Gabe Phoenix

Before I begin with me, it is only fitting to begin with the one musical being who has brought me to myspace, and you to me.If there is any performer who can cross both musical and cultural divides - and do it effortlessly - it's Elvis Presley. Elvis was able to tap into a source of power that was, and still is, of an enduring nature. As an Elvis Tribute Artist it is my job to render the very best nuances that made Elvis so popular, then recreate them today - in this era - for fans who are there to remember the greatest artist whoever breathed.It is the inspiration of Elvis that truly puts all ETA's to the test. Elvis was one of the first performers to create an inseperable bridge between himself and his audience. It is my aspiration to faithfully shape songs into memories, while respectfully maintaining an independent identity off stage.The latter is very important, because most ETA's spend their time off stage, as did Elvis. The difference is: we're NOT Elvis - which means we DO have a life, a family, and interests outside of Elvis.The genesis of my ETA career began when my grandfather gave me a collection of early Elvis recordings. I was about seven, and I immediately tapped into Elvis' early Sun Record sound (a sound I later tested on unsuspecting friends and family). The feedback was surprisingly positive, so I gradually worked my way through the musical omnibus of Elvis' career.Ten years later I'm still singing Elvis, but this time the sound is more resonant, more varied, and much richer. The years of listening paid off! Elvis, in many respects, is the ideal beginners guide in music because it's a cross pollination of almost all musical genres: rhythm and blues, country and folk, swing, and even Jazz! I can safely say that my treasured music collection is due to my introduction to Elvis Presley - an introduction, I might add, that never really ends.One thing is for sure: never underestimate an Elvis Presley fan! Most of them have a staggering memory - they know every move; every twitch; every roll of the shoulder; every celluloid- smoldering glance. So if you don't get it right - if you don't get close to that "Elvis- in-the-flesh feel" - then be prepared to do your homework! It is true (and also common sense) that ETA's almost always retain an individuality on stage; this is what sets us apart from each other, and ultimately keeps us working as ETA's. It will be a sad day when ETA's begin to measure their abilities alongside other ETA's, when the real function of paying tribute to the King should be a personal, sincere gesture from the heart.It is an awesome responsibility in many respects, because once an ETA is on stage, it is Elvis - and Elvis only- we are paying tribute to.With Love Gabe
How I made my profile:
I used Dave & Jay's amazing myspace profile editor .