Memories of Memphis Show - Colin Paul & Rockin’em
- johnaalex
- May 30
- 4 min read
Colin Paul & Rockin’em
Memories of Memphis Show
Recorded, at The Rockin' Lounge in Kettering,2nd February 2025.
Released 21st March 2025
Reviewed 9th May 2025 by Rockin Rebel. (rockabillyman69@hotmail.com)
Members for this live recording are
Colin Paul - Vocals
Kev Marlow - Guitar and BV's
Dan Whitwell - Drums
Gene Crosby - Piano
Dion Marlow - Double bass
Review
Two Giants of the rockin scene have come together to perform their love of Elvis Presley’s music. 11, live recordings from the Rockin Lounge which sound as good as the Vegas, international hotel’s stage back in the 70s. Rockin’em are based in the United Kingdom and perform their own brand of all tunes rockin. They are firm favourite at the rock n roll events. They are known all over Europe and continue to tour with a full diary of upcoming shows. https://www.rockinem.com/
There is only one performer in this world of vast Elvis tributes that could make this a very special release, that is Mr Colin Paul. For me the truest Elvis tribute out there. And this is backed by the amount of times Colin is booked/asked to return to some of the biggest stages in the world. Colin has a wide range of vocals and sings many different styles and sounds, but none greater than his love for Elvis. I really cant wait to get this album into my headphones, so let’s review the tracks
RIP IT UP (Marascalco/Blackwell)
Opening up with a classic rock n roll track first released in 1956. Great vocals from colin and sounds like he is in a rockin mood. The band sound well keeping it close to the Elvis sound. Great start to the show and the audience welcomed it..
WESTERN UNION (Tepper/ Bennett)
Absolutely one of my favourite Elvis tracks. Colin and the boys provide a stunning version. The band offer a great backing vocal and are very tight to colins lead. Colin gives us a great rendition of this truly great track. im not sure if how long these guys had to rehearse these tracks (im sure not long with their schedules) but giving a great cover version. Elvis released this track in 1963 and featured on a soundtrack album (speedway) in 1968.
LITTLE SISTER (Pomus & Shuman)
Firm Favourite not only of the fans but Elvis’s as well. Elvis performed regularly at concerts throughout the years. Colin allows his voice to take on that Elvis snarl at the beginning of each line. Vocals are spot on and the band give a really good rendition of the track. for me a song that always sounds better live than studio recordings. But that might just be me.
BIG BOSS MAN (Dixon & Smith)
Elvis first performed this song live during the 1968 NBC Special (comeback special) but the version we hear on this, I believe to be the 1974 live version. And the Band capture the opening riff really well. Colins vocals are deep and powerful with that gritty throaty lyrics. The backing is brilliant with the piano standing out in the background. Very nicely put together guys.
ALL SHOOK UP (Blackwell)
A nice version of the classic 1957 smash hit for Elvis. Colin announces at the beginning that it is indeed the Kings first UK number one. Perfect song for any live show and a dance floor filler.
HURT (Al & Crane)
Another great vocal from colin, you got to have some lung power on this track. this is a straight cover of the recording released on the “From Elvis Presley Boulevard” album in 1976. Colin however does amazing job on his very own version with a extended vocals. great track once again lads.
GIRL OF MY BEST FRIEND (Bobrick and Ross)
The backing vocals on this track is just fantastic. the boys really capture the sound of the Jordanaires. Colin delivers yet another great vocal, also capturing the heartache within the lyrics of the song. Brilliantly covered and the audience lets them know it.
POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS (Wise / Weisman)
Well you don’t hear this song during many live performances. the song which features in the 1960 movie G.I. BLUES. This is a heartfelt rendition of what can be a difficult song to sing. But Colin does it with ease. Even pinching the ending of the female backing at the end of the track. simply stunning.
BURNING LOVE (Linde)
From rainbows to love that’s burning. Colin gets the fans a little hot under the collar with this rocking track. A perfect cover from the boys on this 1972 hit for Elvis. The boys provide some nice backin vocals and the music is very nicely played. I feel sure Colin was doing the Kings moves at the end?
SUCH A NIGHT (Chase)
Keeping the fans happy with another rockin belter from the boys. Colin returns with the snarl and growl that really brings this memories show to life. You can hear not only the band enjoying themselves but the audience as well. Perfect song to create that atmosphere.
THE WONDER OF YOU (Knight)
I guess there could only be one song to finish with. All the arms will be waving and phones will be lite up. Colin and boys complete a great night of memories of the king with this awesome cover.
Summary
It has to be said about the band and Colin that they never fail to impress. This is a great album that brings the sound of the king back to mind. songs not very often heard on a live stage to the classic power ballad. Colin paul as always putting 100 per cent into his performance, and Rockin’em providing the splendid professionalism required to perform this great songs as close as they could get. This album is not a copy kat tribute, its not someone donning the suit and belting out the hits. Its personal, its heartfelt, its Colin Paul and Rockin’em keeping the memories of a legend alive.
LINKS TO THE ARTIST
Colin Paul
Rockin’em
Track listings
RIP IT UP
WESTERN UNION
LITTLE SISTER
BIG BOSS MAN
ALL SHOOK UP
HURT
THE GIRL OF MY BEST FRIEND
POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS
BURNING LOVE
SUCH A NIGHT
WONDER OF YOU
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