The recent debut of Elijah Rock at the Knitting Factory—a packed benefit for the Greater Idaho Alzheimer’s Foundation, introduced a major talent to the Treasure Valley. Also present at the show was photographer Chris Wethered, whose photos The Boise Beat is pleased to present along with some words about the show by editor Ed Simon. Elijah Rock’s performance at the Knitting Factory with a nine-piece band filled the room with many who enjoyed listening to Elijah, singing his renditions of many of the popular tunes from the Great American Songbook. This was the era of music that included many hits by writers and composers such as the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and many others from the 1920s to the 1960s. The era also included many of the top movie songs from the era, as well as songs from several Broadway musicals. The Great American Songbook also gained popularity from performers such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole; and even new singers such as Rod Stewart and Linda Ronstadt. Finally, new and old combined to present many tunes with the duo of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Elijah Rock sang to a diverse audience, from millennials to seniors. All seemed thrilled by Elijah’s smooth-as-silk voice. With the Great American Songbook, the trick is to create your own version of these classic songs, while still paying homage to those who have not only performed them before, but turned them into the Standards we enjoy today. Elijah proved that he understood that, bringing his own touch to these songs without destroying the feeling that others have brought to them. For that alone, he is worth a listen. Like many of the true singers before him, Elijah’s talent includes the ability to pick just the right songs to suit his outstanding voice.
Elijah Rock will bring his band to the Sapphire Room in the Riverside Hotel on December 3rd. The debut show, an evening entitled Home For The Holidays, should be another excellent performance. Elijah’s popularity has resulted in the Sapphire Room being already sold out, but there are still opportunities to see Elijah Rock online through many YouTube videos as well as through his website. Elijah’s show at the Knitting Factory showed his range of tunes that he performs; and the audience in the packed Knitting Factory concert hall was won over by his tasteful interpretations of many classic tunes. Home For The Holidays should bring many beloved holiday tunes to the upcoming show, and bring many new fans to Elijah Rock’s performances. Elijah Rock has been getting some excellent press, about his new hit single, If I Ruled The World, and articles for the LA Jazz Scene, EJazzNews.com; and author Scott Yanow.
For an upcoming event, Elijah will be Headlining the Boise Epilepsy Foundation Gala on Friday, November 11th, 2022. For info: EFI Annual Gala 2022 | Auction Frogs