Then Sings My Soul

Soon to be released is the latest production from the “Rainbow Records” label. With their 5th release they fulfill a request that some fans wrote down in a well-known messageboard. The upcoming 2 CD set will contain a never before released show from the Sahara Tahoe – Engagement ’76 – it is the Midnight Show of May 7, 1976. There were several reasons why this show was chosen for a release. First of all – it had to be unreleased. Of course, the show should contain some interesting, unusual material, maybe a short version of a seldom performed song? Another important aspect was to find a tape that has a listenable, decent sound quality for a release. And here we go:

During our research we learned that many people did not expect Elvis to do a show with more than 60 minutes. Well, bad luck for those who tried to tape the show on a 60 minutes tape, because Elvis was on stage more longer than that. This means, those who recorded on 60 minutes tapes have only incomplete shows, ending during the song “My Way”. The smart fans decided to record the show on a 90 minutes tape. Bad luck for them because the recording ends in the middle of “It’s Now Or Never” and Elvis was still not through with his show…. A pity, that to our knowledge and research we didn’t find a single fan who recorded the complete show with the use of a 2nd cassette tape. But the eyewitnesses told us, that Elvis was on stage for only five additional minutes performing “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and waving good-bye during the “Closing Vamp”. So what did the “Rainbow Records” label do for you ? We restored the Midnight Show performance and added the missing part of “It’s Now Or Never” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love” from the Dinner Show from the same date. You will be surprised about the sound because both sources are very similar. What did we do with the rest of the free space on our 2nd disc? We decided to give you more Elvis, of course! While the rest of the Dinner Show was used to complete the Midnight Show we thought you might want to hear the other performances from that day as well. We had to exclude the band introductions because of limited capacity on the disc, but we managed to keep in all songs sung by Elvis.

Content:
Of course, you will find the tracklist at the end of this announcement, but we want to point out some real beauties of this set. The first one is “How Great Thou Art”. Actually, Elvis sang the song twice this day - both versions have this special gospel feeling Elvis was able to create. This inspired us to use an excerpt of the lyrics and name this release “Then Sings My Soul”. Then we have “That’s All Right” which demonstrates like “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” that Elvis was able to play acoustic guitar, of course. He performed a rare version of “The Wonder Of You” (1976!!!) during the Midnight Show and during the Dinner Show he entertained the audience by singing “It’s Midnight”, now known as the last live version ever. The 3rd release by Rainbow Records was called “Vegas Variety – Vol.2” and featured the Midnight Show December 11, 1976. With this release the formerly wrong titled track “When God Calls Me Home” was presented for the very first time in the correct way which is “Until Then”. With the new “Then Sings My Soul” release it happened again that a formerly wrong titled track “Lara’s Theme” is presented with its correct name which is “Theme from Love Story”. We hope you appreciate our efforts to bring you a booklet full of well researched information and complimentary pictures and memorabilia. Don’t miss this release. You will get 100% never before released material on 2 CDs. Each disc has a total running time of more than 79 minutes and the booklet will feature great liner notes on 20 pages in full colour!

Disc One: 01) 00:53 Also Sprach Zarathustra 02) 05:29 See See Rider 03) 08:46 I Got A Woman / Amen 04) 01:58 Love Me 05) 03:04 If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 06) 04:58 You Gave Me A Mountain 07) 01:03 All Shook Up 08) 02:26 Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 09) 02:19 The Wonder Of You 10) 03:07 Happy Birthday To Sandi 11) 01:53 That's All Right 12) 03:21 Are You Lonesome Tonight? 13) 00:32 Introducing Ed Parker 14) 00:59 I'll Remember You (long false start) 15) 02:00 I'll Remember You 16) 00:28 Ku-u-i-po (excerpt) 17) 02:16 Hawaiian Wedding Song 18) 04:38 Polk Salad Annie 19) 03:45 Band Introductions 20) 01:09 Early Morning Rain 21) 00:56 What'd I Say 22) 01:15 Johnny B. Goode 23) 01:22 Drum Solo 24) 01:06 Bass Solo 25) 01:21 Piano Solo 26) 01:20 Electric Clavinet Solo 27) 03:07 Love Letters 28) 01:02 Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll 29) 04:03 My Way 30) 01:25 Jailhouse Rock 31) 02:44 Love Me Tender 32) 02:09 Hurt (#1) 33) 02:16 Hurt (#2)
Running Time: 79:23 min

Disc Two:
01) 02:36 Heartbreak Hotel 02) 02:59 How Great Thou Art 03) 01:58 Hound Dog 04) 00:42 Theme from "Love Story" (excerpt) 05) 01:43 One Night 06) 02:59 It's Now Or Never 07) 01:40 Can't Help Falling In Love 08) 00:31 Closing Vamp 09) 05:49 See See Rider 10) 07:06 I Got A Woman / Amen 11) 02:33 Riding On The Range (excerpt) 12) 03:35 Fever 13) 03:05 If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 14) 04:55 You Gave Me A Mountain 15) 01:38 All Shook Up 16) 02:38 Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 17) 03:30 It's Midnight 18) 03:04 Love Me Tender 19) 04:51 Polk Salad Annie 20) 02:54 Love Letters 21) 01:01 Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll 22) 00:14 Introducing Jerry Kennedy, Ron Pietrafeso & Ed Parker 23) 02:41 Hurt (#1) 24) 01:56 Hurt (#2) 25) 02:54 Softly As I Leave You 26) 02:13 Heartbreak Hotel 27) 01:27 Jailhouse Rock 28) 03:19 It's Now Or Never 29) 03:03 How Great Thou Art
Running Time: 79:48 min
Source: E-mail - September 8, 2008

