Surely, Dan, I saw Neil Diamond on quite a few occasions as well, but I can’t say Ronnie Tutt elevated the occasion by his presence. And I wasn’t a hater: I saw some fine Diamond shows. None better than one in which I took my mother-in-law to Nassau Coliseum (even hired a limo) and quoted her throughout, essentially letting her write the review. (I had seen him a few nights before for show and interview in Philly.)
Well, Wayne, I can't say I was looking for him to "elevate the occasion by his presence" — I paid to see Neil, after all — but I was always impressed by the level of power and professionalism Tutt brought to the gig. It was easy to see why both Elvis and Neil wanted him for their touring bands.
I thought it possible you were a drummer and observed drummers as a drummer would. And no disagreement: If you’re Elvis or Neil, you could or want to hire the best musicians possible, and that would be Ronnie Tutt in that era. (If Jim Keltner was busy, but he liked the studio).
Nah, I can't play drums to save my life — but I can definitely appreciate a drummer with a good pocket who knows how to play to the song and the performance!
All the regulars in Elvis’ bands were top-flight musicians: Tutt, guitarist James Burton, Jerry Scheff (sp?), and others were much in demand before and after the fall. You essentially put your finger on what’s wrong with “Aloha”: the blues rockers, like “See See Rider” (aka “C.C. Rider”) always sounded good. Irony: blond pompadoured Elvis wannabe Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders were a terrific showband. But the ballads on “Aloha” showed the histrionics that Elvis for some reason leaned on when he was least capable. Oh, good morning, Kevin!
Coincidentally, I listened to “If I Can Dream” from the ‘68(?) Comeback album yesterday for the first time in forever. Had no idea the deathaversary was today. I actually enjoyed it, though (the song, not Elvis’s death). He could really sing when he wanted to. I’m not the biggest Elvis fan either but my grandpa loves him so I try to be open-minded in his honor more than anything.
Ron was a great drummer and super nice guy. I was fortunate to know Ron for several years before he died. He was a prolific player that is mostly recognized for his work with Elvis but his career was so much more than that. While he didn't move over to Diamond's band until after Elvis passed, for several years Ron would split his time between Elvis and The Jerry Garcia Band, which were two different worlds but his playing is easily recognized in JGB. Check out this version of Mystery Train https://open.spotify.com/track/43o7poja395wVvQWhsPSdP?si=1b9e79c6df0b476c off of JGB's 1976 studio release Reflections and there's no mistaking Tutt's sound. Ron had a feel that was distinctive, much like Alex Van Halen's snare and cymbal sound, nobody else had that same sound (or feel).
Interesting thing about Aloha: Given the size of the audience and the spectacle of the special, it truly was one of the last efforts that Elvis made in concert, although he would do several hundred more in a treadmill-like fashion before his death. But 1973 Elvis is still in decline compared to 1968-70, and the bloat of spectacle runs throughout the album and the concert. Check out the 1968 Comeback special for prime Elvis, the first 1969 Vegas shows, and even "That's the Way It Is" to see him at his later peak. All of those are really well done.
Actually it would have because, to make matters worse, CBS aired "Elvis in Concert" from his final tour right after his death. It remains something that can't be unseen.
feel like I want to drop in here and mention that Elvis' band went on tour with John Denver after Elvis' death and it was glorious. I don't have the exact lineups to hand, because I'm too deep in fab land right to go searching, but several of them, including James Burton and Glen Hardin, stayed with JD on and off until his death -- long past the point of his popularity -- and for good reason. the albums are okay, but It's their live performances that really sparkle
those later concerts of JD's, well, if you think you've heard John Denver, you ain't heard nothing yet. It was bar none his finest work -- in part because JD had matured as an artist, vocally and creatively but also because of that band. he and James Burton in particular were a magical combination -- but also , he was backed up by the best musicians he'd ever played with (outside of Steve Taylor, who'd left the band by then). It showed.
Those live concerts are the definitive JD, an artist who found his voice at least, out from under the thumb of the management that sanitised him away from his folk roots for mass appeal. But they're hard to find online unless you know where to look. His 1997 Harbor Lights concerts is IMO one of the finest live albums ever released, and almost no one has heard it. (I have the files, if anyone is interested). And then a year later, he was gone.
