Rob Knight Visits D'z Rock N Roll Diner in Marina Vallarta with Elvis Tribute Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
April 10, 2016

Elvis came back to town and stopped at this fun restaurant which reminds one of the 50's drive-ins and the typical fare offered. Rob Knight entered at the front to a thunderous track of opening music. He broke into a rousing introduction and got the onlookers feeling the beat and the great style of Elvis Presley. Rob had enjoyed thirteen straight sell-out attendances here. Due to the humid weather, he was clad in a dark blue satin-like blousy shirt and slick white pants. No jumpsuits for him now, since he moves and shakes over the floor, boldly burning a great amount of energy. "Trying To Get To You" was sweet but with a strong beat and typical reaching Elvis vocals. Rob has mastered this tune, not known to many of the listeners, but it marked the summation of what Elvis was in his heyday and would project.

Lloyd Price's "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" bounced the audience back and forth. This song evidenced the rare talent of Elvis - take anyone's song and mold it into his own. He knew how to move his voice around the melodies. Rob understands this action which he incorporates into his shows with deep respect for The King. Pleasing the crowd so very much, Rob launched into a series of early Elvis hits including "Heartbreak Hotel", "Little Sister" and the lovely begging "One Night With You". Rob's voice displays the deep low notes for which Elvis was famous. Some analyzers have called it a growl. The bright "Return to Sender" gave way to soft and beautiful "Love Letters", dedicated to super-fan Louise Daw, bringing couples to slow-dance around the restaurant in the paths between tables. Rob nailed this fine tune perfectly and the clapping displayed approval.

"[Marie's the Name] His Latest Flame" brought the tempo upward and Rob sang strongly in front of a driving beat. Then, one of Elvis' signature songs "Don't Be Cruel" warned to be kind to him as the tune bounced along. Rob performed terrifically, knowing this tune is a great measure of Elvis' heritage. Then he slowed the night way down with "Are You Lonesome Tonight" which he sang for me as he knows this masterpiece is my Elvis favorite.

Reminiscing of the malts and shakes days of the 50's, Rob presented "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck". Not in fashion anymore, this song still makes everyone realize how the music of Elvis Presley shaped the breath of their lives. A high point of Rob's weekly shows here is the lineup of young employees who have been choreographed to perform "Jailhouse Rock". Nine of them snapped boisterously in unison, to the left, then the right and turned around. Many in the crowd warbled accompanying the dancers. Rob sang the wild historic song and was most likely as amused as everyone else.

An unexpected addition to tonight's show were three songs featuring Elvis' most dramatic original performances augmented with lush new arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. "This would be a dream come true for Elvis," Priscilla Presley said of the project. Rob treated us to "It's Now or Never", "Burning Love" and "In the Ghetto" with the austere strings and horns blending with Elvis' vocals as they may have been designed to do. Then, Rob expressed ultimate devotion with "Always on My Mind" and Tom Jones' "I'll Never Fall in Love Again",

Acknowledging Elvis' familial gospel upbringing, even wishing to be in a gospel group, Rob included "Impossible Dream" in which he moved slowly and softly, rising to a crescendo and experiencing no problems reaching the highest notes. It was one gem of the evening. Taking the music up many notches, he belted out "Viva Las Vegas" and "Suspicious Minds". But emotions slowed down with "Wonder of You", steadily affirming the love of a woman. Rob knows this is a stunning song and treats it with care and respect, moving his vocal chords around the musical notes.

As Rob loves to do, he nearly finishes the night with the miraculous "An American Trilogy" which contains "Dixie", "All My Trials" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". This medley is a delicious blend of thoughts and lyrics, all quite important to Elvis in his life and view of the United States which he loved so much. But it was "Fools Rush In" which finalized the show and sent us to Rob's side, 'singing' our praises. He is a top professional artist which should not be missed. "Ladies and Gentleman, the King will always be in the building."?

Each show given by Rob Knight has some song differences, so no night is a repeat. He is working already on a new show which he will premiere in the fall. He declared that there are around 85,000 Elvis tribute artists worldwide and together they all strive to keep the memory of Elvis' music alive for many future generations. He hopes our young people will learn about the man's legacy via his collection of musical gifts.

The season has moved into spring, then summer, so live entertainment is not as frequent here. The terrific features of this venue are that there is no cover [but reservations are advised] and applicable diner foods in addition to drinks are served throughout the evening.

For Rob Knight's current performance schedule, visit Forever Elvis.

D'z Route 66 Rock n' Roll Diner is located at Paseo de la Marina 3 L-6 in Marina Vallarta. Call for information on live entertainment since some nights are not open during the spring and summer, (322) 209-0760 or 132-3923.