This
CD contains Elvis’ performance in Boston on the 10th November 1971.
It is a soundboard recording, marking the first concert where J.D.Sumner and the
Stamps were included as backing singers in the line-up, replacing the Imperials,
who apparently left over a wage dispute. Previously available on CD as The Power
Of Shazam ( on the Captain Marvel
label ), this show has been re released by Madison, this time from a first generation tape in superior sound quality. So just how good is the sound on this
new release? There is only one word to describe it—ASTOUNDING! Compared to the
former show, it is the difference between listening to the show from outside the
arena and being given a ringside seat—it really is that good.
Not
only is the sound punchy, fresh and dynamic but the mix is excellent as well,
allowing us to hear small details in incredible quality. As an example, check
out the hand clapping by the backing groups during the opening song That’s
Alright or during Polk Salad Annie. The drums in particular, are
featured in amazing quality—nowhere will you hear the rimshots ( played on the
snare drum ) at the start of Heartbreak Hotel, in such clear sound or the crisp
scrunch of the hi-hat ( cymbal ) noticeable at various points during the show.
Happily however, the drums do not predominate at the expense of any other
instruments or singers. The backing singers and the orchestra are all heard to
great effect and Elvis’ voice is clear and upfront as it should be. Even the
crowd reaction can be heard clearly, both between and during songs, giving the
show atmosphere and conveying excitement. In addition, Madison has produced a 16
page booklet containing informative liner notes with colour photos throughout,
capturing Elvis in the Black Matador jumpsuit he wore for this show .Elvis looks
wonderful here, so much better than he did in early 1972. It’s a real treat!
The
show starts with the 2001 theme, which is not yet as powerful or refined as it
would become, as this opening number was new this year. This leads into That’s
Alright, featuring a deliciously raw guitar riff which kicks in after the
drum roll, providing real excitement. I Got A Woman is performed next
after a false start, and here again James Burton is on fire with some great
guitar licks. This is followed by a raw and aggressive Proud Mary. After
this high energy start, there is a rather breathless version of You Don’t
Have To Say You Love Me where lyrics are omitted, possibly due to the
attention he was giving to the girls at the ringside. A slow and much more
committed You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling is performed next. It’s
another great version. This is followed by Polk Salad Annie where he has
fun with the introductory monologue. There are various humorous ad-libs and
asides including “I used to know a gal who lived down there, who would go out
in the evenings and pick a mess of it—weird old chick,” resulting in much
laughter from his stage crew. A clear indication that he was enjoying the show
this evening and a good version follows.
His
50’s hits are performed next and the first of these, Love Me, is sung
at a faster tempo than it had been earlier in the year. His infectious laugh is
ever present throughout Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes, but
he still sings these to great effect, and there is a nice moment during One
Night, after he sings the line ‘Just call my name,’ when fans can be
heard shouting ‘Elvis’ in unison. Hound Dog starts off as a mid-tempo
blues, before the beat doubles for the fast version we know from his Madison
Square Garden shows the following year. The pace then changes for a slow and
restrained How Great Thou Art, where the arrangement is sparse in
contrast to the dramatic vocalising he would employ in later years. In this
arrangement, his sincerity shines through but unfortunately it is not complete,
ending around 2 minutes in, during the build-up to the final verse. In the
booklet we are informed that this is where the C-60 cassette was turned over,
also missing the first part of the introductions. During the part of the band
introductions which were recorded, we hear John Wilkinson introduced as Abe
Lincoln and the Tony Bruno orchestra accused of being members of the mafia!
After
this, he introduces his latest record--I’m Leavin’--jokingly
threatening to leave rather than sing it. He then performs a sincere and
committed version, with effective backing from Ronnie Tutt’s driving bass drum
rhythm. This is immediately followed by a great rendition of Bridge Over
Troubled Water, which he sings with restraint and genuine emotion, before
reprising the last verse, giving the audience another chance to enjoy the
climactic ending. A passionate I Can’t Stop Loving You is performed
next, then a two verse version of Love Me Tender, featuring various lyric
changes, including the lines “For my darling I love you, cause you take the
pill/always will.” Suspicious Minds follows, which is well performed as usual,
including a karate workout during the ending, punctuated by Ronnie Tutt’s
explosive drumming.
Elvis
then asks for the house lights to be turned up to view and thank the audience,
adding “I hope you enjoyed our show tonight folks”, before starting Funny
How Time Slips Away. This is another good version, performed at a slower
pace than it would be later, allowing more room for the instruments to ‘breathe.’
“O.K, let’s take it home” he calls out, ending this show with a mid-tempo
and well sung Can’t Help Falling In Love. Even the closing vamp rocks
more than usual before we hear the immortal announcement—‘Elvis has left the
building’—which ends this CD.
In conclusion, this is a great concert from a period when Elvis was renowned for giving 100% effort in extremely energetic shows. Accordingly, all the songs in this concert are performed with energy and enthusiasm and the drama of the event can now be fully appreciated due to the fantastic mixing and outstanding sound quality achieved here. Simply put, this is one of the most vital and exciting concerts ever captured on tape, making it essential for every collection. Our thanks must go to the folks at Madison—believe me, they don’t come better than this!
Sound rating : *****
Show : *****