All of which is to say, a band elevates. And Elvis' band elevated all who played with them.
And as for John Denver, there are a couple of people on here (you being one of them) that have done well to demolish every preconceived notion I have of him. This is a good thing, of course.
It's kind of wild to realize that there's no good reason Elvis couldn't still be alive today (I mean, like in terms of human lifespan). It just seems like the ancient past to us now, but it's really not at al.
I am not a real big fan of Elvis either, but I have visited Graceland while I was passing through Memphis on a vacation years ago. My favorite Elvis songs are "What a Night" (Because it brings back good memories) and "Crying in the Chapel"
It's a typical touristy area, smaller than what you thought it would be. Nice house and has a lot of stuff he collected and used over the years, seems I remember a plane there but I am not sure of that.
Very interesting read. I’m also a big fan of anniversaries despite my terrible math skills.
I must confess Elvis is like a big black hole in my music knowledge (by which I normally mean I haven’t listened to the entire discography of the artist in question, but in this case, as embarrassing as it may sound, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to ANY of his albums from start to finish). Time to put that right?
His music kind of a blind spot in my knowledge as well-- the only reason it's not a totally blank slate is that I have a relative who is *all in* on Elvis; she's written books, goes to conventions, the works.
Ronnie Tutt was so great - had the pleasure of seeing him play with Neil Diamond on about a half-dozen occasions, and he always impressed!
Surely, Dan, I saw Neil Diamond on quite a few occasions as well, but I can’t say Ronnie Tutt elevated the occasion by his presence. And I wasn’t a hater: I saw some fine Diamond shows. None better than one in which I took my mother-in-law to Nassau Coliseum (even hired a limo) and quoted her throughout, essentially letting her write the review. (I had seen him a few nights before for show and interview in Philly.)
Well, Wayne, I can't say I was looking for him to "elevate the occasion by his presence" — I paid to see Neil, after all — but I was always impressed by the level of power and professionalism Tutt brought to the gig. It was easy to see why both Elvis and Neil wanted him for their touring bands.
I thought it possible you were a drummer and observed drummers as a drummer would. And no disagreement: If you’re Elvis or Neil, you could or want to hire the best musicians possible, and that would be Ronnie Tutt in that era. (If Jim Keltner was busy, but he liked the studio).
Nah, I can't play drums to save my life — but I can definitely appreciate a drummer with a good pocket who knows how to play to the song and the performance!
All the regulars in Elvis’ bands were top-flight musicians: Tutt, guitarist James Burton, Jerry Scheff (sp?), and others were much in demand before and after the fall. You essentially put your finger on what’s wrong with “Aloha”: the blues rockers, like “See See Rider” (aka “C.C. Rider”) always sounded good. Irony: blond pompadoured Elvis wannabe Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders were a terrific showband. But the ballads on “Aloha” showed the histrionics that Elvis for some reason leaned on when he was least capable. Oh, good morning, Kevin!
Look at how many of them, including Tutt, ended up playing with Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris in their mid 1970s bands.
Good morning! :)
Coincidentally, I listened to “If I Can Dream” from the ‘68(?) Comeback album yesterday for the first time in forever. Had no idea the deathaversary was today. I actually enjoyed it, though (the song, not Elvis’s death). He could really sing when he wanted to. I’m not the biggest Elvis fan either but my grandpa loves him so I try to be open-minded in his honor more than anything.
It's actually the 90th birthday anniversary, so we can enjoy that part of it. I know the 1968 Comeback well, having acquired the bootlegs as a teenager, and it's a largely brilliant piece of work. The reason is because he really wanted to. Take a look at the piece I wrote on the special here: https://open.substack.com/pub/glenncook/p/the-pirated-comeback?r=727x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Thanks for touching on Ron Tutt, Kevin!
Ron was a great drummer and super nice guy. I was fortunate to know Ron for several years before he died. He was a prolific player that is mostly recognized for his work with Elvis but his career was so much more than that. While he didn't move over to Diamond's band until after Elvis passed, for several years Ron would split his time between Elvis and The Jerry Garcia Band, which were two different worlds but his playing is easily recognized in JGB. Check out this version of Mystery Train https://open.spotify.com/track/43o7poja395wVvQWhsPSdP?si=1b9e79c6df0b476c off of JGB's 1976 studio release Reflections and there's no mistaking Tutt's sound. Ron had a feel that was distinctive, much like Alex Van Halen's snare and cymbal sound, nobody else had that same sound (or feel).