The 1972 New York Experience

The all new label Phoenix XP Production proudly presents their very first release:
The 1972 New York Experience
featuring: The complete saturday afternoon show for the first time on DVD
The complete press conference in single or multiple screen
Slide show with many rare and unseen pictures
And so much more...
See the Garden concerts as you have never seen them before, visit today www.phoenix-xp.co.nr
Here the official newsletter:


It is a factory pressed DVD and will be out on September the 16th.
source: e-mail - September 3, 2008

September Nights Out Now

The CD "September Nights" is out now, featuring the two unreleased shows from Las Vegas September 04, 1970 Dinner Show (part only) + the complete show from September 07, 1970 Closing Night.
Tracks:
01. Opening Vamp 0.38 / 02. That's All Right Mama 1.37 / 03. I Got A Woman 2.31 / 04. I Walk The Line (exc) 0.11 / 05. Monologue/Love Me Tender 6.53 / 06. Ive Lost You 2.29 / 07. Youve Lost Than Loving Feelin 4.09 / 08. Polk Salad Annie 4.12 / 09. Band Intro 2.34 / 10. Hound Dog (exc) 0.05 / 11. Johnny B.Goode 1.37 / 12. Band Intro 1.49 / 13. The Wonder Of You 3.07 / 14. One Night 1.37
TIME 33.32
15. Opening Vamp 0.31 / 16. That's All Right Mama 2.20 / 17. I Got A Woman 2.36 / 18. I Walk The Line (exc)1.54 / 19. Monologue 3.07 / 20. Ive Lost You 2.33 / 21. I Just Cant Help Believin 4.37 / 22. Youve Lost Than Loving Feelin 4.44 / 23. Polk Salad Annie 4.46 / 24. Introductions 8.05 / 25. Blue Suede Shoes 1.50 / 26. All Shook Up (inc.) 1.21 / 27. Hound Dog 2.01 / 28. Bridge Over Troubled Water 4.59 / 29. Can't Help Falling In Love 1.55 / 30. Closing Vamp. (inc.) 0.14
TIME 45.46
Approximate Total running time: 79.30
Source: e-mail - August 30th 2008



Trying To Get To You

As recorded live in Rochester, New York, Community War Memorial, May 25th, 1977. 

The "Straight Arrow" label will release its 10th CD, entitled  "TRYING TO GET TO YOU" (SA 2008-10-02), in September 2008. 

Elvis' May '77 tour was very uneven, compared to all his earlier ones. He performed 14 shows in all, and at the beginning of tour, he was lethargic and looking really unwell. There were alarming moments, like when Elvis left the stage in Baltimore, MD, for 20 minutes or when he did very lackluster shows in Philadelphia on May 28th or in Baton Rouge on June 1st. However, as the tour progressed, on some evenings Elvis showed that he could still deliver. Recorded evidence shows that the best concerts are May 24-27, May 30 and June 2nd. The Rochester, May 25th, 1977 concert as presented on this CD was the 6th stop of the tour, and his 1st concert in New York State in '77. 

Even in '77 there were moments of brilliance in some of Elvis concerts. In Rochester, Elvis appeared to be in a good mood and in strong voice, giving solid performances of "You Gave Me A Mountain", "One Night", "My Way" and "Hurt" among others. One song that deserves special mention is the title song. For some reason, "Trying To Get To You" was probably the only classic 50s track that Elvis always treated with respect - even in his last months. 

The audio-quality of the recording is quite good. As you've come to expect from us, Straight Arrow managed to obtain the ORIGINAL TAPE as recorded by the same person that taped the Richfield '76 concert, which we released earlier this year. The recording was completely restored and the sound was upgraded for the best possible listening pleasure.  

It's almost unnecessary to add that Straight Arrow will present this CD with a full-colour, 16-page booklet with approximately 40 photos from the actual concert, incl. some never-before seen ones.  

The producers note that this concert was previously released from a substandard source, with the rather silly title "JAILHOUSE ROCK MAN IN CONCERT" (Great Dane label, 1993). The sound of this CD which also had a couple of glitches and mastering errors is not to be compared with the  rich and atmospheric audience sound on our new release. Why settle for a Lada when you can have a brand new, shiny Cadillac? Do yourself a favour and get this little beauty today. Rock with the King, '77 style we assure you, even the cynics among you will be pleasantly surprised! 

Tracklist: 

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock (with reprise) - 08. O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never (medley) - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 11. Tryin' To Get To You - 12. Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 14. One Night (by request) - 15. My Way - 16. Band Introductions - 17. Early Mornin' Rain - 18. What'd I Say - 19. Johnny B. Goode - 20. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 21. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 22. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 23. Electric Piano Solo (by Bobby Ogdin) - 24. School Day - 25. Hurt - 26. Hound Dog - 27. Can't Help Falling In Love - 28. Closing Vamp & Announcements. 

Approximate running time: 68:00

source: e-mail - August 28, 2008



Red-Hot In Richmond

 Standing Room Only Tapes Volume Two

The next Madison label release will be Red-Hot In Richmond - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 2.

