Day: July 31, 2017

Rock brings both chops and emotion to his masculine yet sensitive delivery. [more]: Jazziz Magazine pg. 39

Elijah Rock gives Porgy enough jauntiness to keep him going, but is most riveting when he sings the unforgettable songs Gershwin has provided: “I Got Plenty of Nothing” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” and, in a final restoration of faith, or at the very least an earnest try at bravado, “O Lord, I’m On My Way.” Rock’s Porgy is not a powerful figure, though he regains some agility when life is going his way and metal braces help him stand up for himself. But it’s Rock’s magical singing that makes him stand out, with extended lines and graceful nuance delivered by a voice that can be forceful or gentle as the moment demands. [more]: Ventura Star

Elijah Rock: Gershwin has been a part of my life since the beginning of my formal training as a vocalist. In 2015, I did a show called “Words by Ira Gershwin,” with the musical director Kevin Toney. That was a jazz interpretation as well, and those arrangements were swinging, so when I found out that Toney was going to be working on this adaptation, I had to. I’ve been wanting to play Porgy for a long time. [more]: KCRW 

For Rock, who will be making a radical transition from the role of madcap dancer Cab Calloway, which won him an Ovation Award Nomination in 2016, to the physically disabled yet emotionally strong Porgy, the challenge of the show involves the way that its “mixture of musical styles” requires a “merging of all the disciplines” of acting, movement, and song. Rock cites the close relationship he enjoys with musical director Toney as one of the key elements to achieving this, as the jazz band is in many ways as important to the production as any of the actors. [more]: Santa Barbara Independent

“Rock has a lot of confidence, singing “Fascinating Rhythm” and “I Can’t Get Started” with a deep, resonant voice. I was very impressed with his warm tone, excellent enunciation of the lyrics and his relaxed style. The quartet couldn’t have been better. Storie was so good as he added depth to the material. Every musician was outstanding. It was so good to hear a singer and musicians at this high level of ability and emotion. Wow! Rock took his time with each tune; a slow, measured “I Can’t Get Started” and “How Long Has This Been Going On?” Each a fine, polished gem, which can be heard on Rock’s new CD, Elijah Rock Gershwin For My Soul. Rock is a crooner of the “old school” like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, Steve Lawrence, Mel Torme and others who toured, recorded and made lifelong fans along the way.” [more]: LA Jazz Scene

“Elijah Rock dazzled our audience in two sold out performances of his show “Gershwin For My Soul” with his mastery of jazz, pop and even classical song stylings. Mr. Rock’s virtuosity includes a fantastic band, old school charm and even tap dancing that thoroughly enthralled our patrons.”

David Ellenstein
Artistic Director- North Coast Repertory Theatre