A live Elton John performance for the ages.
Elton John “11/17/70” 1971/2017 DJM/Universal Music- FIFTY-FOUR YEARS!
I listened to this broadcast live as a nine year old when it happened, and I’ve played this record on this day ever since. Since the expanded edition came out, I typically play my original UNI pressing for the original album, and then go on to the expanded for the second disc. The “11/27/70+” expanded version of the album adds the other seven tracks Elton played in his set. For live Elton John, look no further!
At this time, Elton was still a relatively unknown artist in the U.S., having only released his self-titled debut album in April 1970 and Tumbleweed Connection in October of the same year. His success in Britain was already well-established, but in America, he was still an untested entity. This live recording, which features a solo piano performance, offers a glimpse of an artist on the brink of international fame and provides a raw, unfiltered view of his burgeoning talent.
The Significance of the Show
The 11-17-70 performance was recorded at a private, invite-only session for the American radio station WABC. The event was not originally intended for commercial release, but the high energy of the performance and the unique nature of the event made it an ideal showcase for Elton’s musical prowess. Unlike many of his later, larger-scale performances, this was an intimate setting where Elton played solo at the piano.
The setlist for the show includes a mix of tracks from his early albums, including some that were already becoming fan favorites like “Your Song” and “Border Song.” It also features covers of songs by artists who influenced him, such as the Beatles’ “Honky Tonk Women” and the Rolling Stones’ “Burn Down the Mission,” both of which demonstrate his flair for reinvention and his ability to make classic songs his own.
A Glimpse of a Superstar in the Making
What makes 11-17-70 such a captivating listen is Elton’s personality and charisma are front and center, even in the raw audio of the recording. His banter with the audience is charming, and his passion for music is evident in every note. At this stage in his career, Elton was still figuring out his sound and his public persona, but the foundations for what would become his legendary career are all there. His voice is powerful and emotive, and his piano work is dazzling, showcasing his versatility as a musician and performer.
Perhaps the most striking element of the album is its stripped-down, unpolished nature. There are no lush orchestrations or elaborate stage productions—just Elton at his piano, giving everything to the audience. For fans of his later, more grandiose live performances, 11-17-70 offers a chance to hear the artist in a much more intimate and vulnerable setting.
A Turning Point for Elton’s U.S. Career
In the wake of the album’s release, 11-17-70 helped solidify Elton John’s reputation in the U.S. The album showcased not only his musical talents but also his stage presence and the engaging personality that would come to define him as an artist. The live recording also helped introduce a wider audience to his work, paving the way for the commercial success that would come with subsequent albums like Madman Across the Water (1971) and Honky Château (1972).
Though 11-17-70 was a relatively modest success at the time, it has since become an important document of Elton’s early years. It’s a testament to the raw energy and talent that propelled him to superstardom, and it remains a cherished recording among fans of his music.
The Extended Edition: 11-17-70+
In 2020, a special extended version of the original album, titled 11-17-70+, was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original recording. This expanded edition offers fans a deeper look into that historic night, with additional tracks and remastered audio that enhance the listening experience.
While the original 11-17-70 album featured only a selection of tracks from the live performance, 11-17-70+ includes the complete show. This means listeners can hear the full set, including the previously unreleased songs and banter between Elton and the audience. The extended version captures more of the spontaneous energy of the evening and provides a fuller picture of Elton’s performance style during this early period of his career.
One notable inclusion in the expanded set is the previously unavailable live versions of songs like “Take Me to the Pilot” and “Sixty Years On,” which are presented in their raw, unadorned glory, just as they were performed that night. These tracks highlight not only Elton’s remarkable skill as a pianist and vocalist but also the emotional depth and range of his songwriting at such an early stage in his career.
Additionally, 11-17-70+ features improved sound quality, as the audio has been remastered for modern listeners while retaining the gritty, live feel of the original recording. The added tracks and enhanced fidelity make the album a must-have for long-time fans and a great introduction for newcomers who are interested in hearing Elton John at his most authentic and unfiltered.
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