit, being there in the audience, I couldn't help longing to hear Elvis Presley sing. So today, I've been listening to a lot of Elvis records. There is only one original.

PS: Glen D. Hardin seemed to be enjoying himself.

No comments: