Terry Mike Jeffrey, a singer/guitarist from Paducah, Kentucky, is a songwriter and performer in his own right.
However, many audiences abroad and here in the United States may know Terry Mike best from his many concerts with Elvis's original band members, including D.J. Fontana, The Jordanaires, The Sweet Inspirations, and the TCB Band.
He does not wear a jumpsuit or imitate Elvis's mannerisms, something that sets him apart from the pack. Simply put, he loves Elvis's music, and he has released a series of "Raised on Elvis" albums in the past ten years, culminating with the August 2007 release of "Raised On Elvis, Volume 5."
Raised On Elvis, Volume 5: The Studio Side
Half studio and half live, all of the 18 songs remain true to Elvis's spirit and musical stylings with minimal improvisation, following the original tracks closely.
The first ten tracks are studio versions, most likely the newest tracks on the album. All studio tracks, whether singles, soundtrack, or studio cuts, were originally recorded by Elvis during a six-year period, 1957-1963, his hit-making Nashville years.
The Jordanaires and Good Luck Charm
Members of The Jordanaires make guest appearances on a handful of the studio cuts, with other Elvis acquaintances and friends appearing on the live selections that round out the disc. Click here to check out their official website.
"Good Luck Charm" features Gordon Stoker and Ray Walker of the legendary Jordanaires on first tenor and bass, respectively. Mr. Stoker sings a duet on this track that echoes his brilliant work on the original April 1962 #1 Billboard Pop hit for Elvis, and Mr. Walker's "uh-huh's" sound virtually the same almost 50 years later.
Featuring bass,drums, keys, and guitar, "Good Luck Charm" sets the standard for the rest of the album. This song became Elvis's last #1 hit for seven years until "Suspicious Minds" appeared and revitalized his career in 1969.
All Shook Up and a Forgotten Gem
Track two, "All Shook Up," is another monster hit that reached #1 in April 1957. Featuring only one Jordanaire, Mr. Stoker replicates his smooth duet alongside Terry Mike.
Performed by many artists over the years, "All Shook Up" is one of those songs that's very difficult to improve, and the version here has been heard before. However, it is great hearing Mr. Stoker sing on record with an Elvis admirer like Terry Mike.
"Gently" first appeared on Elvis's "Something For Everybody" LP in June 1961. As the title implies, the song is a gentle ballad that many casual Elvis fans may have not heard.
With Terry Mike's numerous acoustic guitars and a bassist anchoring the cut, background vocals are provided by Terry Mike's son Adam. Surprisingly, the song sounds like the Jordanaires are present, a true testament to the vocal talent of father and son. One of the best songs on the album.
Having a Little Fun with Gordon Stoker and Ray Walker
"I Gotta Know" once again features Jordanaires Gordon Stoker and Ray Walker. First released as the b-side of "Are You Lonesome Tonight," "I Gotta Know" reached #20 Pop in November 1960, going Top 5 in the UK.
Terry Mike's version is fun, playful, and extremely catching, with the Jordanaires giving the song that extra "oomph," considering the somewhat dated lyrics. Both Mr. Walker and Mr. Stoker duet with Terry Mike at regular intervals during the song.
Elvis's use of the Jordanaires on his records was indeed revolutionary. It is almost impossible to think of another major artist who put his background vocalists front and center on major recordings, a testament to The Jordanaires' vocal power and Elvis's humble character.
Flaming Star
"Flaming Star" is the only song featuring the full Jordanaires' lineup (their final appearance on the album), adding 2nd tenor Curtis Young and Louis Nunley on baritone. The title track to Elvis's December 1960 accompanying film, the song made it to #14 on the pop charts.
Stay tuned for more discussion on this excellent LP by Terry Mike Jeffrey.
Jeremy Roberts - A 2008 graduate of the University of Georgia with a Masters of Agricultural Leadership, Jeremy enjoys telling a story. Writing about ...
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