Piano titans face off at Sommet

Elton John and Billy Joel

By any measure you choose, be it artistic or commercial, Sir Elton John and Billy Joel rank high on the list of premier instrumentalists and vocalists in American rock and pop history. They’ve been constants on the music scene since their careers began in earnest during the mid-‘60s, and each has enjoyed major periods of dominance during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

But the incredible statistical achievements of John and Joel don’t come close to accurately reflecting their importance and influence. Between them, they’ve offered fans numerous examples of the multiple idioms and influences that have comprised and transformed American pop during the rock ‘n’ roll era.

From John’s mercurial vocal style, classical allusions and love of R&B, soul and gospel to Joel’s infusion of doo-wop, show tunes, jazz inflections, boogie piano and classical strains in his playing and singing, they’ve always championed a singular and instantly recognizable approach, even as they neatly spotlight the numerous sounds they love and channel them into their performances.

John and Joel have now revived the Face 2 Face tour, pop music’s longest-running and most successful pop pairing. They first toured together in 1994 but hadn’t worked as a touring duo since May 2003. In fact, Joel took a three-year hiatus from all touring before returning in 2006. The Face 2 Face Tour comes to the Sommet Center Saturday night, and as always, the format provides fans with a great showcase of the incredible work the two have created throughout their careers.

John and Joel usually begin the show with a series of duets, which puts their playing and singing skills immediately upfront. Then they each do a set with their band before reuniting on stage for a grand finale and at least one encore.

Melodic craftsmanship along with a wonderfully rich voice would probably be the first two assets that stamp Sir Elton John’s greatness. Teaming with the master lyricist Bernie Taupin and magnificent string arrangers like Paul Buckmaster, the John list of awards, honors and hits includes selling more than 200 million records, winning five Grammys along with an Oscar, Tony and Golden Globe and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Ironically, failed auditions to join the bands King Crimson and Gentle Giant probably resulted in John becoming a solo great. After meeting and quickly becoming a kindred spirit with Bernie Taupin in 1967, they began a careful period of growth and maturation, experimenting with bits of everything before finally establishing a band and breaking out in grand style with Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player in 1973 and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road with the magical single “Bennie and the Jets” (still one of the all-time great soul piano numbers).

Since then, the lengthy John track record includes seven consecutive No. 1 albums and nine chart-topping hits. He was ranked number 49 by Rolling Stone on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time, but is No. 3 on Billboard’s list of the most frequently charting performers, placing behind only Madonna and The Beatles.

John has recently expanded into everything from films (most recently the 2007 Elton John: Me, Myself & I) to musical theatre (The Lion King in 1997 and Lestat in 2005 among his most memorable triumphs).

Joel’s glittering legacy also includes five Grammy awards, sales of more than 150 million albums and induction into the Songwriter’s, Rock and Roll and Long Island Music halls of fame. He’s rated the sixth best-selling recording artist in the nation, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The son of a topflight classical pianist, Joel’s brilliance has come in both compositional and playing arenas. While such classics as “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are” and “Honesty” were huge radio hits, Joel has never been afraid to experiment. From the jazz-tinged ethos of 52nd Street to his exploration of new wave with Glass Houses and his ode to the Beatles with The Nylon Curtain, Joel has done his fair share of veering away from the straight pop road, though he’s also continued to make brilliant hits like “Uptown Girl” and “The Longest Time,” a superb celebration of East Coast doo-wop and street singing.

Both performers have also been active in social causes throughout their careers, with John heavily involved in the battle against AIDS since the late ‘80s and Joel being a longtime supporter of Democratic Party candidates. At various times they’ve also found themselves in the crosshairs of celebrity and tabloid journals for personal and/or marital problems. But none of that matters to the millions who’ve been inspired and delighted over the years by the diversified and spectacular music of Sir Elton John and Billy Joel.

What: Sir Elton John and Billy Joel in the Face 2 Face Tour
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Sommet Center, 501 Broadway
Cost: $54, $99.50, $179.50
Info: 770-2000, ticketmaster.com