Over the years, legendary singer Ronnie James Dio fronted some of the most popular/enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands of all time, including RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN & HELL, and DIO. But before all of these bands, there was ELF. Described as a “rock/honky tonk/blues band,” ELF‘s forthcoming release, “And Before Elf… There Were Elves”, will prove that Ronnie could easily handle other rock-related styles.

Released on October 11 via the Niji Entertainment Group, “And Before Elf” will feature twelve previously unreleased tracks (all from 1971), comprised of both live in the studio and live on stage tracks. The album will feature a striking lenticular/3D/hologram cover on which, when you turn it, you will see two alternating images — Ronnie from the first ELF LP as well as a vintage group shot from 1971. And although these recordings are 40 years old, the sonic quality still passes the test, as longtime DIO engineer Wyn Davis remastered the original tapes.

Formed in 1967 in Cortland, New York, THE ELVES also featured other members that would carve a niche for themselves in the hard rock world! Guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein (Dio‘s cousin) would go on to front THE RODS. ELF would last for a trio of albums, before Ronnie exited the group in 1975, to co-form RAINBOW with ex-DEEP PURPLE guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.

Ronnie James Dio always had the golden touch as a masterful singer and frontman. And upon hearing “And Before Elf… There Were Elves”, you’ll discover he possessed his one-of-a-kind voice from the very beginning of his career.

“And Before Elf… There Were Elves” track listing:

01. You Shook Me
02. Stay With Me
03. Four Day Creep
04. Buckingham Blues
05. Wakeup Sunshine
06. Driftin’
07. Smile For Me Lady
08. You Felt The Same Way Listen here: YOU FELT THE SAME WAY
09. Simple Man
10. Drown Me In The River
11. Cold Ramona
12. Little Queenie

Photo courtesy of The RJD Tribute

Published by rbtaleman

Heavy metal (fiend/friend?) Writer, frustrat(or), frustrat(ee), decorated U.S. Navy veteran, Husband(twice), father(three times), grandfather(of seven), FM radio veteran, Concertgoer, music collector, muscle car aficianado. Grown up since five. Child since 45. View all posts by rbtaleman