Amongst the hordes of Elvis Presley tribute acts, it can be hard to find a rendition of rock ‘n’ roll’s king that rings true to the legend himself.
But on April 1 at Westlock’s Cultural Arts Theatre, Steve Pineo thinks he may just be able to do the jailhouse rocker justice.
Complete with backup singers, and a full band, Pineo said that if there ever was an act to do the Elvis proud, it may just be him.
“He was one of these towering figures. There was nobody doing what he was dong. He blazed a path and his music was very innovative,” Pineo said.
“I think a lot of these tribute shows, they focus on the individual and getting the look and don’t really get the authentic sound. A lot of them use prerecorded tracks. We really get into it and try to do it as authentically as possible.”
Using genuine Elvis-era instruments and effects pedals gives the show added fidelity, Pineo continued, but one of the biggest challenges of the project is usually staying true to the original sound of the Memphis Flash while moving around to different venues.
“We’ve been doing this show all over Alberta in different sized rooms. It’s always a challenge to make it work in a particular space,” he said.
The project began in 2008, when Pineo called the promoter at Carlson’s on MacLeod in High River to book an August date. The month was all full except for Aug. 16, the day of Elvis’ death.
Pineo was allowed to book the date, but on one condition—that he play several songs in tribute to the king.
A lifelong Elvis fan and unsatisfied with just a song or two, Pineo put together a show of hits from the Tupelo Tornado and the night became an annual tradition at the High River venue.
The act has since toured Alberta and Pineo said that the audience reaction, like Elvis’ music, remains untarnished by time.
“[The audience] always tells us how happy they were with the performance,” Pineo said.
“Some people are happy about the memories the music brings back, other people just love the show.