This fiery performance, captured in Richmond, Virginia by a battery of MGM documentary cameras on Monday, April 10, 1972, has been issued once before -- but this time it's far more complete, and in GREAT SOUND QUALITY.  For the very first time, hear the show mixed down from MGM's multi-track tapes into superb STEREO!

Snippets of this evening made the final cut of MGM's "Elvis On Tour," although with hindsight, it seems this was a major mistake.  Ripping tracks like "Proud Mary," "It's Over," "Hound Dog," "For The Good Times" "Polk Salad Annie" and "An American Trilogy" were top shelf.  And Elvis was in very, very good humour the entire night -- oh, yes, you're in for a real treat.

Track listing :

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:17 ; 02. C.C. Rider 2:59 ; 03. Proud Mary 2:43 ; 04. Never Been To Spain 3:36 ; 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:13 ; 06. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:31 ; 07. Polk Salad Annie 3:14 ; 08. Love Me 1:37 ; 09. All Shook Up 0:58 ; 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 1:49 ; 11. Heartbreak Hotel 2:04 ; 12. Hound Dog 1:21 ; 13. Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:11 ; 14. Love Me Tender 1:43 ; 15. It's Over 2:15 ; 16. Suspicious Minds 4:52 ; 17. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians, Orchestra 1:50 ; 18. For The Good Times 3:07 ; 19. I Can't Stop Loving You 2:21 ; 20. An American Trilogy 4:15 ; 21. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (incomplete)* 2:40 ; 22. Funny How Time Slips Away 2:49 ; 23. Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp 2:02

* Unfortunately, the kickoff to "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" is missing.
Total Time = 59:03

source: e-mail - August 24, 2008

The Joan Deary Tapes

Here we have the artwork of the forthcoming CD "The Joan Deary tapes" by the suprise records.
Source: e-mail - August 4, 2008

I'm a steamroller baby

A new CD release coming out soon is "I'm A Steamroller Baby" on the Steam label.
It will feature the February 16, 1973 Dinner Show (8:15 p.m.) at the Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tracklist:
2001 Theme / See See Rider / I Got A Woman/Amen / Love Me Tender / You Dont Have To Say You Love Me / Steamroller Blues / You Gave Me A Mountain / Fever / Love Me / Blue Suede Shoes / Johnny B. Goode / Hound Dog / What Now My Love / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / Elvis Introduces Johnny Tillotson / I Cant Stop Loving You / American Trilogy / Cant Help Falling In Love/ Closing Vamp/ Announcement
Source: E-mail - August 4, 2008

Trying To Get To You

As recorded live in Rochester, New York, Community War Memorial, May 25th, 1977. 

The "Straight Arrow" label will release its 10th CD, entitled  "TRYING TO GET TO YOU" (SA 2008-10-02), in late August 2008. 

Elvis' May '77 tour was very uneven, compared to all his earlier ones. He performed 14 shows in all, and at the beginning of tour, he was lethargic and looking really unwell. There were alarming moments, like when Elvis left the stage in Baltimore, MD, for 20 minutes or when he did very lackluster shows in Philadelphia on May 28th or in Baton Rouge on June 1st. However, as the tour progressed, on some evenings Elvis showed that he could still deliver. Recorded evidence shows that the best concerts are May 24-27, May 30 and June 2nd. The Rochester, May 25th, 1977 concert as presented on this CD was the 6th stop of the tour, and his 1st concert in New York State in '77. 

Even in '77 there were moments of brilliance in some of Elvis concerts. In Rochester, Elvis appeared to be in a good mood and in strong voice, giving solid performances of "You Gave Me A Mountain", "One Night", "My Way" and "Hurt" among others. One song that deserves special mention is the title song. For some reason, "Trying To Get To You" was probably the only classic 50s track that Elvis always treated with respect - even in his last months. 

The audio-quality of the recording is quite good. As you've come to expect from us, Straight Arrow managed to obtain the ORIGINAL TAPE as recorded by the same person that taped the Richfield '76 concert, which we released earlier this year. The recording was completely restored and the sound was upgraded for the best possible listening pleasure.  

It's almost unnecessary to add that Straight Arrow will present this CD with a full-colour, 16-page booklet with approximately 40 photos from the actual concert, incl. some never-before seen ones.  

The producers note that this concert was previously released from a substandard source, with the rather silly title "JAILHOUSE ROCK MAN IN CONCERT" (Great Dane label, 1993). The sound of this CD which also had a couple of glitches and mastering errors is not to be compared with the  rich and atmospheric audience sound on our new release. Why settle for a Lada when you can have a brand new, shiny Cadillac? Do yourself a favour and get this little beauty today. Rock with the King, '77 style we assure you, even the cynics among you will be pleasantly surprised! 

Tracklist: 

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock (with reprise) - 08. O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never (medley) - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 11. Tryin' To Get To You - 12. Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 14. One Night (by request) - 15. My Way - 16. Band Introductions - 17. Early Mornin' Rain - 18. What'd I Say - 19. Johnny B. Goode - 20. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 21. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 22. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 23. Electric Piano Solo (by Bobby Ogdin) - 24. School Day - 25. Hurt - 26. Hound Dog - 27. Can't Help Falling In Love - 28. Closing Vamp & Announcements. 

