Elvis is King! I've been deeeeeply into Elvis since hearing his first single way back in '77 when I was in college. I can remember getting a copy (vinyl!) of his "Live at the El Mocambo" and thinking I had found the dead sea scrolls. Easily within my top five favorite artists, this guy has proven, over the years, that he is a consummate songwriter and musicologist.

I met him after a show on the "Punch the Clock" tour and, though he was relatively quiet and a little stand-offish, he was grateful for the painting I gave him (far right, the other one was for a friend and fellow devotee's birthday). Just recently, I was able to do another piece for him, and give it to him backstage after a stop here on his tour with Steve Nieve. He was really nice and congratulatory, altho he seemed to be suffering from a little cold. You'll see the new piece and the (finally) photo with the man to the right. What a guy. There is a great site at islandrecords.com.

One of his newest albums, 'When I Was Cruel,' is really nice...not just a 'return to form,' as some have said, but more a combination of some of his early stylings and the more recent wide variety of recordings. Get it, it be good! Also check out the offshoot, 'Cruel Smile,' for some weirdness and extras. New ones include 'The Delivery Man,' but you know Elvis...a new release every few months!

Worship at the throne!