THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Jewel Box is an unrivaled collection containing 148 songs spanning 1965 to 2019. The ultimate exploration into Elton John’s extensive back catalog, Jewel Box covers deep cuts, rarities from the earliest stages of his and Bernie Taupin’s musical journey, B-sides spanning 30 years, and songs discussed in his best-selling, critically acclaimed 2019 memoir Me. With an unprecedented number of previously unheard and unreleased tracks painstakingly excavated from deep within the archives, this is the ultimate treasure trove for fans.
Elton says, “To delve back through every period of my career in such detail for Jewel Box has been an absolute pleasure. Hearing these long lost tracks again, I find it hard to comprehend just how prolific Bernie and I were during the early days. The songs just poured out of us, and the band were just unbelievable in the studio. I always want to push forward with everything I do and look to the future, but having time during lockdown to take stock and pull these moments from my memory from each era has been a joy. As a devout record collector myself, this project has really excited me, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of craft involved in such a carefully curated, lovingly constructed box set. I’m sure my fans will enjoy it as much as I have.”
Disc Guide
Discs 1 & 2: Deep Cuts
A selection of personal favourites, curated by Elton.
Discs 3, 4, and 5: Rarities 1965 -1971
Elton’s much sought-after 1960s and early 1970s demos and music that cemented the foundations of the iconic Elton John / Bernie Taupin writing partnership. The compelling, previously unreleased, missing piece in his illustrious career. These discs encompass 65 songs, all but a few of which have been stored in the vaults for more than 50 years. Most of these demos were recorded during sessions before Elton was signed to a recording contract or released his first album. Also included are the first song ever written by Elton and his debut appearance on a record (Come Back Baby from 1965), Elton and Bernie’s first composition (Scarecrow from 1967), and newly unearthed piano/vocal demos of some of Elton’s most acclaimed songs from his early albums.
Discs 6 & 7: B-Sides 1976-2005
Non-LP tracks and flipsides, never before compiled together. 36 gems that are now given another chance to sparkle – 17 previously only available on vinyl, resulting in all of Elton’s studio B-sides now being offered digitally for the first time in his career.
Disc 8: And This Is Me …
To coincide with the release of the updated paperback edition of Me, the final collection celebrates the songs mentioned by name by Elton in his acclaimed autobiography, closing Jewel Box with the 2020 Academy Award-winning duet with Taron Egerton, (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.