Approximate running time: 68:00

source: e-mail - August 2, 2008

SEPTEMBER NIGHTS

The forthcoming release from the "SR" label scheduled for the beginning of September is titled "September Nights" and will feature two unreleased shows from Las Vegas September 04, 1970 Dinner Show (part only) + the complete show from September 07, 1970 Closing Night. As everybody knows SR concentrates on the early 70's live period of Elvis' activity, trying to provide unreleased shows with Elvis at the top of his ability. In this our ninth release, we are proud to present two very rare shows, one complete and part of the second to give you a more complete view of the last part of Elvis August 1970 season. Despite being the end of the season, Elvis' love of singing is clear in these tapes and we are glad to give you the opportunity to listen to them. The Dinner show from September 4th, as presented on this CD is almost complete, missing the last two tracks only. If we look closely at the late Vegas act of September 1970 we can see that Elvis although tired is still able to concentrate on the music to produce great shows. Elvis sings straight to the audience with pauses and jokes, but the performance is still solid and rough; the basic track listing is presented superbly. Songs like I got a Woman, Youve Lost that Loving Feeling or Polk Salad Annie sound great; he presents the best of his repertoire from the season. The best song from this dinner show is without doubt the oldie One Night here performed in a very rough and concentrated way surely the best version of the season.


The Closing Show of a memorable season maybe the best one, although shorter with respect to the early shows and not of comparable intensity but still valuable. Elvis performs the show in essence as his greatest hits of the season and he performs it as only he can at that moment. Songs like I Just Cant Help Believing, Youve Lost Than Loving Feeling and Polk Salad Annie sound solid and well performed overall with feeling, the same feeling the we find at the end with Bridge Over Troubled Water, the best song of the show.

These recordings come from an early generation copy of the master tape; the sound quality is very good considering the early season. The sound was restored in a studio to achieve the best possible results. We have spent hours in the studio over the digital restoration of the sound, to achieve the best possible results and to give you the chance to listen with pleasure.
For the Third time from this label, this new CD will come in a deluxe DIGIPACK, containing a collection of live unreleased photographs of the August season, with a wide spectrum of jumpsuits included.

Tracks:
01. Opening Vamp 0.38 / 02. That's All Right Mama 1.37 / 03. I Got A Woman 2.31 / 04. I Walk The Line (exc) 0.11 / 05. Monologue/Love Me Tender 6.53 / 06. Ive Lost You 2.29 / 07. Youve Lost Than Loving Feelin 4.09 / 08. Polk Salad Annie 4.12 / 09. Band Intro 2.34 / 10. Hound Dog (exc) 0.05 / 11. Johnny B.Goode 1.37 / 12. Band Intro 1.49 / 13. The Wonder Of You 3.07 / 14. One Night 1.37
TIME 33.32
15. Opening Vamp 0.31 / 16. That's All Right Mama 2.20 / 17. I Got A Woman 2.36 / 18. I Walk The Line (exc)1.54 / 19. Monologue 3.07 / 20. Ive Lost You 2.33 / 21. I Just Cant Help Believin 4.37 / 22. Youve Lost Than Loving Feelin 4.44 / 23. Polk Salad Annie 4.46 / 24. Introductions 8.05 / 25. Blue Suede Shoes 1.50 / 26. All Shook Up (inc.) 1.21 / 27. Hound Dog 2.01 / 28. Bridge Over Troubled Water 4.59 / 29. Can't Help Falling In Love 1.55 / 30. Closing Vamp. (inc.) 0.14
TIME 45.46
Approximate Total running time: 79.30
Source: e-mail - July 30, 2008

Directly From The 1972 Elvis Summer Festival

A new CD release from the Label "Las Vegas Archives" will release a show from the August 5, 1972 Dinner Show, Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Songs:
2001 Theme / See See Rider / Proud Mary / Never Been To Spain / Youve Lost That Loving Feeling / Polk Salad Annie / What Now My Love / Fever / Carry Me Back To Old Virginia (excerpt) /Love Me / Little Sister/Get Back / A Big Hunk Of Love / The Wonder Of You / Hound Dog / Blue Suede Shoes / My Way / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / American Trilogy / Cant Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp Bonus songs:
(August 5, 1972 Midnight Show Hilton Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada)
Proud Mary / Never Been To Spain / The Wonder Of You / For The Good Times / My Way / Johnny B. Good
Source: e-mail - July 30, 2008

New Import CD Label SURPRISE RECORDS

Coming late August or early September. Surprise Records proudly presents ...
a new CD full with great Elvis songs taken directly from the Joan Deary Tapes! 24 great Elvis tracks with a total playing time over 77 minutes - in stunning never-before heard sound quality. The late Joan Deary (Elvis' RCA record producer) worked on these tracks for a possible future release on the "Greatest Hits" series, but after Volume 1 was released back then in 1981 (?) a Volume 2 never followed. So these professionally remixed tapes were put into the archives. For years a CD-R was circulating with these great tracks, but now for the first time they will be made available on a professional silver pressed disc! This CD comes along with a beautiful full color booklet containing all necessary information about every track along with great pictures of Elvis. Also the lyrics to each song will be included - exactly transcribed word for word as Elvis did sing them!
Tracklist: 01. Hey Jude 02. Help Me Make It Through The Night 03. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Trade) 04. Ill Take You Home Again, Kathleen 05. When Im Over You 06. Always On My Mind 07. It Aint No Big Thing (But Its Growing) 08. Im Leavin 09. Where Do I Go From Here 10. Until Its Time For You To Go 11. If I Were You 12. Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off Of It 13. Fool 14. This Is Our Dance 15. Cindy, Cindy 16. Separate Ways 17. (Thats What You Get) For Lovin Me 18. Life 19. Love Letters 20. Ill Never Know 21. We Can Make The Morning 22. Early Morning Rain 23. Sylvia 24. The Sound Of Your Cry
Surprise Records will also include a special bonus feature Look out for this great release that will be the first in a series of great future releases
Source: e-mail - July 30, 2008

A Greensboro Revolution ! 

