My Tribute to the King
Steven Chera, a vocalist best known for his smooth, quintessential New York interpretations of the Great American Songbook, took an exciting detour with his 2014 release, My Tribute to the King. This album is a full-throttle celebration of Elvis Presley, showcasing a side of Chera’s talent that leans into the rockabilly spirit and raw energy of early rock and roll.
The Chera Spin on Classic Rock & Roll
Unlike his previous work, which focused on the elegant swing and jazz arrangements of standards, this album dives deep into Elvis’s catalogue, featuring iconic hits like “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Mean Woman Blues.” The challenge for any artist covering The King is to avoid simple imitation, and Chera rises to the occasion by infusing the tracks with his own brand of charisma while clearly having immense fun with the material.
Reviewers noted Chera’s exceptional command of the Elvis style—something he had been honing from an early age. His voice shifts effortlessly from the romantic croon of a classic ballad to the gritty, energetic delivery needed for a rockabilly tune. The music remains true to the rock & roll spirit, capturing the old-time flavor of the 1950s and 60s, but with a modern, sharp production quality.
From Jazz Trio to Rockabilly Band
Crucially, the music is backed by a band that understands the assignment. While Chera often works with his longtime jazz collaborators like the Bob Kaye Trio, for My Tribute to the King, the instrumentation switches to a sound that evokes the energy of Brian Setzer or classic Sun Records. The band delivers a vibrant performance that is respectful of the source material while sounding undeniably fresh, producing a modern take on timeless song craft.
