Filmed and recorded in 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Elton John’s The Million Dollar Piano is worthy of the man’s larger-than-life historic live performances and fantastic songs. The Rocket Man played the same venue during “The Red Piano” residency from 2004 to 2009. Coming back with this show, he and his band are in fine form. Wearing a gold cape, John begins the 18-song concert with a rousing “The Bitch Is Back” and “Bennie And The Jets” medley. The sound is stellar, the piano clear, backing instruments mixed perfectly (including a small string section), vocals and horns well-placed, and longtime drummer Nigel Olsson’s double-bass drum driving it all. Davey Johnstone’s guitar counters the ivories in lock-step, and back to the 70s we go.
John’s pipes are set in the lower register these days, evident on tunes like “Rocket Man.” Still, he sings well and has a studied control of his voice. After a nice solo at the end of “Rocket Man,” John dashes across the stage to say ” Hi” before going into a chill-inducing “Levon.” One thing Elton John does is engage his audience, telling stories about the making of songs, his career, etc. At 65, when this was shot, he seems to be having the time of his life playing live in Las Vegas. “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters” features Johnstone on mandolin and sweet backing vocals from Rose Stone, Tata Vega, Jean Witherspoon and Lisa Stone.
“Better Off Dead,” a rarity from Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy, gets an airing and is the first of a trio that features percussionist Ray Cooper. He’s a delight to watch, as much for his playing as for his bald mad scientist stage persona. By the time he and John duet on the absolutely stunning “Indian Sunset,” the crowd is stilled by the piano, vocal and percussion exchange.
And the hits kept on coming. “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” is a carbon copy of the studio cut. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” still reeks of perfect drama. “I’m Still Standing” sees bassist Bob Birch poppin’ like a madman (across the water?), while “Crocodile Rock” and “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting”) get the crowd up and singing and eventually on stage, around Elton John’s piano, most likely making it the best Saturday night ever. The The Million Dollar Piano DVD also includes a Making Of The Million Dollar Piano feature and Live In Kiev 2012 concert clips of “Candle In The Wind,” “Sacrifice,” “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” and “Don’t Let The Go Down On Me.”
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