 Standing Room Only Tapes Volume One

Here's the covert art of next Madison release A Greensboro Revolution! - Standing Room Only Tapes, Volume One. It will be released soon and Volume Two should follow 3-4 weeks after.   

This sparkling performance, recorded in Greensboro, NC on Friday, April 14, 1972, in the presence of MGM's documentary cameras, has been issued many times in the past, but never in such GREAT SOUND QUALITY.  For the very first time, hear the show mixed down from MGM multi-track tapes into superb STEREO. 

The April 1972 tour was Presley's first of the year.  And he was ready.  Three outstanding performances from this gig made the final cut of "Elvis On Tour" -- "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "An American Trilogy" and "Funny How Time Slips Away."  In 1992, "The Lost Performances" gave fans a fourth visual, with the inclusion of "Release Me."  All are here, and the entire evening is a delight.   

Track listing : 

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:04 ; 02. C.C. Rider 3:09 ; 03. Proud Mary 2:43 ; 04. Never Been To Spain 3:36 ; 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:13 ; 06. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:36 ; 07. Polk Salad Annie 3:14 ; 08. Love Me 1:35 ; 09. All Shook Up 1:00 ; 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 2:26 ; 11. Hound Dog 1:30 ; 12. Heartbreak Hotel 1:49 ; 13. A Big Hunk O' Love 2:00 ; 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:13 ; 15. Suspicious Minds 4:48 ; 16. Love Me Tender 1:34 ; 17. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians, Orchestra 1:21 ; 18. For The Good Times 3:08 ; 19. An American Trilogy 4:42 ; 20. Burning Love 2:44 ; 21. Release Me 3:03 ; 22. Funny How Time Slips Away 2:49 ; 23. Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp 2:15 

Bonus Tracks: 24. Backstage, Saturday, April 15, 1972, Macon, GA 0:59 ; 25. Bridge Over Troubled Water (unrepaired) 3:43 

Total Time = 65:39

source: e-mail - July 23, 2008

Raised On Vegas

Recorded live in Las Vegas, Hilton Hotel, August 08, 1973, Opening night. 

The forthcoming "Memory Records" label CD release is entitled "RAISED ON VEGAS". Between July 21-24, 1973 Elvis recorded 10 tracks at the legendary Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee - but only one of these made it into his live act: "Raised On Rock". Just a few weeks after these sessions, on August 6th, Elvis opened another "Las Vegas Summer Festival" with the rather unique concert presented on this CD. 

During this unusual show, Elvis performed "Trouble" from "King Creole" (1958) and segued straight into the recent "Raised On Rock". This is the only known live performance of the latter song. Later in the show Elvis surprised his audience with another live rarity: "Memphis Tennessee". Elvis also introduced a contemporary favorite of his, "My Boy", a rather hesitantly performed version that predates his studio-version by four months.  

1973 was a very busy year for Elvis. The triumph of the "Aloha" show was followed by two Las Vegas seasons, two long tours, July, September and December recording sessions, hospitalization for detoxification as well as the October divorce. Elvis was truly caught in a trap, both professionally and personally. By now, he was just as fed up with the glitter and artificiality of Vegas as hed been of the Travelogue movies just a few years earlier. Nevertheless, his opening and closing concerts in Vegas were always special events and this one is no exception! 

This recording was taken from an early generation copy of the original master tape as recorded by a member of the audience. The tape source is independent and of much better quality, than the first 1st release of this show ("FIRE IN VEGAS" - 1993). All tracks were digitally restored for your best possible listening pleasure, and the speed was corrected. All accompanying photographs were taken between April and August 1973. 

Tracks:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Trouble (1st live version) - 04. Raised On Rock (only live version) - - 05. Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. What Now My Love - 08. Blue Suede Shoes - 09. Memphis Tennessee - 10. Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On/Mama Can't Dance/Flip, Flop And Fly/Jailhouse Rock/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (medley) - 11. Love Me Tender - 12. Hound Dog - 13. Fever - 14. My Boy (1st live version) - 15. Suspicious Minds - 16. Band Introductions - 17. Celebrity Introductions (Petula Clark, Guy March, Phillis McGuire, Liza Minelli) - 18. I Can't Stop Loving You - 19. An American Trilogy - 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 21. How Great Thou Art - 22. A Big Hunk O' Love - 23. Help Me Make It Through The Night - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp. 

Approximate running time: 63:12

source: e-mail - July 23, 2008

You Know, It Don't Have To Be Strictly Country-Volume I

After 38 years, Elvis's voice remains impressive on each track!

-It easily could have been recorded yesterday.

-You'll discover more and more after playing it back.

-The songs I know, sound better and more complete on this cd.

(A few of the first general reactions during a playback session of the master with various Elvis fans) 

These are the first 22 amazing tracks collected from private collections of which many for the first time in this shape on CD.  These are the acetates which Elvis took home to play-back and agreed to be released!

All tracks have been digitally restored and re-mastered.

