Reviewed by Nigel Patterson.  Copyright EIN 2009

September 2009

David Cazalet's latest album has been released and targets those fans who like the more gentle side of Elvis' vast musical songbook. The album opens with beautiful rendition of All That I Am, one of Elvis’ often forgotten classic love songs.  Cazalet is in fine form with his soft vocal matched by great pacing.  Summer Kisses, Winter Tears is another fine love ballad from Elvis’ early 60s period.  Again, Cazalet ensures a faithful and emotional rendition by careful vocal and pacing. On the title track, Cazalet’s voice ebbs and soars as he traverses the valleys and mountains of a perennial favourite.  Tender Feeling follows and by now the singer has the listener ensnared in a lilting melodic dance. The tempo is lifted with the toe tapping Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers, which brings a smile to your face. Am I Ready is another largely forgotten Elvis ballad and one worth getting reacquainted with.

The next track is certainly one many fans will have forgotten. And what a great pity that is as I’ll Be There is a fantastic tune, one that can uplift your spirits even if you missed out on a great Fly.com promo, had an earful from your boss, or basically are having a bad day. It first came to light on the RCA Camden budget album, Let’s Be Friends. The next track is a great choice given the 40th Anniversary of Elvis’ seminal album, From Elvis In Memphis. True Love Travels on A Gravel Road is sung with conviction as the singers’ vocal resonance has us as part of his bumpy musical journey. For the Millionth and the Last Time takes us back to Elvis’ early 60s period with the Neapolitano flavoured love song oozing class and feeling.

The next track is a great choice given the 40^th Anniversary of Elvis’ seminal album, From Elvis In Memphis.  True Love Travels on A Gravel Road is sung with conviction as the singers’ vocal resonance has us as part of his bumpy musical journey.  For the Millionth and the Last Time takes us back to Elvis’ early 60s period with the Neapolitano flavoured love song oozing class and feeling. 

Wild in the Country was Elvis’ 18th film and Cazalet’s interpretation of the title track offers the same surreal effect as did Elvis’ original recording. It Hurts Me has always been one of my favourite Elvis ballads and David Cazalet doesn’t let us down.  Today, Tomorrow and Forever features some interesting backing vocal, while the next track is a change in genre as Cazalet explores Elvis in gospel mode. Milky White Way is a strong gospel ballad, again with backing vocal. In My Way, another of Elvis’ vast 60s songbook is short but sung with sincerity.  On They Remind Me Too Much of You, Cazalet is back in a lover’s groove and keeps this going with a guitar laden Forget Me Never.  The album fittingly closes with the poignant I’ll Remember You, originally released on the Spinout album but more remembered as a highlight of Elvis’ historic Aloha From Hawaii satellite show.

Track listing:

All That I Am Summer Kisses, Winter Tears Pledging My Love Tender Feeling Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers Am I Ready I’ll Be There True Love Travels on A Gravel Road For the Millionth and the Last Time

Wild in the Country It Hurts Me Today, Tomorrow and Forever Milky White Way In My Way They Remind Me Too Much of You Forget Me Never I’ll Remember You Running Time: 39’ 42”

Verdict: David Cazalet has long been renowned for his great vocal skill and the proof of this is well evidenced by Pledging My Love, his new 17 track album.  It is essentially a wonderful tribute to Elvis’s great love song period of the early to mid 60s.  Cazalet has a strong and warm voice and his attention to the mood of each song is testament to his professionalism and respect for Elvis’ musical legacy.  Check out Pledging My Love………I think you will find yourself playing it time and time again, particularly if, like me, you are an admirer of Elvis’ early 60s ballad phase!

Visit David Cazalet’s website

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