Over the course of his illustrious career, Elton John has done it all. Whether it’s selling out stadiums as a rockstar, being involved in Broadway productions, or producing movies, Sir Elton has been a huge success. But for his recently released 30th studio album, “The Diving Board,” he has gone back to his roots and turned the focus back to the piano.
Much like his very early work, the focal point of “The Diving Board” is Elton with his piano front and center. Working with long time collaborator Bernie Taupin and produced by T-Bone Burnett, Elton gives us beautiful stripped down songs with a lifetime of lessons. There is a variety of styles with the simple “Oceans Away” giving way to the more upbeat “Can’t Stay Alone Tonight.” Some of my favorite tracks were those with a real gospel feel to them with the jazzy piano of “A Town Called Jubilee” and “Take This Dirty Water.” The songs are broken up by three piano interludes titled “Dream #1, #2, and #3.” Closing the album is the title track , a meditative reminder of youthful dreams and aspirations.
Backing Elton on the record are the brilliant Raphael Saadiq on bass, Jay Bellerose on drums, and Doyle Bramhall II on guitar. The musicians do a wonderful job at enhancing the songs without taking away the stripped down feel.
“The Diving Board” is one of the best records that Elton John has put out in decades. It’s both powerful and sensitive and should be a welcome addition to your collection.