These acetates often sounded better & different than what we know and made it to the final release! 

Some tracks which appear to be known, are now for the first time in their more complete form. This includes studio talk, count in, left & right channels, longer fade outs or even different lyrics or simply differently sung. Most are in stereo. As happened in the past, some releases only used one channel (This was an easy way to reduce the distortion, but so much got lost!) .The audio difference between tracks is purely the source and the transfer. Some have been transferred on to DAT, others on to regular cassette tapes in the past. Keep in mind that the original acetates are various in playability. Original acetates can only be played a few times (after that the quality gets less.)

We chose for maximum sound quality per track instead of making them similar to each other! In this way you always get the best sound out of very recording. 

The basic synopsis for this release:  The first masters without dubbing, repairs in their complete form.  Unfortunately we don't have every master on acetate of the June and September sessions. So we added some first takes to cover all songs. Also a few tracks of work in progress, a rare chance to hear, a song still being built up to a complete dubbed master. Guide-strings, -horns, -backing vocals, the talking, it's all there! 

Something which will strike everybody is, that Elvis's voice remains impressive on each track. 

Background information;

It's a public known fact that Elvis regularly disagreed with the released version of the songs.Unluckily, he hardly made his point towards the ones responsible, knowing there were times he was wrong and the song became a hit (In the ghetto, Suspicious minds, Burning love & others)

This cd contains the versions how Elvis liked it! All together a really new kind of release which will make many Elvis fan's happy to hear these rare acetates available in their best possible form. The purist will be happy since no effects have been used to enhance the sound. There are no further copies of acetates available in better sound, only a very few copies were made of each song and most are gone or badly damaged. The acetate lacquer wears out very fast, so every track is really unique.  

Note: None of the used versions are included on the recent FTD release of "That's the way it  is" or the forthcoming "Love letters from Elvis". Only parts of the acetates, which you can enjoy in full version on this cd are used in the documentary; Elvis "That's way it is".

The cd contains 22 songs with a 20 pages full color booklet having extensive liner notes to guide you through the songs, background info about Elvis' 1970 and explains in detail what an acetate really is. Also why and how it's made.

This is a limited release so we will be able to continue to release in chronologic order, containing the original acetates in best possible condition. 1970 will be a Volume 1 & 2 which will be release a little later this year.

"YOU KNOW, IT DONT HAVE TO BE STRICTLY COUNTRY "   VOLUME 1 is set for release this month !  Don't miss your opportunity to get the Ultimate acetate collection. 

TRACKLIST : 

01. Twenty days and twenty nights (Take 9 Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate  02.  I've lost you  (Take 7  Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate  03.  I was born about 10.000 years ago  (Take 1 Master , undubbed unedited)  04.  The sound of your cry (Take 11 Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate  05.  The fool  (Take 1 try out) 06.  Little cabin on the hill  (Take 2) Master,  undubbed  07.  Cindy ,Cindy  (take 1) unedited  08.  Bridge over troubled water  (Take 8 Master , undubbed - unedited, unrepaired)  09.  Got my mojo working /Keep your hands off it (Take 1 Master , dubbed brass & horns unedited) 10.  How the web was woven (take 3 Master, back-up vocals, no additional overdubbing ) (previous unreleased)  11.  It's your baby, you rock it  (Take 5 Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate 12.  Stranger in the crowd (take 9 - Master, Guide strings & backing vocals ) (previously unreleased)  13.  I'll never know  (Take 7 Master, undubbed unedited) Acetate  14.  Mary in the morning  (Take 5 Master, undubbed, unedited) Acetate 15.  Ain't no big thing  (Take 9)  (dubbed strings) (previously unreleased)  16.  You don't have to say you love me (take 3 Alternate Master, dubbed strings no backing vocals) (previously unreleased)  17.  Just pretend (Take 3  Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate  18.  This is our dance  (Take 11 Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate  19.  Life (Take 20 Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate  20.  Heart of Rome (Take 3 Used for composite Master , undubbed unedited) Stereo (previously  unreleased)  21. Bridge over troubled water  - V.O  July 2 3 (Acetate) stereo (previously unreleased)  22. There goes my everything (Take 3  Master , undubbed unedited) Acetate. Total running time over 76+ minutes

source: e-mail - July 14, 2008

The Final Farewell Out Now

OUT NOW! Rainbow Records has just released a 2 CD-Set entitledThe Final Farewell, containing the complete 76,30 minute-long performance of Elvis Presleys very last concert on June 26th, 1977 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. There have already been a few CD- (and Vinyl) releases on this topic in the past. We believe that the one called ADIOS has been THE standard for the release of the Indianapolis show for the last 15 years.

NOW Rainbow Records goes a little further with a new concept for a release of this particular show. We are now able to present this historical event in its entirety, including the opening act which was an undeniable part of the "Elvis Presley Show" all through the 1970s. Disc 1 includes the opening act while Disc 2 covers the actual show. The sound is brighter and clearer than ever before and it gives you the perfect impression of what it must have felt like to be in that large concert hall, together with thousands of fans, celebrating the "King's" final concert of his June 77 tour. Sadly enough, nobody in the crowd had any idea of what was going to happen only six weeks after.
This brandnew Rainbow Records release is rounded off by a great 20-page booklet containing lots of photos plus all necessary information regarding the show. As a special bonus, the first 250 copies of the 2 CD-set will include a DIN A3 poster showing Elvis holding both hands up to bid the fans an affectionate - and final farewell.

