Six Yellow Roses: Breathing New Life into Elton John’s Timeless Songs

Madrid-based singer Marta Coloma has been steadily gaining recognition for her expressive vocal style and her thoughtful, intimate approach to reinterpretation. In October 2024, she released her EP Six Yellow Roses, a carefully curated collection of six tracks — six covers — that pay homage to Elton John’s music from the 1970s, with one track from 1980. Through this project, Marta captures the emotional essence of each song while showcasing her unique interpretive style.

The Heart and Soul of Six Yellow Roses:

Goodbye (Madman Across the Water, 1971)

It opens with a fragile intimacy that immediately draws you in. Marta’s soft, expressive vocals float over gentle piano chords and subtle string textures, capturing the reflective sadness of Elton John’s original. The minimal arrangement creates an intimate, contemplative backdrop, allowing the emotion to shine through and making the rendition feel deeply personal

Give Me The Love (21 at 33, 1980; original by Judie Tzuke)

This is the only track from the 1980s, originally written by Judie Tzuke, which gives it a slightly different stylistic flavor. Marta approaches it with a warm, soulful delivery that bridges the song with the rest of the 70s-focused EP. Subtle dynamics, careful attention to tone, and expressive phrasing make the rendition feel intimate, personal, and refreshingly vibrant.

Blues for My Baby and Me (Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, 1973)

A blues-inflected track in which Marta embraces the rhythmic groove with playful, expressive vocals. She captures the smoky, earthy feel of Elton’s original while adding her own twists, including subtle vocal slides and phrasing that highlight the song’s storytelling. Light guitar riffs and tasteful piano fills support her performance, keeping the track relaxed yet full of dynamic character.

Holiday Inn (Madman Across the Water, 1971)

Marta brings Holiday Inn to life with gentle piano, soft percussion, and a touch of delicate guitar, while backing vocals add warmth and energy. The rock-inflected piano and subtle percussion make the arrangement feel natural and easygoing, letting the story flow effortlessly. Her warm, inviting voice keeps the humor and charm of Elton’s original, making the song intimate, engaging, and refreshingly personal

Can I Put You On (17-11-70, 1970 live)

Marta captures the thrill and spontaneity of the live version, adding her own emotional twists. Energetic piano runs and strong backing vocals lift the performance, while shifts between quiet verses and powerful choruses create a sense of immediacy. The minimal arrangement elsewhere keeps the spotlight on her voice, making the song feel intimate yet vibrant.

Seasons (Friends, 1971)

Closing the EP, Seasons is a soft, introspective ballad. Marta delivers a tender and reflective performance, highlighting subtle melodic shifts and sustaining delicate phrasing. Light piano accompaniment and restrained strings complement her vocals, creating a meditative and emotional atmosphere. 

Through Six Yellow Roses, Marta not only pays tribute to Elton John’s legacy but also brings her own distinctive artistic voice to each track. Each song tells its own story, giving the EP a sense of cohesion while still offering variety and surprises. Marta’s careful choices invite reinterpretation while keeping the emotional heart of the originals, creating a listening experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and full of character.

The EP is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music, offering listeners the opportunity to experience Marta Coloma’s heartfelt renditions of timeless classics.