.watch/listen.- Eli Mattson’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” September 19, 2008

.authored by something.of.substance.

.the new piano man.

I’m not a huge fan of song covers, especially when either the song or the singer is iconic. So, you can imagine my initial reaction when I was flipping past America’s Got Talent the other night and heard that Eli Mattson, a 26 year-old trained pianist and somewhat Blues singer from the Midwest, would be covering Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”. While this is a popular Elton John song, it doesn’t seem to be as iconic as, say, “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Man”, or even “Circle of Life”, it is still widely recognizable- and open to . And, though it is Billy Joel who carries the nickname “Piano Man” (after his song of the same title), Eli Mattson might just take it from him.

First of all, Eli plays beautifully. He amalgamates himself so completely with the piano that they become one finely-tuned instrument. His gift of music extends, also, to his voice. Eli has a deep and blues-filled voice- reminiscent of a darker Elton John; his voice ultimately belies his young age. What is so great about watching him perform or even listening to his song is that you can hear the depth of his soul in every word: he becomes the music.

Listening, specifically, to his cover of “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” doesn’t do it justice. With just him and his piano on stage, the tone he emanates is full enough to fill a stadium. And, watching the performance, which I have supplied below, demonstrates just how deeply he appears to connect with the music. “Sorry” might be the hardest word, but he has no need to say it.

So often these days, performers put on a show for entertainment purposes without ever reaching their audience. I, personally, cannot relate to dozens of costume changes, exotic dance gyrations and lip-synched pop exclamations. Sure, they’re fun, but they leave me wanting. Nothing about Eli’s performance will leave you wanting…except for more Eli. Even if he doesn’t win AGT, this young man has a definite shot at being the promising future of music.

On a personal note, if whoever I was involved with came to me and performed this song the way he did- with as much passion and apology in his countenance- then I would probably opt to forgive. I mean, really, this is the kind of stuff that makes girls swoon, myself included.