Disc One
01 - Great Good Morning 02 - Street Corner Preacher 03 - Gone At Last 04 - Operator 05 - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 06 - Black Sunday 07 - If You Leave Me Now 08 - Get Away 09 - Introductions

Disc Two
01 - Also Sprach Zarathustra 02 - See See Rider 03 - I Got A Woman / Amen 04 - Love Me 05 - Fairytale 06 - You Gave Me A Mountain 07 - Jailhouse Rock 08 - O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never 09 - Little Sister 10 - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 11 - Release Me 12 - I Can't Stop Loving You 13 - Bridge Over Troubled Water 14 - Band Introductions 15 - Early Mornin' Rain 16 - What'd I Say 17 - Johnny B. Goode 18 - Larry Londin Drum Solo 19 - Jerry Scheff Bass Solo 20 - Tony Brown Piano Solo 21 - I Really Don't Want To Know 22 - Bobby Ogdin Electric Clavinet Solo 23 - Joe Guercio Orchestra 24 - Hurt 25 - Hound Dog 26 - Introductions 27 - Can't Help Falling In Love 28 - Closing Vamp

Source: e-mail - June 17, 2008

Elvis Back With A Bang !

Here's the covert art of the forthcoming release ELVIS BACK WITH A BANG! from the Audionics/Fort Baxter label. This CD will feature the Las Vegas, March 22, 1975 Midnight show as taken directly from 1st generation DAT copy of original mono soundboard tape. 

This classic concert includes ultimate performances of "Fairytale", "Green Green Grass Of Home", "And I Love You So", "Promised Land" and the rare "You're The Reason I'm Living". 

As you've come to expect from Audionics team, the sound was restored in a renowned studio to achieve the best possible results. And as usually, this new CD will come in a deluxe package with a 16-page booklet, containing a collection of live photographs from March and April, 1975 and informative liner notes. This CD is set for release in late June. Don't miss your opportunity to get an ultimate release of legendary March 22, 1975 Midnight show!

Tracklist:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. And I Love You So - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. It's Midnight - 09. Promised Land - 10. Green Green Grass Of Home - 11. Fairytale - 12. Band Introductions - 13. What'd I Say - 14. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 15. Bass Solo (by Duke Bardwell) - 16. Piano Solo (by Glen D. Hardin) - 17. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) - 18. Orchestra Solo - 19. My Boy - 20. I'll Remember You - 21. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 22. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 23. Hound Dog (with reprise) - 24. I'll Be There (excerpt) / You're The Reason I'm Living (only live version) - 25. Can't Help Falling In Love - 26. Closing Vamp.

Tracks 01.-03. recorded in Las Vegas, March 20, 1975, Dinner show. Tracks 04. - 26. recorded live in Las Vegas, March 22, 1975, Midnight show.  

Running time: 62:43 Running time: 62:43 Running time: 62:43

source: e-mail - June 10, 2008

Royal Gambit In Richfield Released 

The "Straight Arrow" label released his last CD entitled "ROYAL GAMBIT IN RICHFIELD."

The audio-quality of the recording is really stunning, especially considering the fact that it was taped from the audience in a large stadium. Producers were able to obtain an ORIGINAL TAPE recorded by the same person that taped the Johnson City and Orlando 1977 concerts released by STRAIGHT ARROW in 2006 as "TENNESSEE STARLIGHT" and "GOING BACK IN TIME", respectively. 

Among the Richfield highlights are powerful performances of "And I Love You So", "America", "Hurt", "Heartbreak Hotel" and especially "How Great Thou Art,'' performed with absolute show-stopping brilliance. It is followed by an always-welcome, return-to-the roots medley of "Mystery Train / Tiger Man." 

Straight Arrow has seen fit to include a deluxe, full-colour, 16-page booklet with approximately 30 photos from the actual show, taken by four different photographers. Once again, we are pleased to announce that the sleeve notes were written by a fan who was happy to be there and is finally sharing his precious memories of the occasion with us. 

The producers note that this concert was previously released from a substandard source, entitled "FAIRY TALES" (Chips label, 1994). The sound of the old CD was markedly inferior and also incomplete, running for just 74 minutes. To the show's credit, it has long ranked on the "Top 40" import chart as voted on by fans. Now a superior version can rightly take its place.    

In closing, "Straight Arrow" team would like to thank all of you for the success of our label's previous release, "ROCK BACK THE CLOCK" 2-CD set. As a result of this surge of interest, four new Elvis concert CDs are planned for 2008. We hope that you will enjoy the first of them - our springtime release:  "ROYAL GAMBIT IN RICHFIELD." 

Tracks:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. All Shook Up - 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 10. And I Love You So - 11. Little Darlin' (excerpt / intro only) - 12. Fever - 13. America The Beautiful - 14. Polk Salad Annie - 15. Band Introductions - 16. Early Mornin' Rain - 17. What'd I Say - 18. Johnny B. Goode - 19. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt)  - 20. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 21. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 22. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) - 23. Love Letters - 24. School Day - 25. Hurt (with last part reprise) - 26. Hound Dog - 27. Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 28. Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 29. Heartbreak Hotel - 30. How Great Thou Art - 31. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) - 32. Can't Help Falling In Love - 33. Closing Vamp & Announcements. 

