‘Here and There’, released in 1976, is a live album by British singer-songwriter Elton John, his 14th official album release. The title refers to the two concerts represented on the album. So you have "Here" a concert recorded at the Royal Festival Hall in London during the summer of 1974 on 18^th May that had a 2700 capacity occupancy and which was in the presence of Princess Margaret and was a fundraiser for invalid children.

On the flip side, Side B "There" is a concert recorded at New York City's Madison Square Garden on 28^th  November 1974, played on the eve of Thanksgiving at New York's 20000-seater. The concert at Madison Square Garden was Elton's second concert at this venue, which has since become his favorite to play in and at which he has now performed over 70 times, including the Concert For New York City (2001), From the Big Apple to the Big Easy (2005), and the 60th Annual Grammy Awards (2018).

Quite the contrast then, between the two shows as you can clearly hear his vocals distinct. The album captures Elton John at the height of his powers, and by design proffers a career retrospective of his work from his 1969 debut ‘Empty Sky’ through 1974’s ‘Caribou’. The original 1976 release of ‘Here and There’ included only nine songs, which probably accounts for its lukewarm reception. 

The album is best remembered for the foot-stomping Bennie and Jets, Honky Cat that boogies its way back to the country, while Crocodile Rock rockabillies you back to the days of dance crazes and Bill Haley and the Comets. All three are proof that, more than anyone else in his time, it was Elton John that could manage stage presence and also bring out an excellent album, both musically and in it’s pure live format. Other songs that light up the album are Love Song, Rocket Man.

The original release of this album reached #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #6 on the UK Album Chart. The album was at the time issued in part to fulfill a final contractual obligation John owed to DJM Records, prior to having his records released by his own Rocket Record Company label, starting with Blue Moves in 1976. Music journalist Paul Gambaccini wrote the liner notes to the original LP.

This album is a gem in Elton's catalogue. 

Released: 3^rd May 1976

Recorded:  18^th May 1974 – 28^th November 1974

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira