This was a very enjoyable way to
spend a Sunday afternoon with superb entertainment in a cosy, intimate setting,
almost like being in someone’s front room.
The Prohibition Recording Studios
is a comfortable, compact venue situated in the heart of Liverpool at the back
of the Liverpool Everyman theatre, close
to the Metropolitan Cathedral. It holds approximately 50 people and this
event was sold out so there was standing room only.
The small stage was home for two hours
to Asa Murphy, supported by Ritchie McGrath on drums and John Wheatcroft on
guitar, with friends, Leslie Longley, Pauline Donovan and young 11 year old vocalist,
Teddy Mitchell.
Asa introduced the show
explaining that it was a tribute to Elvis but that there wouldn’t be any sort
of imitations of the King. Having always been a fan of Elvis he went on to say
he wanted to concentrate on Elvis’s earlier career and his time with Sun
Records. Asa’s first number was ‘Mystery Train’, followed by ‘Harbour Lights’
which showcased Elvis’s skill in singing in a higher key.
After contemplating Elvis’s love
of country music, Asa went on to sing, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ followed by ‘Don’t
Say Don’t’ before introducing his first guest, young Teddy Mitchell . Teddy
very much looked the part, dressed in a hot pink suit and white shoes; it was
his first time performing with a live band and although he said he was nervous
he did a grand job singing ‘Teddy Bear’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’. Teddy had all the Elvis moves and impressed
the audience so much they didn’t want him to leave the stage, giving him
rapturous applause and encouragement.
After Asa performed ‘It’s Now Or
Never’ which showcased the marvellous vocal range of Elvis there was a short
interval.
Asa started the second part of
the show introducing the audience to Elvis’s love of gospel music informing
them that the King had recorded five gospel albums with The Jordanaires and
then singing ‘How Great Thou Art’ which brought a lump to the throat of many of
those watching.
Pauline Donovan joined Asa on stage
and they dueted with ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, after which Asa sang a
shortened version of ‘Old Shep’ and commenting on how sad the song is. He
really got into the groove when singing and gyrating to ‘One Night With You’
which was enjoyed immensely by the audience.
‘You Saw Me Crying in the Chapel’
came next followed by sad song, ‘Don’t Cry Daddy’ a favourite of Asa’s,
probably in his top 3 of Elvis favourites.
Firm favourite, ‘In the Ghetto’,
a song Colonel Parker told Elvis not to sing because of it’s social commentary,
had the audience singing along and warmed up to receive next guest, Leslie
Longley, a huge Elvis fan. He entertained with Elvis’s first number one hit, ‘That’s
All Right Mama’ along with plenty of Elvis type gyrations, following on with ‘Always
On My Mind’.
Next came audience favourite, Teddy
again who wowed with ‘Hound Dog’ with plenty of Elvis movements which had the
audience captivated, wondering how someone so young could entertain so well. He
had all the moves and gained more confidence as his session went on, even
conducting the band at one point. Teddy is featured on YouTube at the tender age
of eight, singing Elvis, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N-7s-aJoJg.
Asa went on to enthral the
audience with ‘His Latest Flame’ and sang a request from the audience of hit
song, ‘Suspicious Minds’. The finale saw all guests on stage with Asa singing
all time favourite, ‘The Wonder of You’.
The audience were putty in Asa’s
hands throughout the show, as they enjoyed singing along to all the Elvis
numbers performed skilfully and with ease
from Asa, a true professional whose love of entertaining shone through.
This was a very entertaining way
to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon and I can thoroughly recommend
joining Asa for his next two shows at this venue.
The next show from Asa at the
same venue, will be The Johnny Cash and Hank Williams show, followed by The
Buddy Holly show; for further details and tickets see https://www.prohibitionrecordingstudios.co.uk/live-music-events.
This entertaining show was held in support of the Matthew Lock Foundation, with proceeds after expenses, going to them. For further details of the charity and support for ADHD, see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3z974jg1lo. In addition, future shows will be held for charities in Sefton.
Catch Asa and friends next time,
you won’t be disappointed.
Reviewer – Anne Pritchard
On – 22nd March 2026
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