Further, here's a great interview Ron did back in 2011 for NAMM's Oral History program: https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/ron-tutt
Loved reading this. Tutt was a terrific drummer. Loved his work with JGB and Gram/Emmylou.
Thanks for the links, Billy!
Dad loved this one, but I find it underwhelming. NBC-TV Special is my go to! Good piece. Please read mine even though it's...silly.
I'll check it out. Please feel free to drop a link here for everyone as well!
Also THAT'S THE WAY IT IS.
Interesting thing about Aloha: Given the size of the audience and the spectacle of the special, it truly was one of the last efforts that Elvis made in concert, although he would do several hundred more in a treadmill-like fashion before his death. But 1973 Elvis is still in decline compared to 1968-70, and the bloat of spectacle runs throughout the album and the concert. Check out the 1968 Comeback special for prime Elvis, the first 1969 Vegas shows, and even "That's the Way It Is" to see him at his later peak. All of those are really well done.
I thought about calling it the "last" one (in italics), but then overthought it and wondered if it would spark a flurry of corrections.
Actually it would have because, to make matters worse, CBS aired "Elvis in Concert" from his final tour right after his death. It remains something that can't be unseen.
feel like I want to drop in here and mention that Elvis' band went on tour with John Denver after Elvis' death and it was glorious. I don't have the exact lineups to hand, because I'm too deep in fab land right to go searching, but several of them, including James Burton and Glen Hardin, stayed with JD on and off until his death -- long past the point of his popularity -- and for good reason. the albums are okay, but It's their live performances that really sparkle
those later concerts of JD's, well, if you think you've heard John Denver, you ain't heard nothing yet. It was bar none his finest work -- in part because JD had matured as an artist, vocally and creatively but also because of that band. he and James Burton in particular were a magical combination -- but also , he was backed up by the best musicians he'd ever played with (outside of Steve Taylor, who'd left the band by then). It showed.
Those live concerts are the definitive JD, an artist who found his voice at least, out from under the thumb of the management that sanitised him away from his folk roots for mass appeal. But they're hard to find online unless you know where to look. His 1997 Harbor Lights concerts is IMO one of the finest live albums ever released, and almost no one has heard it. (I have the files, if anyone is interested). And then a year later, he was gone.
All of which is to say, a band elevates. And Elvis' band elevated all who played with them.
100%
And as for John Denver, there are a couple of people on here (you being one of them) that have done well to demolish every preconceived notion I have of him. This is a good thing, of course.
excellent. that’s work worth doing in the world.
He was outstanding live when he was in the mood for performing, but he wasn't always in the mood for certain songs, it seems.
It's kind of wild to realize that there's no good reason Elvis couldn't still be alive today (I mean, like in terms of human lifespan). It just seems like the ancient past to us now, but it's really not at al.
Right?
via satellite!
Indeed! What an era!
I am not a real big fan of Elvis either, but I have visited Graceland while I was passing through Memphis on a vacation years ago. My favorite Elvis songs are "What a Night" (Because it brings back good memories) and "Crying in the Chapel"
Having been there, I'm curious what you thought of the place?
It's a typical touristy area, smaller than what you thought it would be. Nice house and has a lot of stuff he collected and used over the years, seems I remember a plane there but I am not sure of that.
Very interesting read. I’m also a big fan of anniversaries despite my terrible math skills.
I must confess Elvis is like a big black hole in my music knowledge (by which I normally mean I haven’t listened to the entire discography of the artist in question, but in this case, as embarrassing as it may sound, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to ANY of his albums from start to finish). Time to put that right?
Thanks as always!
His music kind of a blind spot in my knowledge as well-- the only reason it's not a totally blank slate is that I have a relative who is *all in* on Elvis; she's written books, goes to conventions, the works.
Oh wow! So cool! I love fans like that. Is that relative your mum?
Yep!
https://open.substack.com/pub/christophermanson/p/my-memories-of-elvis-who-would-have?r=58m5g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
My Mom is a huge Elvis fan. She saw him on her honeymoon in Las Vegas, when she ran to the front of the stage to kiss him. My poor Dad.