Calling Elvis
Written by Mark Knopfler
Song
sample
The last song of the night to be recorded. There will never be another moment like this in my life. Ever.
I'd decided on recording this Dire Straits song only on the morning of the recording session itself and had to sit in the car in front of our hotel listening to the song over and over in order to write down the correct lyrics.
This song has always been a real favourite of mine and I've always loved any version Mark Knopfler has ever played of it. If I were to tackle it though I thought I should strip it right down to basics.
(Above): A quick run-through of 'Calling Elvis' before the lights were turned off.
It was getting late and Pete and Dave had packed up and gone home after putting in a solid 4 hours on the previous five songs. That left just James, Aaron, Kathleen and myself in the building. This was the first time that I had been in the studio room alone and it was at this moment that it truly hit me as to where I was. I knew I had to get this in one take.
I had a feeling this song could be something special and so I asked for all the lights to be turned off. I was surprised when James turned off all the lights including those in the control room. We were all in complete darkness.
So I leant into the microphone and sang the song. Calling Elvis. Take #1.
Thank you Kathy, James and Aaron for sharing the moment with me.
From the left: Aaron Covington, Mark Wright, Pete Sully, James Lott and Dave Smith
Mark Wright: Vocals/Acoustic Guitar
James Lott: Electric Guitar/Engineer
Pete Sully: Drums
Dave Smith: Bass Guitar
Aaron Covington: Assistant engineer