  Approximate running time: 79:50

source: FECC Forum - May 30, 2008

A Greensboro Revolution !- Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol.1

The next Madison label release will be A Greensboro Revolution! - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 1.  

This sparkling performance, recorded in Greensboro, NC on Friday, April 14, 1972, in the presence of MGM's documentary cameras, has been issued many times in the past, but never in such GREAT SOUND QUALITY.  For the very first time, hear the show mixed down from the multi-track tapes into superb STEREO. 

The April 1972 tour was Presley's first of the year.  And he was ready.  Three outstanding performances from this gig made the final cut of "Elvis On Tour" -- "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "An American Trilogy" and "Funny How Time Slips Away."  In 1992, "The Lost Performances" gave fans a fourth visual, with the inclusion of "Release Me."  All are here, and the entire evening is a delight.   

Track listing : 

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:04 ; 02. C.C. Rider 3:09 ; 03. Proud Mary 2:43 ; 04. Never Been To Spain 3:36 ; 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:13 ; 06. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:36 ; 07. Polk Salad Annie 3:14 ; 08. Love Me 1:35 ; 09. All Shook Up 1:00 ; 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 2:26 ; 11. Hound Dog 1:30 ; 12. Heartbreak Hotel 1:49 ; 13. A Big Hunk O' Love 2:00 ; 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:13 ; 15. Suspicious Minds 4:48 ; 16. Love Me Tender 1:34 ; 17. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians, Orchestra 1:21 ; 18. For The Good Times 3:08 ; 19. An American Trilogy 4:42 ; 20. Burning Love 2:44 ; 21. Release Me 3:03 ; 22. Funny How Time Slips Away 2:49 ; 23. Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp 2:15 

Bonus Tracks: 24. Backstage, Saturday, April 15, 1972, Macon, GA 0:59 ; 25. Bridge Over Troubled Water (unrepaired) 3:43 

Total Time = 65:39

source: e-mail - May 24, 2008

Where No One Stands Alone

( REELTRAX LSP 3758-2 ) 

There are only a few more days before the new ''REELTRAX ''label will come up with their second cd titled '' Where No One Stands Alone ''.

REELTRAX is again - able to present a great variety of HGTA-Outtakes on its brandnew 79:58 minutes of listening pleasure-release in very good sound and better than you have heard it before. 

And if this would not be enough reason to get the cd while you can: You won't believe your ears when you hear the stunning sound on the 1966 private recording 'Oh How I Love Jesus! The other two bonus tracks are also presented with noticeably better sound than heard before. The tracklist is rounded off by a statement  from Felton Jarvis who talks about HIS story how it came to work with Elvis. 

'' Where No One Stands Alone'' contains a 20 (!!) page-booklet with all necessary information regarding Elvis' legendary HGTA-Sessions. 

We hope you like our new release on REELTRAX! 

Here is the tracklist: 01 - Where No One Stands Alone (Take 3+4) ; 02 - So High (Take 1) ; 03 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 1+2) ; 04 - We Call On Him (Take 4,5,8) ; 05 - How Great Thou Art (Take 1,2,3 + Count-in Take 4) ;  06 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 11,12,13,14,15,16) ; 07 - If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side (Takes 1,2 + count-in Take 3) ; 08 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I - workpart (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6) ;  09 - Without Him (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14) ; 10 - Where Could I Go But To The Lord (Take 1 + count-in Take 2) ; 11 - In The Garden (Take 1) ; 12 - Stand By Me (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) ; 13 - Oh How I Love Jesus (private recording) ;  14 - How Great Thou Art incl. reprise - live June 10, 1975 ; 15 - Where No One Stands Alone - live February 16, 1977 ; 16 - Statement by Elvis' producer Felton Jarvis - December 16, 1980

source: e-mail - May 20, 2008

Opening Night - January 1970 Released

Madison's last release titled Opening Night - January 1970  is out now. The soundboard recording of the January 26, 1970 opening show was overall of poor quality because of severe microphone overload. It ain't perfect but NOW, and for the FIRST TIME you will be able to enjoy this GREAT concert in its entirety. This excellent new source has been greatly improved  into a surprisingly fuller, dynamic and warmer sound, and without any doubts the best-ever sound fidelity attained on this amazing opening show of January 1970.

This limited edition of  Opening Show - January 1970 will come with a professionally designed 16-page booklet, liner notes, memorabilia and photographs from Elvis' second Las Vegas season. Don't miss out soon a remarkable concert and  Closing Night - February 1970's  perfect companion, Opening Night - January 1970.

Track list :

1- Opening /All Shook Up 2:22 ; 2- That's All Right 2:51 ; 3- Proud Mary 2:55 ; 4- Don't Cry Daddy 3:00 ; 5- Medley :Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 2:24 ; 6- Long Tall Sally 1:50 ; 7- Let It Be Me 3:53 ; 8- I Can't Stop Loving You 2:50 ; 9- Medley : Walk A Mile In My Shoes 2:56 / ; 10- In The Ghetto 3:23 ; 11- True Love Travels On A Gravel Road ( with false start ) 3:44 ; 12- Sweet Caroline 4:02 ; 13- Polk Salad Annie 5:27 ; 14- Introduction of vocalists, band, orchestra 2:16 ; 15- Kentucky Rain 3:18 ; 16- Suspicious Minds 6:27 ; 17- Can't Help Falling In Love 2:02

Track 17 is previously unreleased in full.

source: FECC Forum - May 16, 2008