Ted Roddy and the King Conjure Orchestra

Just when you thought there couldn't be another twist on Elvis, Ted Roddy's fertile mind comes up with a new one: Channelin' E, a whole CD of songs that Presley could have recorded -- but didn't. Roddy's frequent Elvis tribute shows focus on the King's Vegas years, and that's the style of songs he put down here. The title is anything but an idle boast as the performance evokes a fit and pharmaceutical-free Elvis performing at the height of his powers. Whether he's pouring out the soul on "River Deep Mountain High," going countrypolitan on "That's How I Got to Memphis" or getting spiritual on the gospel/funk of "Sweet Inspiration," he raises the spirit of E.P. without delving into bland imitation or shlockiness.