Two Els

It's a very simple idea. Get two highly articulate musicians and let them talk about the music they love. Have a red hot band on stage (James Burton on guitar, Allen Toussaint on organ, gasp) so they can play a bit as well. Allow in a quietly appreciative audience to listen and then show it on television. What a change from the usual filler muddying the air waves.

I could have listened to ten hours of Elvis & Elton doing their thing, but the one hour we got on Spectacle last night will have to do. Most of it was a tribute to the people who influenced them and what a treat to hear names like Laura Nyro, Leon Russell and David Ackles being accorded the respect they deserve. (Quite honestly, though I've heard of Ackles and knew he was highly regarded I never really got exposed to his stuff, but Elvis & Elton's storming version of his song Down River at the end of the show made me seriously consider righting that omission.)

Great sane line from Elvis: David Ackles finished his career in community theatre but why should that be regarded as some kind of failure? Helping develop the talents of young people and sharing a creative gift sound very like success. (Or words to that effect. It was well said, however he put it.)

I wonder if the reason we don't get much intelligent conversation on the box is because it undermines what the box really stands for?